Ethos Global 2015 Community Project Grants announced

Pollinate Energy is one of only six recipients of the 2015 Ethos Global Community Project Grants. Each of the six recipients will receive a grant, of up to $5000, for programs that bring positive societal, environmental and economic benefits while enhancing community wellbeing.

Pollinate Energy is a group of young Australians who thrive on creating sustainable solutions to social problems and are focused on providing energy access for the urban poor of India. The model that Pollinate uses works at two levels: the economic empowerment of communities through job creation and selling clean energy technology in local slum communities; and the provision of community access to affordable clean energy. By purchasing clean energy products for their home, on deferred payment plans, families area able to save money as they no longer need to buy kerosene, improve their health as they are no longer inhaling the harmful fumes from burning kerosene and improve their general standard of living as they have light during the evening and their children are able to study.

Pollinate began on the outskirts of Bangalore in late 2012 and, as each month passes, more and more un-electrified communities throughout the city have been found and helped — they are now using their grant to move into Hyderabad and are looking towards Kolkata too.

Other recipients of the grant included: The Manjeri School Project, The Human Resource Education and Development (THREAD), 3C Projects and The Planet Spins.

The Manjeri School Project in Uganda seeks sustainability of its school by developing local social enterprises that generate alternative income. To date they have established a 2500-bird chicken farm, a honey cooperative and a matatu taxi enterprise, with the new funding to assist development of the most significant venture yet — a mixed farm for livestock and a small intensive, permaculture-style garden.

The Human Resource Education and Development (THREAD) in Odisha, India, has received funding to train 25 indigenous youth from marginalised communities in masonry and ecological brickmaking prior to engaging them on government construction contracts normally undertaken by middle men from cities. The project’s objectives align with ethical, ecological sustainable livelihoods development as well as awareness and promotion of social and economic justice.

3C Projects have been awarded a grant for the Traditional Ecology Sponsorship — supporting an Australian Year 10-12 student to attend the annual Maabayj Turtle Camp in East Arnhemland. Participating in the camp offers a unique learning experience for students who have an interest in the environment, marine science and ecology, as well as providing an opportunity for intercultural awareness and the sharing of traditional management practices of the sea, country and coast. Through the project, Ethos Global also hopes to help promote the Maabayj Turtle Camp as an ethical and sustainable ecotourism enterprise that supports the Yanyuwa people in the community of Borroloola and the Li-Anthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit.

Funding has also been provided to 3C to assist in the production of material to raise awareness of the 2016 Freedom Day events celebrating 50 years since the Wave Hill walk-off.

The Planet Spins has received funds for the Yungunn Gureima project, which will enable members of Queensland’s first languages communities to continue exploring different media for promoting and extending their work in language maintenance. With the support of the Queensland Indigenous Languages Advisory Committee (QILAC) and Binabar Books, the Yungunn Gureima project will host an interactive design lab for digital media professionals and regional community members to design educationally based interactive children’s materials that promote knowledge and understanding of cultures and traditions.

An initiative of Ethos Global Foundation, the pioneering Darwin-based charity, the Community Project Grants are offered to all organisations and groups in Australia, whether non-profit or for profit with purpose, that are endeavouring to deliver community programs that build resilience and drive positive social and sustainable development.

“The Ethos Global Community Grants panel was overwhelmed by the quality of submissions this year, making it very competitive. We are thrilled by the diversity of the programs and delighted to be able to offer these grants to support such innovative and worthwhile causes,” said Renita Glencross, executive director, Ethos Global Foundation.

“Each of the projects that Ethos Global has chosen to fund plays a crucial role in supporting and nurturing communities, aligning itself with the ethics and values of the foundation.”

“Six projects are being invested in this year, globally, totalling $24,950 for sustainable and ethical community development practices across Australia, India and Africa.”