Frequently Asked Questions
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How are raised funds allocated?
Funds made available to medical research are allocated to programs or individuals after advice and review from an independent Research Advisory Committee, whose membership includes some of the most esteemed Scientists and Medical Specialists in Australia.
Income derived via donations or business activities are either allocated to medical research in that year or alternatively are reserved for pre-committed funding for medical research in the following year/s.
Who decides the strategic direction of the Foundation?
The strategic oversight of The Hospital Research Foundation is in the hands of a Board of Directors whose membership includes highly respected and experienced practitioners from the fields of law, accounting, commerce, architecture and medicine in South Australia.
Approximately how much money has The Hospital Research Foundation donated to medical research?
Over the past 16 years The Hospital Research Foundation has provided more than $24 million for research at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and the Basil Hetzel Institute allowing researchers to conduct their valuable work in areas such as stroke, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, renal disease and other serious conditions.
How does The Hospital Research Foundation support medical research in South Australia?
The Hospital Research Foundation supports health and medical research that benefits people not only in South Australia but also on a national and even global scale. The Foundation supports medical research through Major Program Grants, Research Grants the purchase of laboratory equipment and by providing financial support and scholarships to Postgraduate, Honours and vacation research students.
In 2010 the Foundation announced the inaugural Michell McGrath Breast Cancer Research Fellowship. One of the largest awarded in South Australia, the Fellowship is for $1.25 million over five years. It is expected the Research Fellowship will generate great interest from within and outside Australia, and result in the attraction of outstanding breast cancer research expertise coming to the South Australia.
What does ‘bench to bedside’ medical research mean?
Translational or ‘bench to bedside’ research is where laboratory breakthroughs are quickly translated into cures, improved patient care and treatment options that benefit the health and wellbeing of all in our community.
When did The Hospital Research Foundation begin?
This year, The Hospital Research Foundation celebrates 45 years supporting translational, ‘bench to bedside’ medical research at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (TQEH) and Basil Hetzel Institute (BHI). The Hospital Research Foundation supports both the clinical research at the Hospital and the scientific research at the Basil Hetzel Institute.
Where do In-memoriam funds go?
An in-memoriam donation is a special way of honouring the memory of a loved one. In- memoriam donations are allocated to the specific purpose that the donor intended. Correspondence to the donor’s family is sent to confirm the amount and allocation of received donations.
Where do bequest funds go?
The Hospital Research Foundation has strict policies and protocols governing the bequest program. We treat all potential bequestors with the utmost respect and ensure their information remains private and secure. Bequest funds go to the specific area of research that the donor provides for in their estate. If there is no specific conditions, bequest funds go into the general medical research grant fund.
What are your new location details?
Our new office is located at 60 Woodville Road, Woodville, South Australia 5011. Our phone and fax numbers remain the same: P 08 8244 1100, F 08 8244 1200. Our new website address is www.hospitalresearch.com.au
What does the new logo mean?
Our logo is representative of the link between people, medical research and the affect medical research has in hospitals, the treatments and the patient care people receive. The logo has been designed to symbolize this vital link with a vibrant image representing people, family groups and the shapes of hospital buildings.
Why did you change your brand?
Our brand is a representation of what we do, and what we do is support word-class medical research that affects treatments and patient care in all hospitals. Our new brand best describes that the medical research we support benefits people in all hospitals, all around Australia and even globally.
How did you calculate the Funds to Medical Research Counter on the home page?
The figure in the research funds counter is based on actual funds to research to 30th June 2012, then based on forecast grant payments to 30th June 2015.
What are The Hospital Research Foundation future plans?
Over the next 5 years The Hospital Research Foundation intends to provide research grants, equipments purchases and patient care grants in excess of 13 million. If funds available for research in any given year aren’t utilized they are set aside in a research reserve to ensure the Foundation can meet its future research funding commitments.
What regulatory processes are in place for THRF operations?
All fundraising activities are regulated by Acts of Parliament in the State of South Australia. These include laws governing lotteries and gambling as well as charitable collections.
South Australian law requires financial reports from Prescribed Associations such as The Hospital Research Foundation be submitted annually to the Office of Business and Consumer Affairs. These documents are a matter of public record and are accessible. Not-for-profit organisations such as The Hospital Research Foundation must also adhere to Federal and State laws pertaining to Incorporated Associations, Registered Charities, Tax Deductible Gift Recipients and Public Benevolent Institutions.
The Hospital Research Foundation is independently audited on an annual basis by accounting firm Edwards Marshall & Co.
What regulatory processes are in place for the lotteries?
As the largest non-government lottery provider in South Australia, applications to operate two major lotteries each year are comprehensively and rigorously reviewed by the Office of the Liquor and Gambling Commissioner before being approved. The Hospital Research Foundation lotteries are also independently audited by Edwards Marshall & Co.
In addition, Deloitte Private, a division of one of Australia’s most respected business advisors; facilitate and oversee the collection of income, ticket allocation and prize draws for the lotteries.
Because of the size, success and frequency of our lottery program The Hospital Research Foundation is the most frequently and thoroughly audited charity in South Australia.
How do I start?
If you are interested in your company setting up a workplace giving program designed to benefit the community of South Australia by supporting medical research in Australia then send us your HR Manager’s contact details and we will contact them. We will let them know an employee has recommended us to become charity of choice determine how salary donations will be made.
Do I have to commit for a long time?
You can commit for as long as you want with no strings attached. If you change your mind just let your payroll know and they can cease payments.
How much should I give?
This is totally up to you! Regardless of how much you give it will be a meaningful contribution:
• $12 could buy 9 Flasks used each month in HIV Research
• $20 could buy 1000 pipettes used each month in Skin Cancer Research.
• $40 could purchase a talking family photo album for Dementia Patients
• $65 could buy 16 syringe filters used each month in Cardiology Research
How can I find out if my employer offers workplace giving?
Contact your HR department or payroll administrator and ask them if your company already gives to a charity and if not suggest that they start. They can contact us on 08 7002 0820 and we can take it from there.
Where exactly is my money going?
You can choose an area of research close to your heart to direct your funds. You a view the areas of medical research The Hospital Research Foundation supports by visiting the Research page of the website.
Will I get unwanted mail asking for more money?
We will only contact you to send our newsletter so you’re informed about where your money is going.
