How to Fundraise for Indigenous and Aboriginal Organisations
As one of the world’s oldest surviving cultures, Indigenous communities in Australia have spent many years advocating for their many customs, languages and sovereignty over traditionally-owned land. There are many ways to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, while remaining mindful that community organisations led by Indigenous Australians should be given a particular focus, if Australians want to contribute to closing the gap.
With Australian government initiatives currently falling behind in their efforts to close the equality gap, Indigenous communities need alternative financial support now as much as ever. Thanks to modern developments in crowdfunding and online fundraising, you can start making a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
Why Indigenous charity organisations need your help
Since 2008, Australian governments have partnered with Indigenous organisations to produce annual Closing the Gap reports. Designed to assess progress towards equality for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, these reports gather data across key areas of society — including health, education, security, employment and life expectancy.
Data from the 2023 Closing the Gap report found that only five of the nineteen target areas are currently on track to meet government-set goals. An eye-opening report from the Productivity Commission has criticised the government’s lack of clarity around funding allocation, and said that they are failing to deliver on what the Closing the Gap initiative once promised.
With government programmes falling short and public interest in Indigenous issues reaching its lowest level since 2021, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are currently in need of your support.
How to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
Thankfully, there is hope. Grassroots Indigenous organisations have fought to bring about much of the positive change we have seen so far, and with your help, they can continue to make a difference.
From dedicated nonprofits to Aboriginal community-led organisations — here are just some of the charitable bodies fighting for a brighter Indigenous future, along with some effective fundraising ideas that will enable you to get involved.
1. Do your part to Close the Gap
While the initiative itself is currently failing to reach many of its targets, there is still a lot to be said for volunteering your time to National Close The Gap Day. Every March, Aboriginal organisations and Indigenous activists across the country come together to fight for Indigenous rights, with a particular focus on health inequality.
Organisers invite individuals, schools and communities to get involved by setting up their own fundraising events. You can make an individual or group contribution by starting a charity fundraiser on GoFundMe, and use our handy fundraising tips to make your event as unique and impactful as possible.
2. Support Black Lives Matter Australia
As Aboriginal Australians continue to fight for their rights and to close gaps in health, education and wellness — the Black Lives Matter Australia movement highlights ongoing inequalities that affect black-indentifying Indigenous peoples. We saw how donors rallied to support Indigenous GoFundMe campaigns in 2020 when the BLM movement gained global attention, but it’s important to keep this momentum going.
There are many Australians taking small steps to help bridge the Indigenous inequality divide one step at a time. Join them today and discover how you can help to support the Black Lives Matter Australia movement on GoFundMe, or start your own fundraiser for a worthwhile Indigenous cause.
3. Fight against Indigenous deaths in police custody
It is reported that at least 562 Indigenous Australians have died in custody since 1991 — whether in prison, police custody or during custody-related operations. The majority of these cases are ongoing. With no justice found for many, families of the deceased continue their fights to hold those responsible to account.
Much like Black Lives Matter Australia, advocacy for Indigenous deaths in custody received a critical boost in visibility and donations following the death of George Floyd in 2020. However the struggle is far from over. Data from the Australian government has revealed that 2023 was the deadliest year on record for Indigenous Australians in custody, highlighting the ongoing need for fundraising and activist support.
4. Join an Indigenous volunteering group
Volunteering groups play a vital role in advancing the rights of indigenous communities across Australia. Aboriginal community led organisations provide culturally appropriate support to those in need, keeping Indigenous dignity and self-determination at the heart of everything they do.
Organisations like Community First Development are always keen to recruit new volunteers to lend practical support to their community-led and owned initiatives. Other activist groups like ANTAR and NASCA run impactful volunteer programmes which allow you to engage directly with communities while bringing real value to their various worthy causes.
5. Donate to Indigenous charity organisations
There are plenty of nonprofits, charities and aboriginal organisations across the country that need your help. Whether you’re making a one-time donation or looking to set up your own charity fundraiser, providing direct financial support is always an effective way to make a difference.
Organisations such as the Aboriginal Legal Service, Pay the Rent and the North Australian Aboriginal Justice Agency all accept monetary contributions toward achieving their various goals. Start by doing some research into local and federal Indigenous organisations, then give what you can to a trusted charity that’s fighting for a noble cause.
6. Educate yourself on Indigenous culture
Learning about the rich cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can help you gain a better understanding of their struggles, while informing you of the most effective ways to help. Organisations like Walya and Evolve offer cultural awareness courses on an individual and organisational basis, as well as providing lots of free online educational resources.
If you don’t currently have the means to enrol yourself in a course, you can boost your individual awareness by checking out some Indigenous books and Indigenous movies. You could even find out the traditional owners of the land you currently live on by reaching out to local Indigenous organisations.
7. Back a GoFundMe for Indigenous Australians
While getting involved with a major Indigenous organisation is always a noble practice, there are plenty of smaller activists and fundraisers who are doing important work at the individual level. Making a donation through GoFundMe is a great way to support grassroots Indigenous causes which don’t receive the same spotlight as larger organisations.
Get inspired by checking out some of the Indigenous GoFundMe fundraisers that are currently seeking donations. Derek Nannup is currently raising funds for an Aboriginal and Canadian First Nations Cultural Exchange, where he and his Indigenous dance group will perform to promote cross-cultural cooperation and awareness.
Start your own GoFundMe
If you’re ready to dive in and make a meaningful personal contribution, starting your own GoFundMe fundraiser is a great way to help out an Aboriginal organisation of your choice. GoFundMe provides a quick, safe and easy way to support causes that are close to your heart.
Simply search through the list of registered charities, launch your fundraising page and feel secure in the fact that all donations are going straight to your chosen organisation. We provide plenty of online resources that will help you along the way, such as our tips for sharing your fundraiser and writing a compelling campaign story.
Start fundraising for an Indigenous organisation today
When it comes to making sure that Aboriginal and other Indigenous communities have the support and resources they need, crowdfunding is one of the most effective options available. By creating or donating to a GoFundMe fundraiser, you are able to make a direct and immediate impact on the lives of those who need help the most.
From Indigenous advocacy and awareness to paying for practical supplies and resources, GoFundMe allows you to channel your generosity towards the most pressing issues of the moment. With a few minutes’ work, you can start sharing your fundraiser and sending funds to the Aboriginal organisations and Indigenous communities that need them most.