Permaculture Australia is registered as a charity with the ACNC operating as Permaculture International Public Fund (Permafund). Since 2012, Permafund has funded 38 community permaculture projects in 14 countries including Kenya, Nepal, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Timor Leste, Indonesia, Afghanistan and Cambodia.
Permafund has received double the usual number of applications in this year’s micro grant round. The 37 projects applying for funding of up tp $2000 are mostly concerned with food growing. Countries like India have seen city workers pouring back to their villages and putting pressure on local food supplies. Other proposals include fish farming, women’s livelihoods and saving endangered turtles by using riparian permaculture techniques.Â
Permafund has received double the usual number of applications in this year’s micro grant round. The 37 projects applying for funding of up tp $2000 are mostly concerned with food growing. Countries like India have seen city workers pouring back to their villages and putting pressure on local food supplies. Other proposals include fish farming, women’s livelihoods and saving endangered turtles by using riparian permaculture techniques.
The Permafund team scrutinises and assesses all the proposals, often contacting applicants for clarification about their plans and the techniques employed. Priority is given to those with the greatest need, with a good concept and implementation plan, in line with permaculture principles and with conservation value.
Beekkeeping, a biogas plant, gardens in refugee camps and revival of traditional foods such as the madhumba tuber are examples of the range of projects to consider.
While the team will have the difficult task of rejecting some applications, an increase in donations this year will mean that more communities than before will be successful.
When asked why Permafund was so successful, our volunteer Grants Coordinator Jed replied:
“Permafund is able to scrutinise on-the-ground projects to ensure they produce a good yield and distribute it fairly to those most in need. By funding projects directly and ensuring permaculture techniques are properly used we know that all funds raised result in healthy landscapes. Increasingly we see groups who have the knowledge and skills but lack the resources to progress their food-growing plans…. Permafund makes their designs a reality which is very satisfying”
A huge thank you to all of our donors, including a recent donation from our supporters at Pip Media and Pip Magazine.
“At Pip Media we follow the permaculture ethics of earth care, people care and fair share – by donating to Permafund we share some of the profits that come through the work we do… We know the donation will go to projects that have been carefully selected by the great team behind PA’s Permafund – Permaculture International Public Fund whom share similar values to Pip.” Robyn, Editor Pip Magazine.
Thanks Robyn and team Pip!
The Permafund team is currently hard at work assessing the applications and can’t wait to announce the successful grants on 30th October 2020. In the meantime, you can find out more about Permafund and the projects we support, including how to donate here
