Developing Our Storytelling Skills with The Funding Network’s Sydney Workshop
Thursday 16 April 2026 • First Steps Count Director Clare Brennan and Board Chair Clare Rogers travelled to Sydney to participate in an exclusive Impact Storytelling Workshop hosted by The Funding Network. Invited as part of a select group of grassroots organisations, the pair engaged in intensive training designed to refine their ability to communicate the Hub’s mission and impact to corporate partners and philanthropists.
The workshop focused on the art of the pitch, equipping the team with a robust framework for delivering compelling six-minute presentations. Key takeaways included building authentic emotional connections through storytelling and the critical importance of articulating tangible outcomes.
This professional development aligns directly with First Steps Count's renewed strategic vision for 2026, which prioritises building sustainable partnerships to secure the Hub's long-term future.
“The Funding Network provided an excellent framework to pull together our story. Learning how to embed an emotional hook while clearly demonstrating the return on investment for our partners is a vital skill, as we look to expand our support base.”
By committing to practising these techniques, First Steps Count is better positioned to present its community-led model to a broader range of funders, ensuring that the vital work done for families in Taree continues to thrive. The team will apply these new storytelling strategies to upcoming partnership proposals and opportunities, aiming to translate the Hub's impact into sustained financial and in-kind support.
Media Enquiries:
Clare Brennan, Director
clare.brennan@firststepscount.org
