4 Apr 2020
In less than a year of granting, the Ross Trust has awarded as much funding to biodiversity conservation projects as it did in the previous five years, with a more targeted approach in line with its new strategic direction.
Since the Ross Trust unveiled its new 5-year strategy in July 2019, the Trust has shown its intent to increase its support for biodiversity conservation projects.
Already this financial year over $1.5 million has been allocated to biodiversity conservation grants; more than the total awarded for flora and fauna grants for the last five years of the prior grant program.
The Trust has always maintained a strong interest in Victoria’s native flora and fauna in line with the wishes of benefactor, Roy Everard Ross, and as Chair, Geoff Nicholson said when the new strategy was launched, “we want to build on this legacy.”
CEO Sarah Hardy said she and the Trustees were delighted with the range of projects and partnerships her team had identified and indicated the push to back interesting and meaningful work to support Victoria’s biodiversity would only get stronger in light of the recent bushfires.
“We’re continuing our focus on contributing to conserving and building resilience in Victoria’s land and marine environments in line with a strong theory of change and it’s already proving valuable to have a model which helps shape our conversations and decision making,” Sarah said.
“I think over the next few years we are going to see some terrific outcomes when you consider the kind of work going on across the state – from a tried and tested model to rebuild reefs through to some very forward thinking advocacy projects to raise awareness and drive change in how we protect some of our vulnerable species.
“The bushfires have only served to heighten consciousness of how fragile these habitats and species are and as we announced recently, the Trust has redirected an additional $350,000 to biodiversity conservation for the remainder of this financial year.
“The urgency to address biodiversity conservation becomes clearer every day.” Sarah said.
Some of the grants awarded this financial year include:
Organisation | Project title | Amounts and timing |
East Gippsland Landcare Network | $299,300 over three years | |
The Nature Conservancy | $287,223 over two years | |
Victorian National Parks Association | Protecting Victoria’s threatened habitats and species | $223,000 over three years |
Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater | Securing a future for Helmeted Honeyeaters | $164,000 over three years |
Albury Conservation Company | Safeguarding endangered species in Wodonga’s rapidly expanding urban growth areas | $120,000 over three years |
Bush Heritage Australia | Nardoo Hills Reserve rehydration pilot project | $120,000 over three years |
Places You Love Alliance/ The Wilderness Society | National environment law reform: Building a bigger network of support | $55,000 for one year |
Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal | Supporting biodiversity conservation initiatives across rural and regional Victoria | $100,000 over two years |
Euroa Arboretum | Mentoring young naturalists to develop practical conservation skills | $84,600 over three years |
The Conversation | Building public awareness of Victoria’s biodiversity through explanatory and solutions journalism | $40,000 for one year |
Remember the Wild | Community conservationists initiative | $40,000 for one year |
Read more about the Biodiversity Conservation granting strategy adopted by the Trust, along with the granting guidelines and eligibility criteria, and contact Program Manager, Rebecca Chew, if you would like to discuss your project.
