The Bilby Challenge
A generous supporter is making one of the most significant philanthropic contributions to conservation in Australia by teaming with AWC to establish the Bilby Challenge.
Under the Bilby Challenge, eligible gifts to AWC in 2011/12 will attract a match of either 50% or 25%. Your gift, and the matching funds generated under the Bilby Challenge, will be used to support innovative on-ground management programs at our sanctuaries around Australia and important new projects such as the Northern Mammal project and the Mt Gibson Reintroduction project.
Why is it called the Bilby Challenge?
The Lesser Bilby is now listed as extinct.
Many of you will be aware that the AWC logo is the Lesser Bilby (Macrotis leucura). The Lesser Bilby was last seen in South Australia in the 1930s although a skull of unknown age was recovered from under a Wedge-tailed Eagle’s nest in 1967. The Lesser Bilby is now listed as extinct. The Bilby Challenge is designed to help provide a more secure future for our threatened and declining wildlife so that other species may avoid the fate of the Lesser Bilby.
The Bilby Challenge in 2011/12
This financial year (2011/12), the Bilby Challenge will operate as follows for all gifts by individuals (including associated foundations and trusts):
For new donors:
- all gifts of $1,000 or more will earn a 50% match.
For existing donors:
- The donation of a previously pledged gift of $5,000 or more will attract a 25% match.
- A donation of $5,000 or more (not previously pledged) will attract a 25% match if the gift represents a continuation of the general level of giving by that donor.
- A gift of $5,000 or more will attract a 50% match if it represents a significant increase in the general level of giving to AWC by the donor.
The maximum amount provided by the Bilby Challenge in 2011/12 for any individual donor will be capped at $250,000. In addition, gifts which are already attracting a match under the program (eg Bowra, Thomas Challenge) will not be matched by the Bilby Challenge
Inspired by the Thomas Challenge
AWC acknowledges the inspirational example set by David and Barbara Thomas, who established the $10 million Thomas Challenge, implemented through The Nature Conservancy (TNC). The Thomas Challenge, building on an earlier TNC program (the Wilson Challenge), has helped to substantially increase the level of environmental philanthropy in Australia and has been a catalyst for the establishment of the Bilby Challenge.