Winifred Violet ScottCharitable Trust
A koala in eucalyptus bushland with wildlife researchers observing in the distance

A legacy in action since 1985

Where there’s a will,
wildlife finds a way.

Supporting research that advances kindness, protection and preservation for animals and wildlife—today and for generations to come.

Start a grant enquiry Discover Winifred’s story
40+years supporting
wildlife research

One determined vision

A simple life.
A remarkable legacy.

“I want to leave my money to animals and wildlife.”

Those were the clear instructions Winifred Violet Scott gave when preparing her will in 1985. The last surviving member of her family, Winifred lived simply in Drummoyne—but thought boldly about what her estate could achieve.

Her approximately $2 million estate became a perpetual charitable trust. Today, it has grown to around $20 million, producing approximately $900,000 in annual income for animal and wildlife research.

The Winifred Violet Scott Charitable Trust

Our enduring purpose

Backing work that gives wildlife a future

Each year, the trustees select charitable research initiatives in Australia and around the world that reflect Winifred’s wishes.

01

Promoting kindness

Encouraging compassion and better outcomes for animals through evidence-led research.

02

Protecting wildlife

Supporting the protection and preservation of animals, habitats and wildlife in the broadest sense.

03

Preserving species

Advancing knowledge that protects endangered species and strengthens their chance of survival.

Grant guidance

What makes a strong application?

The Trust primarily supports the people and expertise behind meaningful research. Applications should make the importance, scope and practical path to completion clear.

Typical grant range$40k–$100kDepending on the nature and scope of the proposed work
01

A clear research need

Explain the nature of the proposed work, its importance and the benefit it may create for animals or wildlife.

02

A focused timeframe

Projects designed for completion within one year are preferred. Multi-year work may be considered one year at a time, subject to progress.

03

Expertise before equipment

Funding is generally favoured for researcher salaries and specialist expertise, with reasonable incidental, bench, travel or accommodation costs.

04

Build on what is known

Tell us whether similar work has been undertaken and how your project will extend, test or apply previous research.

How it works

From idea to impact

Begin with a concise enquiry. The trustees review applications against the purpose established in Winifred’s will.

  1. 1

    Outline your research

    Share the question, significance, timeframe and team.

  2. 2

    Detail the funding

    Indicate the amount sought and how it will be applied.

  3. 3

    Trustee consideration

    Applications are considered in light of the Trust’s purpose.

  4. 4

    Decision & distribution

    Approved applicants receive written confirmation and payment.

Grant enquiries

Tell us what your research could make possible.

Complete this initial enquiry to introduce your project. Please keep your overview concise; supporting material can be provided through a link or requested during review.

Before you begin
Have your proposed amount, timeframe, research significance and institutional details ready.

01

Applicant details

02

Project details

Submitting prepares an email in your default mail application so you can review and send your enquiry.