What does it take to build stronger support for your organisation or peer support group?
Alike WA recently attended the 2026 WA Fundraising Forum at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, joining representatives from 108 organisations across Western Australia to learn, connect and share ideas about the changing fundraising landscape.
Hosted by Fundraising Institute Australasia (FIA), this year’s theme, BE BOLD, encouraged fundraisers to test new ideas and lead with confidence.
For Alike WA team member Nadia, one message stood out: fundraising does not always begin with the perfect strategy. It can start with understanding your purpose, listening to your community and being willing to try something new.
Start with your why
One of Nadia’s key takeaways was the importance of being able to clearly communicate why your organisation or group exists.
What difference does your group make? Who benefits from what you do? What could become possible with further support?
Being able to answer these questions can help potential supporters understand not only what you are asking for, but why their support matters.
Building relationships with supporters
A session from the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, presented with Donor Republic, explored regular giving and the importance of building long-term relationships with supporters.
The discussion reinforced that sustainable fundraising is not only about a single campaign or event. Taking the time to build genuine relationships can help supporters develop a stronger connection with an organisation and its purpose.
For smaller organisations and peer support groups, this can begin with the people and businesses already connected to your community.
Sharing stories with care
Susie and Gary Wilson from Ambulance Wish Western Australia shared how storytelling helps communicate the human impact of their work granting final wishes to people receiving end-of-life care.
Their presentation was a reminder that effective storytelling is about more than asking for money. Sharing experiences with dignity, compassion and consent can help people understand the difference an organisation makes and why its work matters.
Statistics can show reach, but a genuine story can help people understand the experience behind those numbers.
What could this mean for your peer support group?
If your group is beginning its fundraising journey, you do not need to start with a large campaign.
Start by identifying a clear need and explaining why it matters. Think about the impact your group already creates and how you can communicate that in a way that feels genuine to your community.
From there, you might approach existing supporters or local businesses, test a small fundraising idea or simply begin a conversation about how someone could contribute.
Sometimes being bold means being willing to tell your story and make that first ask.
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