How We Support EcoVillage Initiatives

The SILJA Living Foundation supports EcoVillage initiatives that demonstrate alignment with our vision and mission, with emphasis on:

1. Advancing a build-to-rent model that delivers affordable, secure, long-term, and inclusive living solutions for residents from diverse backgrounds and walks of life
   

2. Advancing community living based on sustainability principles, enhancing natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity, and enabling efficient resource use

We tailor support for specific EcoVillage initiatives on a case-by-case basis through a straightforward application process, with final decisions made by the Board of Trustees

Initiatives are selected based on alignment, feasibility, and potential for scalable impact

Support may include start-up engagement, incubation services, training, charitable contributions, or fee-based services

Become a Patron, Co-Creating Mission-Driven Projects

Join us as a Patron, your involvement can directly shape the support we can offer, creating real-world impact, whether by funding or sharing your expertise

Master Planning & Development

• Access to best practices in developing and building sustainable, self-sufficient EcoVillages

• EcoVillage master planning and property development

• Community engagement to build local support for EcoVillage projects

• Regenerative design and permaculture integration, including site-specific ecosystem assessments

Startup & Funding

• Facilitating sustainable, long-term, low-cost financing

• Start-up support, including legal entity structuring, seed funding and incubation engagement

• Mission-driven Program-Related Investments in EcoVillage developments or similar enterprise

• Development grants for innovative technologies e.g., renewable energy or waste-to-resource systems

• Ongoing property management services

• Financial and administrative services, including secretarial function

• Educational workshops on sustainable living skills, community governance, and conflict resolution

EcoVillage Operations

Charitable Contributions

• To select environmental conservation projects

• To select social development initiatives relieving disadvantage or distress

• Support for impact monitoring and research to inform best practices

Mission-Driven Funding

As a not-for-profit charitable organisation, we are relying on external funding to advance our mission to support EcoVillage initiatives

To ensure long-term sustainability and mission impact, we diversify our funding streams, through philanthropic contributions, donations, loan arrangements, grants, and surpluses from fee-based services

We are in the final stages of preparing the applications seeking charitable status with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC)

The Foundation Development Fund

Donations, grants, Patron contributions, and fees-for-services flow into this general purpose fund for distribution as approved by the Board of Trustees

Examples include:

• Funding mission-driven projects and initiatives


• Program-related investments (e.g., EcoVillages or other ventures)


• Maintaining a reserves fund for financial longevity, resilience and sustainability


• General foundation administration and operation (small core team)

By directing your support to any of these funds, you co-create lasting change, whether seeding an EcoVillage or conserving ecosystems

We prioritize accountability through real-time tracking and offer customised impact reports in alignment with your philanthropic goals

The EcoVillage Project Fund

Donations, grants, or loans are earmarked for specific EcoVillage initiatives

These restricted funds can only support the named project associated with your contribution

The Ecosystem Services Gift Fund

Donations to this environmental-focused fund are used solely for charitable distributions to qualifying conservation projects

Contributions may be tax-deductible in Australia, pending ATO endorsement of the gift fund as a deductible gift recipient (DGR)

The Necessitous Circumstances Gift Fund

Donations here support necessitous charitable causes, such as relieving poverty or distress

Contributions may be tax-deductible in Australia, pending ATO endorsement of the gift fund as a DGR

Governance of Funds Under Management

All four funds are separately governed and annually audited. After we have received status as a not-for-profit charitable organisation from the ACNC, financial reporting will be made publicly available through the ACNC portal

Build new beginnings starts with a conversation

Connect with us to forge a pathway to a more resilient future, creating real-world impact through sustainable, inspired living in joyful aspiration