Alithia
At Alithia, they believe in finding the right balance between structure and creativity in order to provide the best possible learning environment for children. They take a specialised, nature-based approach to education that is rooted in mutual respect, empathy, and inclusion.
With these core values at the forefront, they have created a democratic, empowering environment that allows children to truly reach their potential. Mentors work with children to foster a sense of independence and find the right balance between structure and freedom.
Providing solutions for children in need of an innovative and therapeutic environment, Alithia operates two holistic learning hubs catering for families in the Nambucca region. The centre caters for children aged 6 – 12.
As part of their mission to support young people, they provide additional support with free training for parents and teachers across the region, as well as online resources. Alithia also partners with other organisations to support the wider community, such as assisting teens with work experience, and employing people with disabilities.
IRCF FUNDED Projects
Admin and Funding Support
Supported with $30,000 strengthen organisational capacity and community inclusion and connectivity by initiating a range of measures to support the Alithia learning space in Valla beach.
Alithia is an entirely volunteer run organisation and demand for their services has grown beyond volunteer capacity. Families requested that the hub be open four days per week, which would only be achievable with additional resourcing.
To meet this demand, Alithia applied for funds to employ an administrator for a fixed term to facilitate and support the growth of the organisation. The administrator was responsible for setting up administrative systems, establishing a sound framework for process change, and devising revenue strategies to facilitate growth. This staff member was able to assist with identifying funding opportunities and importantly, formalising a purpose and vision document so that the organisation could articulate their mission more broadly.
This project aligned to the Nambucca Valley Roadmap and the community aspiration to support youth of the valley, and to ensure that organisations have sufficient structures and foundations to deliver into the future.
The project was incredibly successful for Alithia, enabling the organisation to raise more than $50,000 by successfully demonstrating their newly articulated vision in a fundraising pitch. They have been able to expand their service offering, meeting the demands of an increasing number of families over a larger footprint.
Alithia plans to continue to build on this exciting momentum, with the guiding organisational documents and strategies developed as part of this project supporting them through this next stage of growth.
“We’ve got a lot more direction with our new business plan, but it’s already had a really positive flow-on affect. We used parts of the plan, like the mission statement, to successfully pitch for $58K to run programs for the kids this year.
When you’re a grassroots organisation with busy volunteers, you don’t have much time. Our project officer has helped clean up all our administrative systems and processes.
They set up an automated system so people can register for programs and pay online. It’s cut out a lot of extra admin time.
Funding like this helps us grow into the future.”
Talula Hughes Founder / President of Alithia Inc and Alithia Playgroup
