Funded Organisations
As philanthropic funders we achieve our impact
through annual giving to environmental
organisations across Australia
2024: Supporting Champions for Inland Waters
As the driest inhabited continent, Australia’s freshwater systems are among our most valuable natural resources, sustaining ecosystems and communities and holding deep cultural significance for First Nations peoples. Unfortunately, they have often been grossly mismanaged, continue to face new threats and are in critical need of funding support.
In 2024, Nature Impact Collective members supported a group of organisations that collectively lead change from the grassroots to parliament. Each organisation received $270,000.
Environment Centre Northern Territory
The Environment Centre NT works closely with communities to protect the territory’s unique biological diversity, building more capacity to defend massive, aquifer-fed rivers that are under threat from agribusiness, fracking and inadequate environmental laws.
“This funding is transformational, supporting the growing movement across the north to achieve durable protections for some of the last free-flowing rivers and largest intact savanna landscapes in Australia and the world. Immediately we were able to use part of the funds to support deep engagement with First Nations communities affected by the cotton industries and proposed water allocations, which led to them advocating for their concerns on a national stage via Four Corners. The flexibility of the funding means that we could respond quickly to the greatest area of need, with the biggest opportunity for impact.”
— Kirsty Howey, Executive Director
“We were impressed by Environment Centre NT’s considered and strategic approach, and its commitment to collaboration and support for local communities, especially First Nations peoples. It has an outsized impact and a critical role to play. We are thrilled to provide this support to help strengthen its capacity in this crucial freshwater fight.”
— Ella Colley, Nature Impact Collective Director
Country Needs People
Country Needs People supports Indigenous communities to manage land and sea Country. Working with more than 50 Indigenous partner organisations, their advocacy builds government funding and support for Indigenous ranger roles and the Indigenous Protected Area program.
“Nature Impact Collective’s approach to funding and reporting is a breath of fresh air. It allows us flexibility and responsiveness in how we allocate funds, as we work in a context-relevant way with well over 50 frontline Indigenous community led organisations to improve their ability to deliver land and sea management across Australia. Having donors like Nature Impact Collective, that are prepared to invest significant sums in core operational support, makes a huge difference. It helps us deliver quality work now, with more confidence in the future.”
— Paddy O’Leary, CEO Country Needs People
“Country Needs People has a clear role in supporting, amplifying and advocating for community-led Indigenous nature management across Australia and has worked to bring impressive resources to the sector. We are delighted to provide funds that help Country Needs People to grow its operational capacity.”
— Ella Colley, Nature Impact Collective Director
Murray Darling Conservation Alliance
A new alliance of state based organisations, the Murray Darling Conservation Alliance is ramping up a high profile campaign to restore the health of the Murray-Darling Basin. Heavily cleared, degraded and over-extracted while facing a hotter, drier climate, the future of the Basin rests upon an upcoming review of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.
“This generous grant from Nature Impact Collective is our most significant to date, and means we have been able to take the Murray Darling Conservation Alliance from a start-up project to a fully fledged national campaign. It has enabled us to build a powerful platform of people, networks and strategies as we work to secure political commitment to restore Australia’s largest river system and to lay the foundation for a revitalised Murray-Darling Basin Plan that reserves sufficient water to support resilient ecosystems and healthy regional communities.”
— Craig Wilkins, Conservation Alliance National Director
“There is a clear need for a body to represent the voice of the community, environment and the long-term sustainability of the rural sector covered by this enormous catchment. The proven ability of the Murray Darling Conservation Alliance team to have a big influence from a small resource platform means that our investment will be dramatically amplified in terms of its impact.”
— Jim Phillipson, Nature Impact Collective Chair
Nature Glenelg Trust
Nature Glenelg Trust started life in the cross-border area of South Australia and Victoria to increase on-ground environmental action in the region. Taking a holistic approach to biodiversity conservation, the trust now works across four states, has restored around 70 wetlands and established 10 of its own reserves.
“Nature Impact Collective’s un-tied investment is underpinning a much-needed upgrade of our internal systems to ensure we can sustain and grow our environmental impact in the future. Core operating requirements of this type are fundamental to the success of not-for-profit environmental organisations. It is with heartfelt thanks that we recognise this tremendous, very generous form of strategic support.”
— Mark Bachman, Managing Director/Founder
“I really admire the way the Nature Glenelg Trust has bootstrapped its way to success, based in the communities in which it invests and cares for, and working to ‘fill the gaps’ to ensure nature needs and opportunities in regional areas get resources and ongoing attention. Its business model, whereby consultancy income assists in financing its operations, is also commendable.”
— William Crothers, Nature Impact Collective Director
Environmental Justice Australia
Environmental Justice Australia combines environmental legal expertise with strategic campaigns to protect the environment. With a long history of work on water and the Murray-Darling Basin, they are stepping up their focus on Ramsar-listed wetlands in the southern Basin.
“The legal strategies that have the biggest impact are often multi-year. This untied funding means we are moving ahead with our Murray-Darling Basin work with confidence, while giving us the flexibility to innovate and adapt swiftly to emerging challenges over the next crucial two years, ensuring the legal work we are doing is having the greatest impact.”
— Nicola Rivers & Elizabeth McKinnon, CEOs
“Environmental Justice Australia has proven to be really effective in highlighting national issues, focusing on campaigns that move the dial and bring change to legislation and public policy. It is also fantastic at connecting with local community groups, and supporting grassroots community action with the power of law, advocacy and policy influence.”
— Jim Phillipson, Nature Impact Collective Chair