Guy Dixon
This program aims to support not-for-profit or social enterprise founders or start-ups with their ventures to drive positive change for wildlife, biodiversity and the environment.
Key information
- Status: Closed
- Grant amount: $50,000
- Application opened: 1 November 2024
- Application closed: 27 January 2025
Program objective
There is no doubt that we are facing a biodiversity crisis, with severe declines in global wildlife and habitat that have been described as “Code Red for the Planet”.
We require a whole generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to bring change across every industry and corner of the globe. New technologies and ideas must be at the forefront of tackling climate change and supporting biodiversity and conservation.
There is still time to act, but the time is running out.
Through this program Taronga aims to drive innovative solutions to some of the world’s most pressing conservation and environmental challenges. If you are an eco-startup and have a brilliant idea, product or service that you think will be the next game changer for the planet, or know someone who does, Taronga wants to hear from you.
Program highlights:
- $30,000 value in development support per participating initiative
- the opportunity to receive up to $50,000 in funding at the end of the 14-week accelerator
- $2000 in seed funding
- no strings attached – free to participate, no equity required
- expert advice from Impact Boom, Entrepreneur in Residence and delivery partner
- available to applications Australia wide
- travel and accommodation included
- support to develop a brilliant idea into a not-for-profit or social enterprise venture
- access to top mentors and subject matter experts, including Taronga’s experts in conservation, science, education and community engagement
- a peer group of like-minded innovators and thought leaders.
This program is funded and administered by Department of Planning and Environment and Taronga Conservation Society Australia.
Eligibility
The Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program provides funding and support for eco-startups and founders to deliver positive environmental impact.
Who can apply
Applications are open to individuals and teams, with a maximum team size of 3 people.
All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria found in the eligibility requirements, in accordance with the below.
Who can’t apply
Applicants/applicant organisations who are not located within Australia or initiatives that do not deliver benefits within Australia. Organisations that generate above $150,000 in revenue per annum.
Types of projects funded under this grant
Not-for-profit or social enterprise founders with a venture that will drive positive change for wildlife and the environment.
A key requirement is that your idea is:
- targeted to address a key conservation or environmental challenge;
- an innovative approach to address the issue you’re targeting;
- designed to make a positive impact on the natural environment;
- aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Taronga’s 360 degree approach to conservation;
- a concept, pre-launch or early stage venture – you bring the concept, we’ll help you to assess, test and validate it;
- is established as, or plans to develop into, a not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation, and;
- has potential to scale up for ever greater impact over time.
Example projects
Eco-startups:
- Good-Edi - who created the first edible take-away coffee cup.
- Carapac - a sustainable, durable, home compostable plastic packaging alternative made from crustacean shell waste.
- ReHabitat - a modular, biodegradable refuge for ground dwelling mammals after natural disasters.
- The Groundswell Collective - Tiny Forests - Small yet complete ecosystems, that boast a plethora of environmental and social benefits that bring communities together.
What your application needs to include
Download the application guide (PDF 280.15KB) to see all the sections that need to be addressed.
All applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Citizenship, age and location:
- Australian citizens or permanent residents
- 18 years or over
- located within Australia, and the initiative must deliver benefits within the country.
Organisational status:
- applicants or applicant organisations must fall into 1 of the following categories:
- not-for-profit organisation
- social enterprise (with at least 50% of annual profits reinvested towards the social purpose)
- individuals or teams aspiring to establish themselves as not-for-profit or social enterprise organisations.
- If applying as an existing organisation, your annual revenue should likely be less than $150,000.
Focus areas:
- practically address a current environmental or conservation issue
- demonstrate an innovative, new, or creative approach to addressing environmental or conservation issues
- align with one or more relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
- support Taronga’s 360-degree approach to conservation, focusing on wildlife, habitats, and communities. The initiative must directly impact at least one of the three areas, and directly or indirectly impact on the other two areas.
Get more information about Taronga's 360-degree approach to conservation.
The applications will be assessed against the following criteria:
- targeted to address a key conservation or environmental challenge
- an innovative approach to address the issue you’re targeting
- designed to make a positive impact on the natural environment
- aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Taronga’s 360 degree approach to conservation (see below)
- a concept, pre-launch or early stage venture – you bring the concept, we’ll help you to assess, test and validate it
- is established as, or plans to develop into, a not-for-profit or social enterprise organisation
- has potential to scale up for ever greater impact over time.
After the application is submitted
Applications will be reviewed, and shortlisted teams will be asked to provide further information. Shortlisted teams will also be required to undertake an interview with our selection panel. Interviews will be conducted via video conference for all applicants.
The applications will be assessed and both successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Successful applications will be decided by: Department of Planning and Environment (Taronga Conservation Society Australia).