About the Revolving Land Fund
The Gondwana Rainforest Trust Revolving Land Fund (the Revolving Land Fund) exists for one purpose: to acquire and hold land in order to prevent damaging land use and secure it for conservation.
The Revolving Land Fund was created to address the financial challenges faced by conservation non-profits when purchasing land, including:
When more properties are available than funds immediately on hand
When long-term planning is needed beyond a typical fundraising cycle
When land prices are high and time is required to raise the necessary funds
When sales require fast settlement that outpaces standard fundraising efforts
By overcoming these barriers, the Revolving Land Fund provides finance for land purchase where we where we would otherwise miss out on protecting critical properties.
Administration
The Gondwana Rainforest Trust is a registered non-profit organisation and Charity endorsed by the ATO (Australian Tax Office) and the ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission). Our constitution stipulates our principal purpose which is to be furthered through, amongst other activities, the establishment and maintenance of a public fund called the Gondwana Rainforest Fund (a Deductible Gift Recipient public fund) for the purpose of accepting gifts and donations. The monies held in the Gondwana Rainforest Fund can only be used in the furtherance of the organisation's principal purpose.
It is governed in line with relevant laws and Gondwana Rainforest Trust’s constitution, with funds kept in a separate account.
How It Works
Unlike other revolving land funds, properties acquired through the Gondwana Rainforest Trust Revolving Land Fund are not returned to private individual ownership. Instead, they are owned and managed by Gondwana Rainforest Trust or permanently protected by being declared a Nature Refuge (placing a binding covenant on the land title) or added to the protected area estate (e.g. a National Park).
The Revolving Land Fund provides the upfront finance to purchase properties.
A fundraising campaign is launched to repay the Revolving Land Fund.
Once the goal is met, the Revolving Land Fund is replenished in full.
- The capital in the Revolving Land Fund is available to be used again for the acquisition of another property.
This cycle ensures that seed capital remains in the Revolving Land Fund, enabling ongoing land acquisitions well into the future. Every dollar donated is recycled into multiple conservation outcomes.
History
The Gondwana Rainforest Trust Revolving Land Fund was established in 2022 with an initial pledge of $1.5 million. Since then, additional donations have been sought to grow the Fund and expand its impact. The Revolving Land Fund has been used since that time to support the purchase of multiple rainforest properties in Far North Queensland.
Benefits for Donors
Every contribution to the Revolving Land Fund has a lasting impact. While each donor’s commitment is relevant to their amount of their gift, the capital itself continues to grow and support new acquisitions year after year.
Because the Fund is restricted for its conservation purpose, gifts provide protection that endures for generations.
For more information on the Gondwana Rainforest Trust Revolving Land Fund please email [email protected].