Canon environmental grant applications now open

Canon is calling for applications for its environmental grants program. The company is looking to source ideas on how its products can be used to benefit environmental and community-based projects.

Would an underwater camera help your coral reef conservation project document the effect of global warming? Perhaps a low-light performance video camera would come in useful for monitoring the nesting of endangered loggerhead turtles? Or would a brand new multifunction printer ensure your charity’s time and funding go into helping the communities that need it, rather than fixing paper jams every other day?

Each year, five grants of Canon products to the sum of $5000 are awarded to projects or organisations that can demonstrate the greatest positive impact for the Australian environment and community.

“They say two heads are better than one, so we’re looking to crowd source ideas for the best ways in which our products can be used to benefit our environment and Australian communities,” said Janet Leslie, Quality, Safety & Environment Manager, Canon Oceania.

“Last year’s grants have helped support conservation programs by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia, Reef Life Survey and Rainforest Rescue and sustainability initiatives run by South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchment and the Alternative Technology Association,” said Leslie.

Simon Brown, Community Engagement Manager, SEQ Catchment, a community-owned, not-for-profit business dedicated to improving the natural resources and environment of South East Queensland, reflected, “The cameras and projector have been excellent resources to assist our staff with project delivery, helping us to capture images used to communicate the impacts of the flood to the rest of the community and funding bodies.”

Selection is based on the environmental merits of each group’s nominated project, as well as the importance of the digital imaging products that make up the grant in realising its success. Each of the five recipients will have their choice of $5000 of Canon equipment - including digital compact and DSLR cameras, video cameras, binoculars, projectors, multifunction devices and waterproof cameras.

This year the grants will be awarded under the following categories:

• National Award: An environmental project with national significance and impact
• Regional Award: An environmental project based in a regional area with a regional impact
• Grassroots Award: A community group with an income of $25,000 or less
• Youth Award: A project led by an individual under 25 years of age

Applications for this year’s program can be made through the Canon Australia website.