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BRIEF HISTORY

Established in 1998, The Thomas Foundation's focus now is on nature conservation, with the specific objective of halting the alarming decline of Australia's native animals, plants and forests -- ie what scientists call our national biodiversity.

Total grants and commitments in our first decade exceeded $11.575 million - allocated in support of projects and programs in conservation, education and the arts.

Some beneficiaries included:

Conservation

  • Bush Heritage Australia (Anchors in the Landscape campaign; Melbourne relocation assistance; ecologists salaries; CEO professional development; Rick Farley scholarship);
  • The Nature Conservancy (establishment of an Australian presence and program; Barbara Thomas Fellowships; scientific mentoring program);
  • Australian Landscape Trust (support for Bookmark biosphere reserve program); and
  • David Thomas Challenge Grant (matching grants over five years for projects run by AWC, TNC, Bush Heritage, Greening Australia and Trust for Nature).

Education

  • The Smith Family (tertiary scholarship schemes);
  • Barossa Community Foundation (tertiary scholarships);
  • Australian Catholic University (scholarship support for Sudanese refugees);
  • The Asylum Seekers' Centre (supporting education and medical expenses for children of refugees);
  • Victorian College for the Arts - founded the Barbara Manning Fellowship;
  • Pathways to Manhood; and
  • National Gallery of Australia (support ‘Keeping Culture' exhibition tour).

Glass and jewellery

  • National Gallery of Australia (donation of Nekovar glass sculpture);
  • Queensland Gallery of Modern Art (Kaneko glass acquisition);
  • Queensland Art Gallery (regional exhibition tour);
  • Ausglass (administrative support);
  • Dowse Art Museum (biennial Gold Award for Jewellery);
  • Numerous artists' fellowship awards and project support;
  • National Gallery of Australia (supported the Dale Chihuly exhibition and education program);
  • Wagga Wagga Regional Gallery (supported acquisitions for its National Glass Collection leading to the opening of this centre, and exhibitions); and
  • Supported four leading glass artists exhibiting at GAS, Tampa, Florida.

Music and festivals

  • Victorian College for the Arts (purchase of instruments and scholarships);
  • Musica Viva (younger audience projects);
  • Australian Chamber Orchestra (Capital Challenge Fund support for emerging artists);
  • Melb International Chamber Music Competition (commissioning new works by Peter Sculpthorpe and Ross Edwards); and
  • Noosa Longweekend (administrative support for its inaugural event, and for the festival's initial jazz program).

 

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TNC Photo - Mark Godfrey
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TNC Photo - Mark Godfrey
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TNC Photo - Mark Godfrey