Square Pegs Consulting

17/08/2026

“I don't want to ask my friends for money.”

Ahhh, boards and fundraising... 😬

I've worked with board members who'll happily roll up their sleeves and help, right through to those who would rather chew off their own arm than ask their best friend for a donation.

And I don't actually blame them.

Because perhaps the problem isn't always that boards won't fundraise. Sometimes we haven't done a particularly good job of showing them what fundraising can look like.

That's what I'm exploring in Case File #2 of The Unsexy Files, including what happened when we took a different approach with the WestWords board.

Four of the top five Booktober fundraisers in 2025 were board members, so something clearly clicked!

Have a read and let me know if you've encountered the dreaded “I don't want to ask my friends for money” too.

👇 Case File #2

“I don't want to ask my friends for money.” I've heard some version of this more times than I can count.

24/07/2026

Confession time...

I've wanted to write this series for ages.

It's called The Unsexy Files, and it's a collection of observations from the fundraising frontline. Some are based on things I've learnt over twenty years, others on conversations I've had with clients, boards and donors.

Case File #1 begins with a sentence that will probably get a raised eyebrow....

"Nobody wakes up wanting to donate to a literary development organisation."

Bear with me...

It's really about why some extraordinary organisations struggle to be seen and why I think storytelling matters far more than clever slogans.

If that sounds like your cup of tea (or w**e... I'm not judging), I'd love you to have a read.

If there's a fundraising challenge you'd love me to unpack in a future case file, leave a comment or send me a message. You might just inspire the next edition.

Nobody wakes up wanting to donate to a literary development organisation. Or a disability advocacy organisation.

15/07/2026

A little milestone I'd love to share...

I've just had an opinion piece published by Fundraising & Philanthropy magazine.

It's called 'Why your story matters when you're not a household name', and it's really about the organisations I've spent much of my career working alongside.

The smaller charities. The community organisations. The arts groups. The causes that don't always have the biggest budgets, the loudest voices or the easiest stories to tell.

I honestly believe some of the best fundraising happens in these organisations. Not because they have more resources (they definitely don't!), but because they're powered by passionate people who refuse to give up.

The article explores why storytelling matters, why boards shouldn't be scared of fundraising, and why I think a receipt is definitely not a relationship.

A huge thank you to Fiona Atkinson and the team at Fundraising & Philanthropy for giving me the opportunity to share a few thoughts.

The article sits behind F&P's paywall, but if you haven't tried their free 21-day trial, it's a great way to read this article and explore the other fantastic fundraising resources they publish.

I'd love to hear what resonates with you.

Discover why strong storytelling, donor trust and community connection help small charities raise more, even without big brands or budgets.

21/06/2026

One NZ Warriors + heritage hotel The Provincial Hotel Ballarat
Always happy when I get to watch my boys! Bonus when a hotel has Kayo Sports 😁
And with a lounge this huge there's plenty of room for a celebration dance... 🤞🤞

04/12/2025

Some days disability feels like running a marathon in thongs - and IDPWD landing in December certainly doesn’t help. Between pain drain, end-of-year chaos and the constant mental gymnastics required just to exist in public spaces, many of us are already cooked before the celebrations even begin.

So this year, I’ve written something a little different.

My latest piece digs into unconscious bias - how it quietly shapes the way disabled people are portrayed, marketed to, and treated, whether our disabilities are visible or invisible. From ticketing systems that make stadium access a lottery, to the “you look fine” brigade, to the assumption that we’re all one demographic with matching T-shirts… it’s time to call out the clichés and shift the narrative.

If you’ve ever wondered why disability inclusion still feels hit-and-miss in 2025 - or if you want a clearer picture of what meaningful access really looks like - this one’s worth a read.

Have a scroll, have a think, and let’s push the conversation forward together.

Every year, International Day of People with Disability rolls around on 3 December. And every year, many of us living with chronic pain, fatigue or fluctuating conditions quietly wonder why on earth IDPWD sits in the one month where the entire country is collectively limping to the finish line.

12/11/2025

Australia is about to welcome its one-millionth refugee since World War II - a milestone that should fill us with pride, but also prompt deep reflection.

“This moment gives Australia an opportunity to learn from the lessons of the past and become a global leader in refugee protection again. The question is not whether we can rise to the occasion, but whether we choose to.”

That choice - to lead with courage, compassion and evidence - sits not only with policymakers, but with every sector that shapes public life: education, business, community, the arts. Because how we talk about people matters.

“A vocal minority is expressing rage on the streets and social media about immigration… Both [refugees and migrants] are met with the same backlash, borne of grievance and fear.”

As someone who works to build partnerships grounded in equity and belonging, I’m reminded that Australia’s story has always been strengthened by those who arrived seeking safety and opportunity - and by those who chose to welcome them.

This milestone isn’t just history; it’s a mirror. Will we choose fear, or leadership?

Described as ‘the Gold Coast’s newest culinary and lifestyle destination’, The Oxley 1823 in Nobby Beach is nothing short of impressive.

30/10/2025

Flashback to a fabulous pic at Bingil Bay Cafe for day!
It's been a great month raising funds for school programs where we literally (he he see what I did there!) enable kids to share their own stories through creative writing workshops culminating in actual book publishing! Friggin fantastic stuff 👏
And not too late to donate. Pop a donation to my fundraising page and help us change lives. I'm trying to get to my target of $1000....just a few hundy short!

https://www.booktober.org.au/users/kathie-elliott

24/08/2025

A belated post reflecting on a sensational night last Saturday at the for Together Out West with the wonderful authors , .curic_writer and 🙌
All 3 of these authors are phenomenonal and I was nervous and excited (and so feeling not worthy but they welcomed and supported me so so much) to share the stage with them reading a short extract of my essay, Echoes of Grace from the anthology, Poised on the Pointe of Pain. From accidental advocate to accidental author (thanks for the awesome line J!!).

14/12/2024

Day 1 Gabba test with some of my fav people in the aptly named Legends room

09/12/2024

Bangers right off the bat