As Biodiversity Month draws to a close, we recognise our Chair Jim Phillipson for the work he is doing to support the protection of unique species and ecosystems, and the people working to conserve them. Jim is a collaborator and backer of others at heart, known for weaving his networking magic in the name of nature. Here he tells us a little about his journey from personal action to working to support ecosystems of conservation organisations and more recently, his commitment to collaborative philanthropy, which led to the formation of Nature Impact Collective itself.
Early connections to biodiversity…
Jim’s relationship with nature had its beginnings in his rural upbringing in the south west of NSW, and then Gippsland. While that close connection to the land was formative for him, he recognises that it can be found anywhere. “Fundamentally we are part of and inseparable from biodiversity. It should be an instinctive and genuine part of all of our lives. Irrespective of where you’re born and where you live it is possible…biodiversity is where you are.”
Later, when Jim was raising a family of his own and building several businesses with his wife Heather in Gippsland, they made a conscious decision to start playing an active role in repairing biodiversity loss. Their first step was the purchase of a grazing property 40 years ago.
“On our initial property we worked vigorously to fence areas to allow nature to return, and eventually transitioned to conservation only”, said Jim. “Then around a decade ago, seeing we were having success, we purchased a neighbouring property followed by others.” This extended the biolink for plants and animals to move more freely between their property and the Avon Wilderness. These efforts led to the establishment of Ecogipps which now includes four biolinked landholdings covering over 1000 acres.
Broadening the work…
Seeing an opportunity to share their learnings and encourage others to follow suit, the Phillipsons created Biodiversity Legacy to assist landholders, community groups and donors to protect land for future generations. In addition, EcoLands Collective was formed to provide backbone support for conservation organisations, assisting with administrative, financial, employment, and communications needs.
With these matrices of action in place, Jim and Heather decided to commit their family assets within Rendere Environmental Trust, to spend down for nature by 2030 and support urgent work for biodiversity protection in Australia.
“We are committing Rendere’s financial assets to take urgent action for nature by 2030,” said Jim. “Given the small percentage of philanthropic funding that goes to nature, and our own personal passion and knowledge in this area, we wanted to donate 100%.”
Amplifying the voice for biodiversity…
While the heartland of Jim’s focus has been on community led conservation groups, supporting action from the bottom up, he recognises the importance of regional, state and national leadership – the whole ecosystem of organisations taking action.
Having established long term relationships with complementary organisations like Landcare, the Australian Land Conservation Alliance (ALCA) and the Climate Council, Jim could see the need for an equivalent council for biodiversity. Around four years ago, with support from Melbourne University and funding commitment from Ian Potter Foundation (IPF), Jim and Louise Arkles of IPF formed a group of funders to establish a national Biodiversity Council. Recently the Council evolved to independent status from the university and launched the Nature Media Centre together with ALCA and Pew Charitable Trusts.
“In just a few years the Biodiversity Council has established itself as a trusted, independent voice for nature, bringing scientific expertise to one of the most urgent issues of our time,” said Jim. “By combining research excellence with public advocacy, the Council is shifting national conversations and strengthening biodiversity’s place on the policy agenda. With the launch of the Nature Media Centre, they are amplifying credible, solutions-focused voices to inform middle Australia.”
The Journey to collective giving…
From this baseline of supporting others and building relationships in the name of nature protection, it is only natural that Jim had the inclination to explore collaborative philanthropy. Nature Impact Collective was conceived over long chats and cups of tea with Will Crothers of Upotipotpon Foundation and Ella Colley of the Gum Tree Foundation, and launched formally in early 2024.
“Philanthropy can be quite a lonely occupation, with a culture of privacy surrounding it. Nature Impact Collective is a way to come together with people who share an aspiration for intelligent and impactful funding, that allows us to be more open and share,” said Jim. “It is empowering personally, because you are part of a decision making team. Essentially you are part of a much broader impact – we could sit in a corner and give a dollar, but through the Collective every dollar that we contribute is multiplied.”
Looking forward…
Jim’s eternal optimism coupled with his skill in fostering and supporting action provides much hope and inspiration for those around him. But what is providing hope and inspiration for him right now?
“I am particularly heartened by individuals who have started initiatives like Groundswell, Five Bucks or the new Just Futures Collab who are using their social intelligence to create giving for others. They are planting wild seeds that allow non-traditional philanthropy to take root – innovative approaches that attract young people and broaden community engagement which philanthropy can support, with a multiplying effect.”
Jim sees the traditional walls of philanthropy being broken down further, creating a sense of the universal responsibility of caring for and funding nature protection and repair. This engagement with giving is how a sense of empowerment and agency can be created, and the grander collective action needed achieved.
“Philanthropy should no longer conjure up the idea of the Chairman’s lounge… Giving is becoming more of a whole lifestyle approach, rather than an end of life project to give some money away. And the concept of giving away all of your assets in your lifetime, as opposed to accumulation of wealth, is growing in traction – which is very positive indeed.”
“Giving is essential. It should be universal, not discretionary. At any level it empowers individuals and strengthens community.”
Jim Phillipson, Rendere Environmental Trust
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In 2025 Nature Impact Collective supported the launch of the Nature Media Centre through funding to the Biodiversity Council. If you are interested in extending support to them also, or to any of the organisations we have funded, please reach out and we will be happy to put you in touch.
Read more about the Nature Media Centre launch here in this article by Rendere Enviornmental Trust.