STRATEGY

Drawing on the broader experience of our first decade of philanthropy, The Thomas Foundation has narrowed its support focus, now concentrating largely on the environment.

To assist this shift in emphasis, we have close links with The Nature Conservancy (TNC).

TNC's science-based methodology, with its implicit testing of ideas, approaches and assumptions prior to full-scale commitment to them, means all projects it supports are informed by the best available data.

We hold this strategy in the highest regard, recognising the strength that TNC has derived from this rigorous approach over its near-60 years of operations. This leads us to work closely with TNC and its current conservation partners in Australia - The Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Bush Heritage, Greening Australia and The Trust for Nature.

At the same time we see ours as an ‘activist role' within this co-operative arrangement. While we've spent or committed some $14 million to environmental projects, we readily accept that our resources are puny in the face of the mammoth conservation challenges Australia faces.

To compensate we're working strategically to identify niche needs or projects likely to bring lasting environmental change, and seeking expert advice on the most effective change-projects in prospect.

In this regard, we see the importance of establishing an environmental audit process that monitors and measures the success of projects, and the ecological health of the nation and are exploring ways of implementing such a program.

We are also exploring ways of raising public awareness of the importance of arresting the decline in biodiversity.

Importantly, we have no land-owning ambitions. Rather we see our role as supporting relevant projects being pursued by others who share our vision.

Grants: For organisations seeking support, it is important to understand that we do not solicit general grant applications, or accept them. Because of our very limited administrative support, regrettably we do not even have the capacity to respond to grant applications.

Advice: With more than a decade's experience, we have developed expertise in assessing ways in which support can be brought effectively to the conservation sector, and are willing to advise and help others considering taking similar steps in this direction.

Donations: However, for those simply wanting to make a donation to conservation activities, we recommend you do so by giving directly to one of:

• The Nature Conservancy (www.tnc.org);
  
• The Australian Wildlife Conservancy (www.awc.org.au);
  
• Bush Heritage (www.bushheritage.org.au);
  
• Greening Australia (www.greeningaustralia.org.au); or
  
• The Trust for Nature (www.trustfornature.org.au).