What we fund
In the last 2 years, Brighter Lives is proud to have supported the Townsville Hospital and Health Service in over $2.5 million in funding!
The Queensland Government funding for our hospitals in North Queensland is generated towards infrastructure and capital works, core equipment and supplies, training and health services to provide the highest possible health care facilities.
Brighter Lives purpose is to support the gap to provide the additional patient and visitor care, keeping care local up here in the north and help to brighten the lives of locals and THHS staff here in the Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Through this, we are able to provide the necessary support for our amazing THHS staff.
A great analogy to showcase our brightening funding is that Queensland Health funds the chair. Brighter Lives funds the cushion on top of the chair or the incredibly innovative chair that can fly which delivers an entirely new health service locally for North Queenslanders. For examples of what we have funded, please visit: https://www.brighterlives.org.au/news/
How much can I apply for?
We encourage you to apply for the amount you need. There is no minimum or maximum amount, but please contact us if you'd like to discuss in advance of applying.
Who can apply?
Any staff member of the THHS can apply for funding. All applications must be submitted using the official Brighter Lives application form via the Brighter Lives’ website.
Where are funds from?
Brighter Lives holds funds that have been donated for general use or for a specific cause, ward or location. We also raise funds for through events and fundraising campaigns and make applications to external funders (such as trusts and foundations). You are welcome to get involved with events and fundraising.
What approvals do I need?
All applications require support and approval from the relevant applicant’s Head of Department and Service Group Director. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure the relevant Head of Department and Service Group Director have been included in the approvals process, for example, any Acting positions at the time of the application.
Any requests that are:
- Over $10,000
- Result in ongoing costs to THHS, or;
- Are applications deemed by Brighter Lives to require further analysis and consideration.
Are submitted as part of pre-approval processes and will require further approvals from relevant THHS Executive. Brighter Lives will submit these on your behalf.
What to include in your application
With more and more THHS staff applying for funds every year, our application process can be incredibly competitive. To provide the best understanding of the importance and value of your request, all applications must include and address the following:
· What your request is funding.
· Show how your request meets Brighter Lives:
o Vision;
o Guiding Values, and;
o Strategic Plan.
· How your request has a positive impact (including numbers of people impacted) for:
o THHS workforce, and;
o Patient care.
· Align with THHS priorities or strategic developments.
· Costs and budget justification, and that budget requests have been made to THHS prior to Brighter Lives application submitted.
· Outline how your request is feasible and timeliness.
· Highlight any fundraising activities that your ward, unit, applicant or region has undertaken with Brighter Lives.
· Outline how you will promote that the funding was made possible through Brighter Lives. This may include, but is not limited to:
o Plaques or notices.
o Promotion through social media and newsletters.
o Including Brighter Lives on any feedback surveys.
· Quotes have been provided for items to be purchased. Where possible, 3 x quotes to be provided identifying any preference and why.
· Any associated costs that should be included as part of your application, including but not limited to:
o Postage;
o Labour, or;
o Installation.
· All relevant supporting documents have been included, for example; project plans, BEMs approval.
When do I found out if my application is successful
There are 6 x funding rounds every year with applications submitted for Board or Committee consideration every 2 months. Applications are due at the start of every month with decisions being made at the end of every month for the months of January, March, May, July, September and November.
It is important to note- if an applicant does not provide enough information as part of their application (especially outlining the information required as outlined in ‘What to Include in Your Application’ section), and you have not responded to any questions regarding your application by a Brighter Lives staff member, then your application will not be submitted until full and necessary details are obtained.
The Brighter Lives Board has the final decision on all funding applications.
Do I need to acknowledge funding?
Yes. If your application is successful, we do request that you acknowledge the support of Brighter Lives and/or any funder. Information will be provided.
What happens after my application is successful or not
If your application is successful, you will be provided notice in writing and there are conditions that apply to all Brighter Lives applications. Some of these can incredibly obvious and some also help us to connect with donors on how their contribution has made a difference to the THHS. These conditions are incredibly important as they ensure high-level governance and accountability as well as create meaningful connections back to our donors and help us to grow donation contributions. These conditions include:
· Funds are used for approved project or activities only.
· Funds are capped at the amount requested at the time of the application.
Any changes to the project (e.g., scope, cost, equipment, or timelines) require approval through a variation request or, if they are significant changes may require a new application.
· Adhering to acquittal process and timelines, importantly let us know:
o When the equipment arrives or when a project commences.
o How the equipment or project has made an impact for both THHS staff and patients.
o Number of patients your equipment or project has supported in a year.
o Number of THHS staff your equipment or project has supported in a year.
o Opportunities for Brighter Lives to take photos with staff (and where appropriate patients) with equipment and/or project.
o Highlight a positive story of how the equipment or project has made an impact.
· Your application may be successful pending a relevant grant. Brighter Lives has expertise in grant submissions and we may seek to support and submit your application for a relevant grant.
If your application is not successful, we will advise you in writing and you can request feedback if needed.
What can funds be used for?
Funds can be used for non-core activities to improve the patient experience, support staff or build skills or capabilities. It may be used for service for patients, staff support or development, equipment, capital works or refurbishment and more. If you are seeking funding for artwork, please note that artwork will need to be approved through the Approval and Management of Artwork Acquired by THHS procedure for funds to be released. If you are seeking funding for research, please note that you will need support from THHS Research Unit.
What we cannot fund
Brighter Lives does not provide funding for:
- Any cash payments.
- Reimbursement of costs for purchases made before an application is submitted and/or Brighter Lives approval is given.
- Items for own personal use.
Deadlines and timeframes
Applications are open year-round. Applications are due at the start of every month with decisions being made at the end of every month for the months of January, March, May, July, September, November. Please ensure your application is submitted prior to these months to be considered in that round.
Applications close:
May round - 14 April 2025
July round - 16 June 2025
September round - 18 August 2025
November round - 16 October 2025
How Brighter Lives can help
We are here to support you and NQ. If you have any questions regarding our guidelines or would like to speak with us regarding submitting an application, one of our amazing team members is more than happy to help. Please contact Brighter Lives on: 4433 1337 or brighterlives@health.qld.gov.au