5 December 2024
TOM connects individuals with disabilities, known as “need-knowers,” with skilled volunteers, “makers” to develop practical, custom solutions to daily challenges. With The Funding Network's (TFN) support, TOM has expanded its reach and made significant strides in the assistive technology sector, benefiting from both funding and visibility.
Financial backing through TFN’s Equity & Inclusion event in Melbourne in March allowed TOM to develop prototypes like its communication book stand, created for students with communication needs. "The funding is quite interesting in that the more funding you get, it feels like the more funding you can get," shared TOM General Manager Narelle Hinkley. This foundational support enables TOM to continue scaling solutions that reflect user needs, preparing products for broader release.
TFN’s network has opened doors to new partnerships and enduring community relationships. Narelle emphasised that this support has led to meaningful, ongoing relationships within and beyond the disability community. “It’s that network that starts as a result,” she explained, underscoring how TFN’s support goes beyond grants by fostering connections that amplify TOM’s mission and impact. This blend of financial backing and relationship-building has positioned TOM as a leader in inclusive, grassroots innovation, thanks to the collaborative power of TFN’s community.
TOM’s impact demonstrates the unique power of TFN’s funding model, which bridges financial support with community-driven innovation. The relationships formed through TFN have allowed TOM to foster enduring collaborations that amplify its mission. “Thank you for the opportunity to pitch through TFN, and for your ongoing encouragement,” Narelle expressed. She credits these partnerships with helping TOM scale its projects and deepen its outreach, allowing TOM to remain focused on practical, human-centred innovation that addresses real needs in the disability community.