The “Passports to Nature” festival model generates income and attracts new supporters, expanding the capacity of organizations. Typically, this approach involves the following:
•    Hosting a series of free events throughout the year that are open to the general public
•    Generating revenue from sponsors/local businesses who advertise in a program booklet (a “passport”) that prospective participants receive
•    Recruiting new supporters by collecting contact information from event participants

Events can be presented by a number of local organizations, and the Gosling Foundation encourages collaborative proposals. At least one organization must have charitable status.

 

Funding available
Up to $2,500

 

Deadline
Proposals can be submitted at any time and are considered at least quarterly: January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. Note that most Passports to Nature festivals begin in the spring of each year.

 

How to apply
Email the Foundation’s executive director, skozak@goslingfoundation.org, for more information and to request the Nature Festival funding application.

 

The Gosling Foundation facilitates a “Passports to Nature in Canada” Community of Practice that includes the following events and organizations:
•    Nature Matters, Prince Edward Point Bird Observatory
•    Passport to Nature, Couchiching Conservancy
•    Pelee Buzz, Pelee Island Heritage Centre
•    Two Rivers Festival, Wellington Water Watchers
•    Passport to Nature, Thames Talbot Land Trust
•    Explore the Outdoors, Long Point Basin Land Trust
•    Passport to Nature, rare charitable reserve
•    Passport to Nature, Nature Trust of New Brunswick
•    Passport to Nature, Land Conservancy for Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington