Taz Nakamasu, managing director, Canon Oceania.Canon Oceania is calling for communities to get creative as part of the application for its annual environmental grants program. Canon is offering grants in-kind to Australian and New Zealand not-for-profit organisations and schools with innovative ideas, dedicated to making a difference to their environment (and the community).
There are five grants up for grabs across Oceania, with each winning project receiving $5,000 worth of Canon equipment from digital compact and DSLR cameras, to binoculars and multi-function devices.
Winners are selected based on the environmental merits of each group’s nominated project, as well as on the impact that the Canon products would make to support the project to realise its success. The winners are sought across a number of categories, including: community and schools (Australia), Regional, Education and Community (New Zealand). Applications are open from now until September 12, with winners announced on September 30.
“Our corporate philosophy is founded on a responsible approach to working, and we are strongly committed to making a positive change in local areas. Our annual awards program strives to reward the outstanding work run by community-led groups, providing them with the right tools to support their sustainability goals,” said Taz Nakamasu, managing director, Canon Oceania.
“We encourage community groups to apply if they believe their project is positively impacting the environment and their community in some way,” said Janet Leslie, sustainability manager, Canon Oceania.
“Community groups around Australia and New Zealand are dedicated to sustaining and improving their local environment, and we want to encourage these community contributions,” she added. One of the 2013 winners was Earthwatch, an organisation dedicated to engaging people in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment.
“Prior to receiving the award, we had no access to our own photographic equipment, the grant was a huge helping hand. Images are a powerful tool, and the new equipment allowed us to show the powerful connection between people and nature, helping to inspire a new wave of volunteers,” said Dr Chris Gillies, director of Science, Earthwatch Australia.
Other 2013 award winners included a wildlife conservation project, a school campaign relating to local native habitat protection, a sustainability education project for a school’s wetland, and a program to drive restoration of Australia’s bushland.
This year the grants will be awarded under the following categories:
Australia
New Zealand
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Regional Award: An environmental project with significance to a rural or regional area within New Zealand
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Education Award: An environmental project being run by a kindergarten, primary or secondary school or tertiary organisation, or group within the organisation, within New Zealand
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Community Award: An environmental project being run by a community group or organisation within New Zealand.
To apply for a grant applicants should go to: https://www.canon.com.au/Environmental-Grants