Strategic Report
In October 2020, National Star opened its new charity retail shop at Hucclecote, Gloucester, as part of our future strategy to develop our community fundraising presence. Despite being affected by two lockdowns, the shop generated £64,500 from October 2020 to August 2021.
Strategic Report What we achieved
The charity took the difficult decision during the pandemic to close all of its sites to external visitors to protect those who depend on its services. This decision had serious repercussions for both fundraising events and for income generating activities, but we had to prioritise the health and wellbeing of the learners, residents and service users. Our StarBistro and conference facilities remained closed to the public, whilst StarGolf reopened from August.
Other projects supported included learner outdoor equipment at various locations at Ullenwood, including support from the Severn Trent Community Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund, our Patron PJ Crook, and the Greaves and Withey Foundation; Creative and Performing Arts projects; Samba Drumming; and specialist equipment.
Major gifts Major gifts comprised 7% of the charity’s total voluntary income for the year.
Events, corporate partners and community support Events, corporate fundraising and community support was massively affected by the pandemic and the associated lockdowns, raising 7% of the charity’s total voluntary income. Support from the local community, despite the pandemic, came from an extensive range of groups, businesses, schools and individuals who either participated in the limited range of fundraising events or who developed ‘virtual’ fundraising initiatives. In June, eight people took part in National Star’s first wing walk, raising a total of £12,927.
Strategic Report
Corporate partners provided invaluable support. We were the chosen charity for the 2021 Cheltenham Beer Week, for the third year running. In July, Cheltenham restaurant Lumiere hosted a footgolf fun day at StarGolf.
Individual giving including Gifts in Wills
Fundraising
Independent auditors’ report
Gifts from individuals, in the form of donations, Gifts in Wills and taking part in the National Star Lottery, generated 46% of total voluntary income. Through regular communications, such as appeals and the twice–yearly StarNews, donors see the incredible difference their support has made whilst appreciating the charity’s continued need.
Financial statements
Lumière Restaurant organised a family–friendly footgolf tournament
Never has the generosity of supporters been so important to the charity. More than ever, it is vital that every supporter feels that giving to National Star is a positive and rewarding experience. Despite the challenges of the pandemic, National Star raised £901,302 in voluntary income.
Trusts and foundations Gifts from trusts and foundations made up 40% of the charity’s total voluntary income for the year. Forty–four trusts supported a number of projects, equipment needs, pandemic support and our main capital project at 1 Ledbury Road, Hereford – the Eveson Centre, named in recognition of the significant funding support received for the project from the Eveson Charitable Trust. We were grateful to those trusts which helped us complete the renovation work to National Star Foundation Annual Report and Accounts 2020 – 2021
How we achieved it
Whilst the majority of the charity’s services are largely funded through statutory sources, we are dependent on our fundraising and other income generation activities to help fund our specialist facilities and to enhance the resources and experiences for those who depend on what we provide.
create the Eveson Centre, our education and therapy facility in Hereford, during what has been a challenging time for charities and trust funders alike.
Plans for the future
For the second year running, the coronavirus pandemic had a massive impact on areas of additional income generation at National Star.
Introduction
Income generation
Eight high fliers raised £12,927 in a sponsored wingwalk 23
