MAD Foundation

The MAD (Make a Difference) Foundation is an Australian health charity organisation established in 2001 based in Melbourne, Australia. ^[1] Its stated mission is to provide financial support to assist young people with disability. ^[2] According to its website, MAD provides financial assistance through the purchase of medical equipment and therapies. The Foundation states it has provided assistance "more than 400 families", ^[2] primarily in Victoria.

Activities and partnerships

The Foundation raises funds through general donations, partnerships, annual events and media promotions by its ambassadors.

In 2019, MAD was the recipient of a $25,000 grant from Cisco's "Chuck's Challenge" award following a staff vote, according to the business' website. ^[3] The Foundation is publicly represented by sportspeople and ambassadors from the Australian Football League through public events.

Media

Australian sports clubs and players are seen in the media speaking about MAD, including through sports journalism and media outlets such as Channel 7, FOX Footy and AFL Media.

• In 2025, Australian broadcaster Channel 7 interviewed MAD ambassador Tom Lynch on his involvement with the Foundation on football show Sunday Footy Feast. ^[4] Tom Lynch, a player for Richmond Football Club, participates in Foundation events.
• In 2016, there were reports on footballer Michael Hurley shaving his beard to raise funds in support MAD and a recipient. ^{[5] [6]}
• Carlton Football Club stated that it donated $5,000 through its AFL Players Care initiative to MAD in 2016, ^[7] and the Essendon Football Club has also published work on the Foundation. ^{[8] [9]}

External links

• Charities commission listing
• Official website

References

1. "Mad Foundation Inc". Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. 20 January 2025.
2. "About Us". MAD Foundation. 21 December 2024.
3. Making a Difference Down Under with Chuck’s Challenge. We Are Cisco. 17 April 2019.
4. "Sunday Footy Feast". Channel 7 Plus. 6 April 2025.
5. Waterworth, Ben (29 November 2016). "Michael Hurley to shave off 'putrid' beard for Rhy Johnson and MAD Foundation". FOX Sports.
6. Thompson, Matt (4 December 2016). "Hurley to shave off epic beard for special cause". AFL.com.au.
7. Blues’ Donation Brightens Spirits. Carlton Football Club. 20 June 2016.
8. Hurley’s Special Gift. Essendon Football Club. 23 May 2019.
9. Raise for Rye. Essendon Football Club. 1 December 2016.