How does Starlight decide where donations are spent?
We seek to maximize the amount of donated funds spent on innovative programs to help seriously ill children and young people throughout Australia. There are operating and administrative costs associated with providing these services and we work extremely hard to make sure these costs are kept as low as possible.
How are Starlight’s costs monitored?
We are acutely aware that every dollar spent has been donated, and it is therefore everyone’s focus to minimise non-program expenses. Detailed budgets are prepared each year and performance against budget is closely monitored by management and the Board. Detailed accounts are produced each year and are independently audited.
How do Starlight’s operating costs compare with other charities?
Because charities are different sizes and generate their revenues in many different ways, direct comparisons are difficult. Some charities simply receive and distribute donations; others, like Starlight, deliver services directly to those in need. Starlight is a relatively small, specialist charity, which relies on the generosity of donors and supporters, without the benefit of support from a religious group or single large corporate sponsor.
Does Starlight receive any funding from the government?
This year, for the first time ever, Starlight (through a wholly owned subsidiary ‘NFP Online’), is due to receive government funding specifically to build a secure online program called ‘Livewire’. Livewire is a program designed to connect Starlight services to those children who are at home, isolated from their friends and unable to gain information easily. This funding cannot be used for any other purpose and must be matched with in kind contributions from Starlight and its development consortium partners.
How does Starlight evaluate its programs?
Recently, we conducted a comprehensive research study in which parents, children and health care professionals were consulted on their needs, and the value of existing programs. Every day we receive feedback from Starlight families, health care professionals and partners - information which is used to refine and enhance our programs.
How does Starlight determine which children get access to Starlight programs?
Our in-hospital programs do not discriminate – any hospitalised child, and their siblings, parents and friends are welcome in a Starlight Express Room, or may use a Starlight Fun Centre. The Starlight Wishgranting program is open to seriously, chronically, terminally ill and disabled children aged 4-18 years, who have not previously received a wish from Starlight, or a similar wishgranting organisation. The child must be referred to Starlight by their healthcare practitioner. Children eligible for a Starlight wish are also eligible to participate in the Starlight Escapes program, which provides Starlight kids and their families with a break from the ongoing pressures of long term conditions.
There seems to be a few charities doing similar work, why doesn’t Starlight work more closely with these charities?
Starlight liaises with other children’s charities on a regular basis to ensure our services are differentiated and complement the support provided by other charities. Starlight’s programs are unique, and provide an invaluable service to families experiencing difficult circumstances. Starlight does not offer financial or medical assistance to families.
Does Starlight have any religious or political leanings?
No, Starlight is a non denominational charity. Its goal is for every seriously ill and hospitalised child in Australia to have access to Starlight programs regardless of race, culture or religion.
What is Starlight hoping to achieve in 2008?
Starlight has set ourselves the ambitious target of enabling three out of three children to access our programs by 2010. This worthy goal can not be achieved without considerable change and investment. For example, we must build on our recent initiatives – the expansion into the Northern Territory, the extension of services to teenagers, our online program called Livewire, as well as meeting the increasing demand for our ongoing core programs. We will also be investing in a more sophisticated infrastructure with better technology to ensure maximum efficiency in the future.
Aren’t there Starlight offices in the UK and US… does any funding come from Starlight’s international partners (and vice versa)?
Yes, Starlight does exist abroad and shares key learnings with these affiliates. However, Starlight Australia operates independently– all funds donated in Australia are directed towards brightening the lives of Austalia’s seriously and chronically ill children and their families. Starlight does not receive funding from its international affiliates.
