Starburst Foundation

Charity Number: 1152478

Annual Expenditure: £0.1M

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Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: £100,128 (2023)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly specified
  • Grant Range: Not publicly specified (case-by-case basis)
  • Geographic Focus: Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire borders

Contact Details

Website: www.starburstfoundation.com

Email: directors@starburstfoundation.com

Phone: 07887 966131

Application Email: charity@starburst-foundation.org.uk

Registered Address: April Cottage, Minely Road, Farnborough, Hampshire GU14 9RS

Overview

The Starburst Foundation (Charity No. 1152478) was registered in June 2013, having evolved from the Starburst Theatre Company (founded 1996). The foundation's vision is to ensure that children with special needs are given the opportunity to live a full and enriched life by providing specialized equipment that enables them to aim towards their full potential. With total income of £135,273 and expenditure of £100,128 in 2023, the foundation operates entirely through volunteers (100 volunteers, 6 trustees, no paid staff) and generates funding through profits from amateur theatre productions including an annual summer musical and Christmas pantomime. The organization has helped hundreds of local families, schools, and colleges in the Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire borders area. Beyond grant-making, the foundation renovated the historic Yateley Village Hall in 2023, transforming it into Starburst Studios, a modern community venue.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

  • Equipment Grants: Provides bespoke or specialized equipment for children with special needs, disabilities, or life-limiting illness on a case-by-case basis
  • Beneficiaries: Both individuals and organizations (families, schools, and colleges)
  • Application Method: Email application process (rolling basis)

Priority Areas

  • Specialized equipment to improve quality of life for children with special needs
  • Equipment to build self-esteem and improve confidence
  • Equipment to assist with independence
  • Specific equipment types funded include: wheelchairs, hoists, trikes, and play equipment
  • Bespoke or specialist equipment tailored to individual needs

What They Don't Fund

Not publicly specified in available sources

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Governance and Leadership

Trustees (as of 2024):

  • Dr. Peter Woodford - Chairman (appointed 2015). Dr. Woodford founded the organization's predecessor, staging his first pantomime (Cinderella) in 1992 to raise funds for Make-a-Wish Foundation, leading to the formation of Starburst Theatre Company in 1996.
  • Alexander Barzycki - Asset Manager (appointed 2022)
  • Hannah Ellsmore - Social Worker (appointed 2023)
  • Jack Pollock - Cyber Engineer (appointed 2023)
  • Grace Johns (appointed 2024)
  • Lara Rowlinson - Social Worker (appointed 2024)

No trustees receive remuneration, payments, or benefits from the charity. The foundation operates across Bracknell Forest, Hampshire, and Surrey, focusing on general charitable purposes, education/training, and arts/culture/heritage/science.

Application Process and Timeline

How to Apply

Email charity@starburst-foundation.org.uk to request an application form. The foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis. There is an “Application Process” page on their website (www.starburstfoundation.com/application-process) with additional details.

Decision Timeline

Not publicly specified - assessed on a case-by-case basis

Success Rates

Not publicly available. The foundation has helped “hundreds of local families, schools and colleges” since its inception.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly specified

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Mission: Applications should clearly demonstrate how the requested equipment will enable a child with special needs, disabilities, or life-limiting illness to achieve their fullest potential in day-to-day life.

Geographic Eligibility: Priority appears to be given to children in the Hampshire, Surrey, and Berkshire borders area, particularly around Farnborough and Yateley.

Equipment Specificity: The foundation specializes in bespoke or specialist equipment - applications should clearly specify why standard equipment is insufficient and how specialized equipment addresses the child's unique needs.

Impact on Quality of Life: Applications should articulate how the equipment will improve quality of life, build self-esteem, improve confidence, or assist with independence.

Schools and Colleges Welcome: The foundation makes grants to both individuals (families) and organizations (schools, colleges), so educational institutions can apply for equipment that benefits multiple children.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The foundation is entirely volunteer-run with no paid staff, so be patient with response times
  • All funding comes from theatre production profits and community donations, so funding availability may vary seasonally
  • The foundation has a strong community focus in the Hampshire/Surrey/Berkshire borders - local connections may be beneficial
  • Applications are assessed individually rather than against fixed criteria or deadlines
  • Both individual families and organizations (schools, colleges) are eligible to apply
  • The foundation specializes in bespoke/specialist equipment rather than standard items
  • Contact via email (charity@starburst-foundation.org.uk) to request an application form

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