For a world where people and ecosystems live in harmony
The problems we face are systemic and interconnected. AEGN aims to mobilise environmental philanthropy to accelerate action that harnesses expertise in both Indigenous and Western science, unlocking Australia’s potential for global leadership. Our approach is grounded in social justice and respect for expertise across sectors, disciplines and communities.
We are guided by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander leadership, and we work to uphold principles of Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion. We recognise that systemic change to ensure a safe, healthy environment requires engagement across all aspects of society and a functional, robust democracy.
Philanthropy is unique in its potential to catalyse change. By strengthening democratic processes, re-thinking economic systems, respecting and integrating First Nations knowledge, and prioritising the protection and restoration of ecosystems, AEGN Members work together to create a just and sustainable future where all life can thrive.
Earth stands at a precipice
2024 marks another record-breaking year for global temperatures—now at 1.6°C above pre-industrial levels. Six of nine planetary boundaries have been transgressed, with three breached to high-risk levels. Australia has experienced more species extinctions than any continent in the last two centuries, with 100 endemic species now extinct and at least 19 ecosystems showing signs of collapse. As the world’s second-largest fossil fuel exporter, Australia makes an outsized contribution to global climate harm.
Despite these challenges, unprecedented opportunities for transformation are emerging.
Renewable energy technologies, nature-based solutions, and circular economy innovations offer pathways to simultaneously address climate change, restore ecosystems, and create resilient, sustainable economies that serve the wellbeing of communities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are leading initiatives that work holistically, strengthening Country and nurturing vibrant and continuous connection to culture. Encouraging policy developments and Australia’s bid for the COP31 Presidency with Pacific Island nations represent potential turning points, if we shape these initiatives to deliver strong outcomes.
Within this context, philanthropy has the unique ability to take calculated risks, bridge sectors and mobilise long-term capital. However, with global giving to climate change at only 2 per cent of total giving and at approximately 4-5% for environmental causes in Australia, significant scaling and maximising impact of capital is needed.
Delivering bold, collaborative action
This strategy is the result of deep listening, thoughtful design and powerful insights gathered from our network over many months.
It responds to the urgency of the crises we face — ecological collapse, climate disruption, threats to democracy — and the opportunities that philanthropy has to lead the change.
Our new strategy sets a course for a more connected, catalytic AEGN. One that continues to nurture member connections while actively coordinating action on key priority areas: biodiversity, Australia’s renewable energy transition, First Nations justice, democracy, sustainable food systems and more.
Transformation, credibility, capacity and collaboration
The AEGN’s model supports members at varying levels of giving and stages of their philanthropic journey. Our model also allows various work areas to connect, to avoid silos and ensure the whole of the AEGN is more than the sum of its parts.
AEGN catalyses TRANSFORMATION across the public, private and community sectors to deliver systems change. We:
- CONVENE: Expand the diversity of expert stakeholders who come together to build shared strategies, so that philanthropy has the information to inform strategy and the relationships that deliver impact.
- ORGANISE: Build focused philanthropy collaborations that have clear shared purpose and goals, agreed ways of working and dedicated investment in convening infrastructure.
- INNOVATE: Incubate and pilot new initiatives and ideas drawn from AEGN members, NGOs and broader sector.
AEGN builds the CREDIBILITY of the AEGN to maximise member influence where it matters. We:
- ADVOCATE: Build relationships of influence with key decision makers and leaders across the public, private and community sectors.
- COMMUNICATE: Deploy strategic communications and best practice storytelling in relevant media, social media and at events, to demonstrate impact and influence of AEGN members’ work in the world and grow the AEGN’s reputation and recognition among key decision makers and leaders.
AEGN builds CAPABILITY so AEGN members and the broader sector so that philanthropy understands and addresses systemic problems. We:
- EDUCATE: Build processes and experiences that deliver peer-to-peer learning and mentoring, that supports members on their giving journey and promotes best-practice philanthropy.
- EXCHANGE: Connect diverse expertise and experiences from AEGN members, and across the public, private and community sectors to grow knowledge and build confidence of philanthropists to give more effectively and catalyse impact.
AEGN builds COLLABORATION so that AEGN members and potential members are motivated to scale their environmental giving:
- CONNECT: Connect and convene people within the network who share common interests.
- INSPIRE: Deliver transformational in-person experiences that accelerate relationship building and spark strategic giving. Deliver impactful storytelling designed to drive action.
- PARTNER: Build robust, clear partnerships with organisations across the public, private, community and philanthropic sectors that help us grow engagement in strategic philanthropy and priority work areas. Support initiatives across sectors that enable our priority goals.
AEGN is so much greater than the sum of its parts. The glue, the learning and the partnership the AEGN provides has made environmental philanthropy in Australia a force to be reckoned with.
Eytan Lenko, AEGN Deputy Chair and CEO at Boundless Earth
An unmatched opportunity for impact
AEGN members have already achieved major wins for climate and environment. In recent years, these have included:
- The Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia policy, which drives economic growth by leveraging the net zero transition, with a focus on renewable energy and resilience. This will create $171 billion uplift in GDP, 329,000 FTE jobs and save $9.9 billion in avoided costs from emissions reductions.
- The Federal Government’s $2.3 billion battery rebate scheme (which has smashed forecasts at 1,000 daily registrations for new household batteries).
- The announcement of a 310,000 km2 expansion of the sub-Antarctic Heard and McDonald Islands Marine Park.
- Leveraging $2 million to achieve a change in land-clearing laws and secure a $500 million land restoration commitment from the Queensland Government.
- New Indigenous Protected Areas declared across Australia for over 7.5 million hectares of land and 450,000 hectares of sea Country (bigger than Tasmania).
- Australia has more than 10 million hectares of privately protected land – the largest network of privately protected areas in the world. This private land conservation protects some of Australia’s most threatened species and ecosystems. While it is not enough to hit our biodiversity targets, it demonstrates what can be achieved when public, private and community sectors work together.
Thank You
The AEGN is a not-for-profit with deductible gift status and is entirely funded by its members. We extend our special thanks to those members who have provided financial support for the AEGN’s operations.
We also extend our thanks to members and supporters, partners and other stakeholders who have contributed to this plan.
We acknowledge that this plan builds on previous efforts, and we thank all those involved in the AEGN’s journey to make it the organisation it is today.