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Story Holder Fund

A vital initiative designed to honour the labour, vulnerability, and wisdom of those who share their truths—whether through speech, art, performance, or lived experience.

Rooted in Our Race’s T.E.S.T. Framework the Story Holder Fund ensures that dignity, consent, and resourcing are never optional.

Too often, Story Holders—especially from marginalised communities—are invited to contribute without adequate care or compensation.

This fund disrupts that norm.

Provides Direct Remuneration

To Story Holders participating in storytelling, consultation, performance, or speaking opportunities where compensation is lacking or absent.

All engagements follow ethical storytelling principles, including co-design, informed consent, and the right to withdraw.

Bridges gaps in resourcing

Embeds Ethical Protocols

For organisations unable to pay, the Fund steps in to ensure no story is extracted without care or accountability.

How it works

  • Donations

    The fund is sustained by public donations. 100% goes directly to remunerating Story Holders and supporting their wellbeing.

  • Story Holder applications

    Individuals can apply for support when participating in unpaid storytelling or speaking engagements.

  • Fund allocation

    A community-led panel reviews submissions, assessing impact, consent, and alignment with the Fund’s values. Transparency and care guide the entire process.

  • Support beyond funds

    Recipients may also access mentorship, emotional support, and resources to share their stories safely and sustainably.

This is a community-funded initiative.
Every contribution matters.

Donate

Send donations directly to us

Account name : Our Race Community
BSB: 313140
Account number: 12425897

Volunteer your skills

Help with reviewing applications, coordinating logistics, or offering wellbeing support.

Spread the word

Share the Story Holder Fund in your networks and encourage others to contribute.

Make a one-time or monthly donation

Impact of this fund

Amplifies voices

Supports individuals in sharing narratives that foster understanding, resistance, and change.

Builds community

Weave connections across generations, geographies, and identities by platforming shared truths.

Fosters creativity

Helps artists, storytellers, and performers explore their identity, dignity, and truth through expression.

Promotes Equity

No one should be forced to perform trauma for free. Compensation is dignity.

The Story Holder Fund is grounded in the following principles:

  • Ensuring First Nations Peoples and other story holders have the right to protect, maintain, control, own, and benefit from their cultural and intellectual property.

  • Recognising the power dynamics between story holders and those wishing to record and share their stories, and working to mitigate these imbalances.

  • Understanding the intricacies involved in the construction and dissemination of stories, particularly those that are deeply personal or traumatic.

  • Valuing the significance of stories and the experiences of story holders, and ensuring their voices are centered in all collaborations.

Have questions?

  • What is the Story Holder Fund?

    The Story Holder Fund is an initiative designed to support and empower individuals who share their stories, ideas, performances, and art. It provides financial remuneration and resources to story holders, particularly when engaging organisations lack the means to compensate them adequately. The fund upholds principles of resourcing, sensitivity, and equity, aligning with the TEST principles established by Our Race Community.

    Who can benefit from the Story Holder Fund?

    The fund is open to individuals who share their stories, art, or performances, especially those from marginalised communities. It prioritises story holders who face financial barriers or whose contributions are often undervalued or undercompensated.

    What is the mission of the Story Holder Fund?

    The mission of the fund is to:

    • Empower story holders by providing financial support and resources.

    • Promote sensitivity and address the unique challenges faced by storytellers.

    • Enhance storytelling standards by fostering collaboration, informed consent, and centering the voices of story holders.

    What principles guide the Story Holder Fund?

    The fund is grounded in the following principles:

    • Cultural and Intellectual Property Rights: Protecting the rights of First Nations Peoples and other story holders to own and benefit from their cultural and intellectual property.

    • Addressing Power Imbalances: Mitigating power dynamics between story holders and those recording or sharing their stories.

    • Complexities of Storytelling: Understanding the nuances of sharing personal or traumatic stories.

    • Importance of Stories: Valuing stories and ensuring story holders’ voices are centered in all collaborations.

    How does the Story Holder Fund work?

    • Donations: The fund relies on public donations to support story holders.

    • Application Process: Story holders can apply for support by submitting a request. Applications are reviewed by a committee.

    • Allocation: Funds are allocated based on the needs of the story holders and the potential impact of their work.

    • Support: Recipients receive financial support, mentorship, and resources to develop and share their stories safely.

    How can I apply for support from the Story Holder Fund?

    Story holders can apply by submitting a request through the fund’s application process.

    Applications are reviewed by a committee that assesses the impact and relevance of the submissions. Details on how to apply will be available on the fund’s official platform.

    How are funds allocated?

    Funds are allocated based on the needs of the story holders and the potential impact of their work. The allocation process is transparent, and all applicants are informed of the decisions.

    How can I support the Story Holder Fund?

    You can support the fund in the following ways:

    • Donate: Contribute through the secure donation platform. Every contribution helps sustain the fund.

    • Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support the fund’s operations and events.

    • Spread the Word: Share the mission and impact of the fund with your network to raise awareness and encourage more support.

    Why is it important to compensate story holders?

    Compensating story holders ensures that their contributions are valued and respected.

    It promotes equity and fairness, particularly for marginalised communities whose stories are often exploited or undervalued. Fair compensation also enables story holders to continue their creative and cultural work.

    How does the fund address power imbalances in storytelling?

    The fund recognises the power dynamics between story holders and those recording or sharing their stories. It works to mitigate these imbalances by centering the voices of story holders, ensuring informed consent, and fostering collaborative relationships.

    What kind of stories does the fund support?

    The fund supports a wide range of stories, including personal narratives, cultural traditions, performances, and artistic expressions. It prioritises stories that are deeply meaningful, culturally significant, or highlight marginalised experiences.

    How does the fund ensure sensitivity in storytelling?

    The fund promotes sensitivity by:

    • Recognising the unique needs and challenges of story holders.

    • Providing resources and mentorship to help story holders share their stories safely.

    • Encouraging collaboration between story holders and caretakers to ensure respectful and ethical storytelling practices.

    What impact does the Story Holder Fund have?

    The fund has a profound impact by:

    • Amplifying diverse and marginalised voices.

    • Fostering creativity and innovation in storytelling.

    • Building community through shared stories that inspire and resonate.

    • Promoting equity and fairness in the creative industry.

    Is my donation tax-deductible?

    Details about tax deductibility will depend on the fund’s legal structure and location.

    Please check the donation platform or contact the fund’s team for more information.

    How can I stay updated about the Story Holder Fund?

    You can stay updated by following the Our race community via our website (www.ourrace.com.au) social media channels, or subscribing to our newsletter. These platforms will provide news, updates, and opportunities to engage with the fund’s work.