What we do

We provide networking opportunities for members and introduce likeminded donors to each other. We provide resources and tools, and facilitate collaboration to maximize the impact of environmental giving. We offer frameworks for funding nature and climate change initiatives, host events and workshops, and provide insights and knowledge to help members make informed decisions.

Join Australia’s largest and most connected network for environmental philanthropy >>

How we work

Our work is underpinned by our belief that philanthropy combined with excellent science and powerful changemakers can catalyse real and lasting positive change.

We work with Australia’s network of community organisations and changemakers — the powerhouse behind the change we seek. These organisations are the voice of our natural environment. They can show Australians how to personally contribute to sustainability. They can advocate for better policy and legislation to protect our environment. And they can demonstrate how change can happen — fast. With funding behind them, these organisations can achieve a world where people and ecosystems live in harmony.

We also partner with Australia’s scientific and academic experts, many of whom are recognised globally for their contribution to research and practice in conservation and sustainability. We ensure all of our work is based on latest national and international scientific data, including Australia’s State of the Environment reports.

Our values

Our values guide our strategy and how we work. We are: 

• Ethical in all we do
• Respectful of our partners, practitioners, experts and each other
• Collaborative in the way we work and recognise outcomes
• Inspiring in our activities and outreach
• Sustainable in our day-to-day work
• Ambitious in our programming
• Focused in our strategy
• Innovative in our thinking
• Respectful and acknowledging of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

Our strategy

Our 2025+ Strategy charts a course to make this vision a reality — and there’s no time to lose. We are living in the most critical decade for the planet, what we do now matters more than at any other time in history.

Philanthropy continues to play a pivotal role in tackling some of the greatest challenges facing humanity and the natural systems that sustain life on Earth. Our strategy details ambitious goals commensurate with the threats we face, and a series of bold initiatives to realise our vision.

Find out more about our goals and how we plan to achieve them >>

Our impact

Delivering catalytic, collaborative action

The AEGN’s strong eighteen-year history of enabling impact is a testament to what can be achieved with meaningful, strategic philanthropy. Our 2025+ strategy builds on the unique strengths of our community to deliver catalytic, collaborative action. We will continue to foster member connections while delivering foundational programs across biodiversity, accelerating the energy transition, civic engagement, First Nations and sustainable food systems.

Now is the time for bold ambition, calculated yet courageous risks, mobilising long-term capital and strategic collaboration – all of which play to the strengths of AEGN’s vibrant network. Together, we must accelerate the pace of change.

Together we have built a trusted place where our members learn and share, are inspired and informed, and come together to fund solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time. AEGN members have achieved some phenomenal recent wins in parternship with change-makers across the country, including:

• Accelerating the energy transition: for the first time in history, renewable energy such as wind, solar and batteries supplied more than 50% of electricity in the December quarter of 2025 on the National Electricity Market, driving wholesale electricity prices down sharply (nearly half compared with a year ago). At the same time, coal and gas output hit multi-year lows, battery discharge nearly tripled and emissions fell, prompting the Australian Energy Market Operator to call it a “landmark moment” for the grid;
• Overhauled Australia’s out of date environmental protection laws: In an historic first, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act now sees that native forest logging and agricultural deforestation will require proper assessment, and the reforms will fast-track environmentally responsible renewable energy projects which will greatly assist in accelerating Australia’s energy transition;
• First Nations Caring for Country: 2025 was the biggest year for Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs) since the program began 27 years ago, with 18.5 million hectares of new IPAs created in 2025 alone (18M ha of land and 450k ha of sea). This area is roughly the same size as two Portugals! Country Needs People, supported by AEGN members, is a major champion for expansion of this program;
• Australia’s home battery rollout: As of February 2026, more than 210,000 home battery systems have been installed under the Federal Government’s Cheaper Home Batteries scheme since its introduction in July 2025, smashing forecasts with three-quarters of batteries installed in regional and outer suburban areas. In less than a year, the federal subsidy has been tripled to $7.2 billion in response to the booming uptake;
• The repeal by the NSW Government of the Kosciuszko Wildhorse Heritage Act: Led by the Invasive Species Council and backed by AEGN members, the win follows a seven-year battle to protect Kosciuszko National Park from the ecological damage caused by feral horses – a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with collective action and enduring commitment;
• Doubling of Indigenous Rangers: In November 2025, the Federal Government an additional 900 new jobs for an expanded Indigenous Rangers Program;
• Supporting a just transition: As Australia replaces fossil fuels with renewable energy, it is crucial that communities share the benefits of this opportunity and that no one is left behind. The Federal Government announced its Solar Sharer scheme in November 2025, which will reduce energy waste and provide access to renewable energy for renters and lower socio-economic groups;
• Protecting native forests: In September 2025, the NSW Government announced the establishment of the Great Koala National Park. The park will include existing national park and add 176,000 hectares of what was formerly state forest creating the second biggest national park in NSW – it will be 500,000 ha in total. The park is home to more than 12,000 koalas in northern NSW. The government also announced an immediate moratorium on logging within the new park’s boundaries. Congratulations to the many AEGN members who have supported this campaign over many years and to the NSW Forest Alliance members: National Parks Association of NSW Inc, Nature Conservation Council, WWF-Australia, Bob Brown Foundation, Wilderness Society, Wilderness Australia, North East Forest Alliance, South East Forest Rescue and Brooman State Forest Conservation Group;
• First Nations empowerment: In February 2026, the First Nations Clean Energy Network launched the First Nations Equity Guide to support the involvement of First Nations communities and developers in Australian clean energy projects;
• Ensuring Australia secures a 1.5 degree-aligned pathway by phasing out fossil fuels: From 2027 in Victoria under new energy reforms, gas hot water systems will be phased out, new residential and commercial buildings will be all-electric, and renters will access cost-effective heating, cooling and hot water and energy efficiency measures. This win for our planet comes after hard-fought campaigning by Environment Victoria, Friends of the Earth, Healthy Futures, Rewiring Australia, IEEFA, the One Million Homes Alliance, Renew Australia for All and others. AEGN members have supported energy transition work over many years, including Boundless Earth, The Mullum Trust, Ann McGregor OAM and Dr Bruce McGregor, Julie Taylor Mills and Mark Mills and many more;
• Protecting Australia’s native flora and fauna from invasive species: A record $24 million in additional funding from the Queensland State Government was committed to support fire ant suppression and help control the invasive species, while in Western Australia, the Government committed to allow local councils to bring in cat containment laws to protect wildlife; and
• Leveraging shareholder advocacy: At the Coles Annual General Meeting, over 39% of shareholders called on the company to address farmed seafood impacts on endangered species. This is the world’s largest shareholder vote for nature, led by Sustainable Investment Exchange (SIX) and supported by AEGN members.

Read more about the AEGN’s impact in our most recent Annual Report.

Below is a summary of how the AEGN tracked against the 2022-25 Strategic Plan, Giving Our All.

Growing our impact

Over FY25, we’ve grown the amount and impact of strategic giving to the environment by:

• Hosting 60 events (+42% more than in FY24) to help inform, connect and catalyse action by AEGN members;
• Launching the updated 2025 version of the AEGN’s Nature Funding Framework, in consultation with the AEGN Nature Steering Group and Australia’s leading experts in biodiversity and nature conservation;
• Optimising AEGN’s Project Clearinghouse so members can easily find and share funding opportunities, with improvements made to enhance search functionality and useability. A total of 60 projects were posted to Project Clearinghouse in FY25. AEGN members contributed at least $4,124,300 to Clearinghouse projects in FY25, with a total of 148 donations made and an average donation amount of $25k;
• Launching the updated 2025 version of the AEGN Climate Change Funding Framework, developed in close consultation with over 60 global experts in addressing climate change;
• Launching the 2025 Climate Lens toolkit, a new update including valuable experiences and feedback from those who have applied the Climate Lens across their work;
• Publishing the AEGN’s annual Environment and Climate Change Giving Trends Report, summarising megatrends influencing best practice in climate and environmental giving; and
• Delivering the AEGN Field Trips to Western Australia and Karta Pintingga/Kangaroo Island, South Australia, both in August 2024. These field trips are designed to be transformational experiences for members – informing, connecting and inspiring our network while amplifying giving opportunities.

Growing our influence

Over the last twelve months, we grew our profile and influence by:

• Delivering the AEGN Environmental Philanthropy Conference 2025, with an exceptional program of content and speakers – described by several respondents to our post-conference survey as “one of the best conferences” and “excellent”. The annual conference not only serves to build the knowledge and connection of participants, but serves to enhance the AEGN’s profile as a thought leader on environmental giving;
• In June 2025, the AEGN launched ‘The Economics of Giving: The Case for Climate Philanthropy’, which gained coverage on ABC Sydney Breakfast Radio with Craig Reucassel. The report revealed how major initiatives enabled by philanthropy are unlocking over $200 billion in economic activity, creating more than 500,000 jobs, and avoiding close to $150 billion in emissions-related damages;
• Growing the AEGN membership by +27 new members in 2024/25;
• Delivering 3 x AEGN Member Briefing Papers and 4 x Government Policy Submissions, including a response to the Draft National Roadmap for 30×30 targets on land, a response to the Nature Positive Bills (‘tranche 2’ national environmental law reform) and a submission on the Draft Sustainable Ocean Plan;
• Receiving national press coverage, including The Australian Financial Review, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, The Guardian, ABC Radio Sydney and WA Today;
• Supporting member advocacy by launching our Advocacy 101 webinar series and attending the Global Nature Positive Summit in October 2024; and
• We’ve strengthened relationships with philanthropic intermediaries and other aligned organisations and peaks bodies including Nature Impact Collective (NIC), Philanthropy Australia, She Gives, Australian Land Conservation Alliance, Climate Action Network Australia, Groundswell Giving, Australian Philanthropic Services, Equity Trustees, NEXUS Australia, Mutual Trust and Start Giving.

Strengthening our organisation

We strengthened our trusted, connected and well-respected organisation by:

• Onboarding three new team members with exceptional skills and experience;
• Adopting new technology and internal systems to enhance our efficiency, including new AI tools;
• Providing training opportunities for staff in environmental leadership, cybersecurity and cultural competency;
• We’ve achieved a 91.8% member renewal rate (2024/25); and
• We’ve recruited fantastic members to a range of steering committees, ensuring a member voice through key activities and projects.

Our supporters

We completely rely on our members for funding for our operations. We are deeply grateful to the many donors who have supported us over the years. We would like to thank:

Hero supporters $149,000 or more

• Boundless Earth
• Macdoch Foundation
• Minderoo Foundation
• Morris Family Foundation
• Paul Ramsay Foundation
• +1 other Hero supporter

Ambassador supporters $50,000-$149,000

• Equity Trustees Equity & Empowerment Program
• Gum Tree Foundation
• Illawong Foundation
• Greater Melbourne Foundation
• PMF Foundation
• Rendere Trust
• Spinifex Trust
• The Ian Potter Foundation
• +1 other Ambassador supporter

Leading supporters $15,000 to $49,999

• ACME Foundation
• Australian Ethical Foundation
• Carrawa Foundation
• Diversicon Environmental Foundation
• Ferris Family Foundation
• Harris Charitable Foundation
• Isaacson Davis Foundation
• Koshland Innovation Extension Fund
• Melliodora Fund, Australian Communities Foundation
• Pater Charitable Trust
• Purves Environmental Fund
• Robert Hicks Foundation
• The Graeme Wood Foundation
• The Myer Foundation
• The NC & AG Youngman Trust

• Trimtab Foundation
• Wedgetail Foundation

Sustaining supporters $5,000 to $14,999

• 5point Foundation
• Barbara Semler
• Bowness Family Foundation
• Brown Rochford Charitable Fund
• Christy Dowling and Douglas English
• Ethinvest Foundation
• Highgate Foundation
• Lenko Family Foundation
• Marg Henderson
• McAllister Family Foundation
• McLeod Family Foundation
• Naylor Stewart Foundation
• Nick Fairfax
• Norman Family
• Pademelon Fund
• Paul and Kate Saunders
• Purryburry Trust
• Reichstein Foundation
• Rona Ellis Foundation
• The Garry White Foundation
• The Goodman Foundation
• The Jaramas Foundation
• The Kimberley Foundation
• The Mullum Trust
• The Pecan Fund
• The Water Dragon Endowment
• The William Buckland Foundation
• Trawalla Foundation
• Trustee for the Greengib Foundation
• Upotipotpon Foundation
• Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation
• Vicki Olsson
• +1 other Sustaining supporter

+23 other supporters

Our pro bono partners

Arnold Bloch Leibler Lawyers and advisors

BoardOutlook
The AEGN uses BoardOutlook to conduct an annual board evaluation and performance activities. We have benefited from a pro-bono grant under the BoardOutlook not-for-profit program.

Supporting our work

The Sustaining Fund

The Sustaining Fund has been established to help build a stable and predictable income base for the AEGN. Donations to the Sustaining Fund are invested using ethical and environmental guidelines, and the fund is independently managed with a high level of commercial and financial prudence.

Generally, each year 10 per cent of the fund value will be contributed toward our annual operating budget. If you are thinking about spending down the funds in your foundation or you believe in building the capacity of the organisations you trust, we invite you to donate to the Sustaining Fund.

Donations of $50,000 or more are most welcome.

Contributors to the Sustaining Fund

Our heartfelt thanks to the following generous contributors to our sustaining fund:

• ACME Foundation
• Bindy Gross
• Garry White Foundation
• John Sevior and Rebecca Gorman
• Josette Wunder
• Limb Family Foundation
• Lord Mayor’s Charitable Foundation through ADP, ME and LA Martin Charitable Fund
• Myer family members – Yulgilbar Foundation, Kate & Stephen Shelmerdine Family Foundation, The Myer Foundation
• The Duggan Foundation
• The Ross Trust
• Rose Gilder
• Sue Mathews and Mark Burford
• The Jaramas Foundation
• Vicki Olsson
• Several anonymous contributors including the instigator of the $1 million sustaining fund challenge.

To find out more about making a three-year pledge to either our ongoing operations or to our sustaining fund , contact the AEGN’s CEO Claire O’Rourke at claire@aegn.org.au

You can also contribute directly to our gift fund:

Account details for deposits

AEGN Gift Fund
BSB: 313 140
Account: 1200 6345

Including the AEGN in your will

A truly lasting legacy can be made to the conservation of Australia’s environment by including the AEGN in your will. Your gift will continue the AEGN’s important work of inspiring and growing effective funding to the environment to ensure a future where our climate is stable, and people and nature thrive. The objects and purposes which bind the AEGN provide a framework for the use of all gifts we receive.

Suggested wording to leave a bequest for the AEGN:

“I give to the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) ABN 75 129 986 116, the sum of (insert dollar amount / percentage of my residuary estate) for its general purposes free of all duties and taxes payable upon or in consequence of my death and I declare that the receipt of its Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”

You may wish to express in a way which does not bind the AEGN to your preference for the gift to be directed to the Sustaining Fund:

“I give to the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network (AEGN) ABN 75 129 986 116, the sum of (insert dollar amount / percentage of my residuary estate). I express the wish but without creating any trust or imposing any binding obligation that my gift be used to support the Australian Environmental Grantmakers Network’s Sustaining Fund free of all duties and taxes payable upon or in consequence of my death and I declare that the receipt of its Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer or other authorised officer shall be sufficient discharge to my executors.”

We invite members to discuss their intentions with us and to seek advice from a solicitor when drafting a last will and testament. If you have already included the AEGN in your will, please let us know so we can extend our thanks for your extraordinary trust in and commitment to our work.

Governance

Past reports can be emailed or posted to you.

Our Board

Our team