Climate and environmental philanthropy surges, AEGN report finds
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
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
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
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.
COP28: How philanthropy is advancing women’s climate action leadership in the Pacific
As the UN Climate Change Conference 2023 - COP28 - gets under way, Philanthropy Australia was pleased to partner with Groundswell Giving and ActionAid Australia to hear from Ralph Regenvanu, the Vanuatu Minister for Climate Change Adaptation. Here, ActionAid Australia's Executive Director Michelle Higelin reflects on insights from the event and the importance of backing women-led action.
‘Combining knowledge systems gives us multiple outcomes’
How the North Australian Indigenous Land and Sea Management Alliance is one not-for-profit leading the way in integrating ancient First Nations knowledge systems with the latest technology for outstanding cultural and environmental benefit.
Clarence Valley locals learn traditional fire management practices with support from FRRR
The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal is supporting a series of workshops to teach locals the practice of cool burning to protect themselves from the threat of bushfire.