The Natural Capital Fund was set up by Terrain NRM to help community groups and individuals undertake projects that have the potential to make significant change and progress towards Terrain’s environmental objectives.

One of Terrain’s objectives is to nurture the next generation of leaders in natural resource management and the environment sector. Our annual ‘Emerging Leader Mentoring Program’ is an example of how we are providing opportunities for future leaders to gain valuable Board experience and be mentored within a high performing not for profit organisation.

We also provide bursaries through our Natural Capital Fund to support young Indigenous people who wish to pursue study in natural resource management, environmental studies, sustainable development, agriculture or conservation.

In the long-term our aim is that the Bursary creates an alumnus of engaged, Indigenous youth with education in these fields of study which will create opportunities for employment, partnership and leadership positions for mutual benefit.

In addition to receiving a $3000 bursary, successful candidates will be provided with opportunities to network and build relationships with people in the NRM and environment sector.

Applications are now open for Indigenous Bursaries until Friday 28 June 2024. To find out more download the information and application kit 2024.

The Natural Capital Fund is overseen by a Committee made up of two Terrain NRM Board members and one member of Terrain NRM staff. This Committee reports to the Terrain NRM Board.

All of the donations paid to the Natural Capital Fund are maintained in a separate bank account and reported separately in Terrain NRM’s annual financial reports.

Each year, Terrain NRM completes and lodges a statistical return about the Natural Capital Fund to the Register of Environmental Organisations.

Since 2006 the Natural Capital Fund has provided grants for a range of projects including:

• TREAT’s carbon farming research project
• Aboriginal ecosystem and land management knowledge database 

The Fund also provides annual bursaries to Indigenous students of natural resource management, environmental science or agriculture.