Increasing environmental focus

Anna says while the foundation initially focused on health, education and human rights projects, over the years it increasingly sought to tackle environmental and climate-related issues. “Everything’s intersectional, so there’s an understanding that these things are linked.”

A more explicit focus came in later years, particularly when there was an opportunity to support the campaign to close Hazelwood, then the highest-polluting power station in Australia, located in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley. “Given we’re headquartered in Victoria, the trustees felt there was an obvious imperative to shut this coal-fired power station down, so we were able to support Environment Victoria through a fairly substantial grant to assist their efforts to make that happen,” says Anna.  

Backing good people doing good work

It’s a strategy that’s informed Planet Wheeler’s support for Inclusive Development International’s Follow the Money Initiative, which works with local people to identify and prevent harmful development projects and seek redress for those affected. “We entered into this partnership through a human rights lens, but I would say that it’s one of our most significant climate organisations in terms of impact,” says Anna. She credits the organisation’s investigative work with helping to change the way the World Bank now funds intermediary banks through its private funding arm, the International Finance Corporation. A shift in lending practices has resulted in stronger environmental safeguards, effectively turning off a flow of funds to several fossil-fuel projects slated for our region.

Planet Wheeler’s funding strategy behind all these partnerships is simple: they look for good people doing good work. “We’re interested in organisations and not telling them which strategies they should pursue. We look for the people, the basic infrastructure behind the organisation,” says Anna. “Are their finances sound? If not, are there some quick fixes that could help bring them up to speed with the quality of the work, because sometimes people are building aeroplanes in the air, right? Pay for staff, pay for travel costs, pay for phone calls, pay for zoom licences — the stuff that makes projects happen.”

Building community and collective ambition

Planet Wheeler is a long-term member of the AEGN, joining the network in 2014. Over this time, Anna believes the foundation has benefited enormously from its membership, particularly by being connected to like-minded funders.

For Anna, the AEGN remains an invaluable guide as she transitions into a new role with the Australian Communities Foundation, also an AEGN member. “To a prospective member I’d say you’re not alone. Best practice funding is collaborative, it’s through partnerships, and that’s what’s being encouraged through the AEGN. There’s as much or as little as you want; you can dip your toe in or throw yourself into the pool of possibility.” Anna laughs at her off-the-cuff metaphor. “It’s a nice pool. Saltwater. No chlorine.”