Rob McLean and The Nature Conservancy: ‘We wanted to be involved in an organisation that’s kicking goals’
Nick Place
Fri, 12 Apr 2024
Philanthropist Rob McLean AM is excited as he talks about kelp. He’s explaining the potential for 'blue carbon' and exploration of mangroves, sea grasses and regrown kelp forests potentially becoming options for carbon storage. It's an initiative by The Nature Conservancy, a global organisation that Rob helped bring to Australia. He talks about his long and continuing involvement with the organisation and why he's proud of its achievements.
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One year on from the Climate Lens launch, funders tell how it’s helped
Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network
Fri, 22 Mar 2024
Australia's 'climate whiplash’ summer of dangerous downpours and scorching heat is a reminder – if one were needed – that we’re in a critical moment for action on climate change. As challenging as it may seem, there are incredible opportunities to apply a climate change lens across your funding and investments, while upholding your existing philanthropic mission.
Global Citizen event inspires New Gen delegation on critical issues
Lucy Steggles, Chair and Regional Director, NEXUS Australia
Fri, 15 Mar 2024
Delegates from Philanthropy Australia’s New Gen Network, along with members of NEXUS Australia, attended an inspiring 2-day event in Melbourne that brought together diverse and considered voices – from world leaders to grassroots activists. The event featured a wide range of panels and speakers tackling humanity's most compelling challenges, from climate change to global poverty. Lucy Steggles, Chair and Regional Director, NEXUS Australia and New Gen member, provides a snapshot.
Climate and environmental philanthropy surges, AEGN report finds
Philanthropy Australia
Fri, 1 Mar 2024
Australian philanthropy directed to the climate and environment has increased at 10 times the rate of overall philanthropy, according to a new report from the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN). Giving to charities working on climate and environment programs grew 82% in the three years to 2021. We take a look at the key findings from the Environment and Climate Change Giving Trends 2024.
Deep thinking and a daring step into public policy: the Watertrust story
Nick Place
Fri, 1 Mar 2024
Watertrust Australia is an independent NFP that seeks to find common ground among users, First Nation groups, environmentalists, river communities and others on water and catchment policy – in the driest inhabited continent in the world. Here, we tell the story of its inception and establishment in 2021, funded by a coalition 16 philanthropic partners. It’s a prime example of the recent boost to environmental funding referenced in AEGN’s new report.
Mother Earth loan – an agribusiness finance model that cares for Country
Paul Girrawah House, Co-founder of the Waluwin Foundation
Fri, 9 Feb 2024
The Mother Earth loan is designed to support the purchase of freehold title farmlands by First Nations farmers to revive traditional practices. It’s based on similar modelling to HECS, where repayments are due when Mother Earth is ‘healthy and able to share’ and payments are paused or significantly reduced when ‘Mother is struggling and needs time to heal’. Paul Girrawah House, one of the founders of the Waluwin Foundation, explains how it can work, its benefits and the role philanthropy can play.
English Family Foundation named Runner-Up in global Catalyst 2030 Awards
Fri, 15 Dec 2023
The English Family Foundation has been honoured for its work in supporting social entrepreneurs at a global event, the Catalyst 2030 Awards for Systemic Change 2023. The Foundation was awarded Runner Up in the category of Overall Best Donor last month at the gala event in London, hosted by Princess Diana’s brother, Charles Spencer, the 9th Earl Spencer, at his private residence, Spencer House.
