The Eastern Star Foundation aims to support program / initiatives that support the ageing communities in Queensland (i.e. people aged over 65), in particular, those who suffer from mobility issues, sickness or disease to improve and enhance their quality of life. 

The program / initiative must help older people to:

• remain independent;
• practice choice;
• participate in their community;
• have a support network;
• experience healthy ageing.

The Foundation targets and funds programs or initiatives that:

• have limited access to other funding sources;
• need additional funding to fill a gap for the program or initiative to proceed;
• require support for an essential service to continue.

Where possible, the Foundation encourages and prioritises programs and initiatives that support women over 65. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Foundation’s theory of change which has been detailed and outlined here. 

Applicants must be an organisation operating in Queensland for the benefit of Queensland and Queenslanders. Additionally, the organisation must be:

• a registered charity with Charity Tax Concession status; and
• be a Deductible Gift Recipient – Item 1 (DGR 1).

All projects must: 

• be based in Queensland and be for the benefit of Queensland and Queenslanders. There may also be a broader benefit to Australians arising from the program or initiative.
• be an evidence-based program / initiative that help older people to remain independent, practise choice, participate in their community, have a support network and experience healthy ageing.

The Foundation will not fund: 

• projects outside of Queensland;
• retrospective or deficit funding;
• general fundraising appeals;
• promotion of religion;
• political organisations;
• direct grants to individuals, including travel expenses, personal study or attendance at conferences;
• charities who directly support animals unless the animals provide assistance for older people with a disability within the aged community (e.g. registered assistance dogs).