THE EARTH WELFARE FOUNDATION

Josette Wunder (Founder and Director)

Why be philanthropic?
I came to philanthropy from the reverse side of the coin. Having spent over 20 years working in Nepal and Viet Nam on NGO environmentallybased development projects as a community development specialist, I have had first hand experience of what its like working on the ground and of that constant need for funding. So when eventually I was in a position to establish my own Private Ancillary Fund, I experienced great joy and gratitude that I was able to be the provider of funds rather than the seeker of them. I love being able to make a difference and to select projects that are in line with my own philosophical values.

So what is my passion?
My area of passion is the protection and conservation of our unique environment and of those bountiful gifts which nature has provided for our wise stewardship. This has been an interest all my adult life. So it stands to reason that all Earth Welfare Foundation funding since its inception in 2006, with one exception, has and continues to be in the environment sector. My particular bias extends mostly to biodiversity protection and water conservation.

And the projects are .

Projects funded to date include: The Grass Routes - National Parks Association NSW Save the Murray Campaign - Environment Victoria Mammal Extinction Campaign - Environment Centre of the Northern Territory Hazelwood Campaign - Environment Victoria Sponsor of the Charles Darwin Reserve - Bush Heritage Australia Murray-Darling Project Administrative Support - Inland Rivers Network NSW Scientific Internship Program - Australian Wildlife Conservancy Child Friendly Australia - National Association for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect

The Grass Routes - The Foundations favourite

Australia's unique Travelling Stock Routes ~ also known as The Long Paddock ~ are at risk from sale, fragmentation and inadequate funding for proper sustainable management. The purpose of The Grass Routes Project is to contribute to the creation of a unique Australia-wide network of bush corridors which include the Traveling Stock Routes. These grass routes are essential to protecting our heritage and native habitats, as well as providing areas for sustainable livelihoods. To achieve this vision requires a ground swell of action from all Australians ~ individuals, organisations, businesses, scientists, drovers, politicians, funders and more ~ to collaborate and contribute towards the conservation, regeneration and sustainability of our unique bush corridors. It requires a new network to form and build common ground for the shared and sustainable use of these habitats.

So why the AEGN?

For me, the AEGN provides a supportive network of like-minded people whose aim is to further the funding dollar into the vitally important arena of environment. Its role as advocate, information-provider and clearing house are for me its key aspects. To have the opportunity to collaborate with other philanthropic organisations extends our capacity to have a greater impact and to make an even bigger difference in what it is we are able to achieve. And whats more - I like Amanda and fervently believe shes doing a great job.