Trust For Nature (Victoria)

Top Contracts (2)

Giving Philosophy

Trust for Nature operates through a pragmatic, landholder-partnership model focused on permanent protection of private land through legal covenants registered on property titles. They provide ongoing stewardship support to covenantors through property visits, management advice, and community connection, recognizing that people are central to conservation success. Their approach emphasizes long-term habitat protection, First Peoples' engagement and Traditional Owner partnerships, and filling conservation gaps in under-protected bioregions like the Victorian Riverina and Victorian Volcanic Plain where less than 10% has been conserved.

Tips for Applicants

Trust for Nature doesn't operate as a traditional grantmaker but rather works directly with private landholders. If you own land in Victoria with significant conservation values, contact one of their regional Area Managers who cover specific catchments (South West, North West, North East, South Central, South East). The covenant process involves ecological assessment and legal registration. They increasingly focus on areas where less than 10% has been conserved and lands that fill gaps in the National Reserve System. For organizations seeking partnership, they work collaboratively with Traditional Owners, conservation groups, and volunteers. They support the Warreen Beek Rangers program and facilitate cultural burns on reserves, indicating openness to Indigenous-led conservation initiatives.

Notable Grants

• 2,706 hectares protected through new conservation covenants in 2024-25
• 1,800+ hectares protected through new conservation covenants in 2023-24
• 2,357 hectares protected through 40 new covenants in 2021-22
• Total of 116,000+ hectares now under permanent protection across Victoria

Financial History (7 years)