Animals and Environment

Our economy and lifestyle are dependent on healthy water, soil, climate, oceans and bio-diversity. Improving and conserving the health of our natural environment, particularly its flora and fauna including the welfare and well-being of domestic animals, is important for many of the charitable trusts managed by Equity Trustees. Across this broad, inter-linked spectrum, funding is provided in three areas of focus:  Animal Welfare; Conservation; and Climate Change.

Animal Welfare

Programs in this area provide grants to organisations that support animals to be in a good state of welfare, that is (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviour, and it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear and distress. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition and humane handling and humane slaughter/killing. 

Conservation

Australia is home to many species of which are not found anywhere else in the world. However, there are immediate and increasing pressures on Australian flora and fauna as a result of habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation; invasive species; unsustainable use of natural resources, changes to aquatic environments and flows; changing fire regimes; and climate change. A grant program that inspires children to be our next generation of conservationists is currently under development.

Climate Change

At the heart of all environmental matters is the state of the climate and Climate Change. However, Climate Change is not only an environmental issue.  The impacts of unchecked global warming are significant, having been described as the defining human development issue of our generation and one of the greatest ecological, economic and social challenges facing us today. This pillar is supported by the Robert Hicks Foundation whose funding aim is to support Australia to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.  Funding partnerships are in place for the major grants program and a small grants program running in partnership with Climate Action Network Australia (CANA).

Our Animal Welfare strategy can be read here.

Our Environment strategy can be read here.