Role of Shooting Star Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Shooting Star Foundation is a Minnesota-based non-profit organization that serves as a critical funding bridge for families of children with special needs. As a third-party pay source directly to therapy providers, the foundation helps cover out-of-pocket expenses that insurance may not fully fund.
General Evaluation Criteria for Applications
Families must have a household income under $150,000 to qualify. Children must be from birth to age 8 and have an accepted diagnosis. The foundation currently partners with three approved therapy providers in Minnesota: Sunny Days Therapy, St. David's Center, and Fraser.
Transparency, Governance, and Accountability
Founded in 2016, the organization has helped hundreds of children with a stated goal of assisting 100 families annually. The foundation operates as a Christian non-profit and provides transparency through success stories and testimonials from funded families.
History and Evolution of the Organization
Since its inception in 2016, the Shooting Star Foundation has grown to partner with major therapy providers in Minnesota. The organization focuses on early intervention, recognizing this critical period in child development offers the best opportunity for children to enroll in school programs.
Supported Audiences and Overall Impact
The foundation targets children with special needs from birth to age 8, covering conditions within their accepted diagnoses. With one in six children experiencing developmental disabilities, the organization addresses a significant need in Minnesota communities.
Institutional Partnerships and Networks
Shooting Star Foundation partners with Sunny Days Therapy, St. David's Center, and Fraser - three leading therapy providers in Minnesota. These partnerships allow funds to be awarded directly to providers to be applied to family accounts.