The Charity was founded in 1923 by William Thompson. Originally named "The Masonic Youth Welfare Fund" it initially supported the needy children of deceased or incapacitated Freemasons. The Charity's constitution was expanded in 1972 to provide support to any youth deemed to be in necessitous circumstances, regardless of race, colour, creed or masonic affiliation. Since its establishment, the Charity has provided over AU$13.3 million in support to more than 6,500 students, from pre-school through to university. The students are typically referred to A Start in Life by welfare agencies including Department of Family and Community Services, local community groups across Australia, schools and other educational institutions, or are self-referred. The Charity has Deductible Gift Recipient status and is Income Tax and FBT exempt.
Mission
A Start in Life's mission is to assist young Australians in necessitous circumstances to overcome the barriers to their education, enabling them to reach their potential. The Charity proposes that by improving the educational outcomes of disadvantaged young people, it can help these young people to rise above their circumstances, thereby breaking cycles of poverty and disadvantage. A Start in Life works to achieve its mission by: ensuring the provision of adequate early, primary, secondary and tertiary education for those referred to the Charity for support; providing financial aid for educational essentials, including any necessary clothing, textbooks and equipment; recognising scholastic attainments; promoting access to higher learning or specialist training; and actively encouraging the vocational or professional ambitions or aptitudes of the students supported by the Charity. A Start in Life has expressed a commitment to increasing its support to students to beyond educational essentials, including: providing opportunities for social and extra-curricular pursuits; ensuring access to digital technology; providing financial aid for after-school tuition in areas of underperformance; providing financial aid for school camps and excursions; and assisting young people to access treatment for health and medical conditions which are seen to interfere with performance and attendance. The Charity provides tailored support to students and their families, with a focus on continued engagement and improving outcomes.
Student Sponsorship program
A Start in Life's Student Sponsorship program gives supporters an opportunity to provide direct long-term financial assistance to a disadvantaged young person, helping them to overcome the identified barriers to their education. "Student Sponsors" receive regular updates on the progress of their sponsored student.
