Community Giving Program

The Nature Parks values its connections to the Bass Coast community and is committed to giving back to support projects and events that align with our strategic objectives and values.

Each year we commit funds and in-kind support for sponsorships, and we have an allocation of tickets to our attractions to give back to the Phillip Island community as donations.

We strive to encourage and support events and projects that provide conservation benefits and promote the values of the Nature Parks.

The community is an important stakeholder and partner in the work we do and through providing sponsorship and donations, we feel we are able to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

The objectives are to support events and projects that:

• Align with our strategic objectives and values.
• Give back to the Bass Coast community.
• Educate and raise awareness about nature, conservation and sustainability.
• Respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures.

The Nature Parks will consider applications from registered businesses, incorporated community groups and associations, management committees, sporting clubs, volunteer groups and schools. Individuals may also apply.

If an applicant is not an eligible organisation as defined above, they may request an auspice of an eligible organisation to apply on their behalf.

To be eligible for sponsorship, the application must meet the following criteria: 

• The event or project must be located or held within the Bass Coast region. 
• The applicant must provide proof of not-for-profit registration or registered charity.
• The applicant must hold an Australian Business Number (ABN).
• The applicant must demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and minimising environmental impact. 
• The applicant must include the Nature Parks logo on the event’s collateral. 
• The event or project must align with the Nature Parks values and actively promote our organisation's mission and objectives.

There are three types of sponsorship available:

• Financial support minor (up to $1,000)
• Financial support major (up to $2,000)
• In-kind support (limits and conditions may apply)

We believe it’s important that the events and/or projects we support have an impact on the region by driving positive social change, promoting conservation, and demonstrating best practice sustainability. We want to support events and/or projects that align with one or more of the following themes:

• Nature/wildlife conservation
• Environmental education/awareness
• Diversity and inclusion in our community
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures
• Arts, history and culture
• Sport and recreation

Fill out the online application form here.

There will be two application rounds each year:

The following information is required in the application form:

• Name and contact details for the applicant and/or the entity applying.
• Type of sponsorship.
• Details about the event/project.
• ABN, proof of registration and account details.
• Details about how the evaluation criteria will be met.

An assessment panel will review and score applications received based on the agreed evaluation criteria. Applications will be ranked and a report with recommendations for distribution of sponsorship funds will be approved by the Chief Executive Officer.

The Nature Parks will communicate with applicants at several stages during the process to

• Confirm receipt of the application.
• Notify the applicant of the outcome of their application.
• Send sponsorship agreements to successful applicants for review and signature.
• Send a purchase order to successful applicants for the receipt of funds upon signing the agreement.
• Request the acquittal from the successful applicant upon the completion of the sponsored event/project.

The Nature Parks is required to enter into a sponsorship agreement outlining the responsibilities of each party and the details for the sponsorship. Once signed, a purchase order will be issued to the recipient, and payment will be made within 30 days of receiving a tax invoice.

The funding must be spent in full within 120 days of receipt.

An acquittal form will be provided to the recipient 90 days after the funds are issued.

Yes, applications can be made across multiple years.

Applicants are allowed to submit only one application per year.

The Nature Parks will not enter into a sponsorship agreement with an organisation (or individual) that:

• Operates electronic gambling machines on their premises or has electronic gambling machines as part of their business activities.
• Does not share the Nature Parks views on promoting a diverse, tolerant and inclusive community.
• Is a political party.
• Offers programs or activities that may present a hazard to the community or conservation, or that do not reflect the Nature Parks views. 
• Proposes projects to install or upgrade infrastructure located on property owned privately or by a public company.
• Is currently involved in a tendering or procurement process with the Nature Parks.

If you would like to speak with someone about your application, contact the Community team at community@penguins.org.au.