Frequently Asked Questions
About Earth Hour
What is Earth Hour?
Earth Hour started in Sydney in 2007 and has since grown to become the world’s largest movement for the environment, with over 190 countries and territories participating annually to raise awareness! For Earth Hour 2024, people across Australia will raise funds to combat climate change and biodiversity loss by taking part in Challenge 60!
Why should I switch off my lights at 8:30pm for Earth Hour?
Earth Hour has grown to become much more than switching your lights off, but that iconic switch-off moment is still an important part of Earth Hour. Millions of participants around the world will switch off their lights at 8:30 pm local time on Saturday 22nd March to demonstrate their support of the environment. This action is symbolic and is not an action to save power. We know it will take so much more than an hour of turning our lights out to have a measurable impact on climate change, but the action helps to bring greater awareness to the issue and demonstrates your commitment to help protect the planet – both during and beyond Earth Hour.
The world’s biggest landmarks, like the Empire State Building, London Bridge and Australia’s own Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, switch off each year as a symbolic display of their commitment to the planet.
Fundraising
Raising funds for nature is an important part of Earth Hour. . Ask your friends, family and colleagues to sponsor your Challenge 60 or Wear it Wild and help you raise much-needed funds to restore and protect nature.
Why should I fundraise for Earth Hour?
“Our actions today, as individuals and the global community, have the power to transform what the world will look like for generations to come - the time to act against climate change is now.”
– Siddarth Das, Chief Executive of Earth Hour Global
Our planet is in crisis. We’re destroying forests. Our oceans are choking on plastic. Wildlife populations are being decimated, and our climate is changing rapidly, causing devastation across the globe.
We think we have time. But nature needs urgent support right now.
- Wildlife population sizes have plummeted by 60% in less than 50 years.
- 1 in 6 species is at risk of extinction due to climate change.
- There could be more plastic in our oceans than fish by 2050.
- Every two seconds, we lose an area of forest the size of a football field.
- The UN estimates that we only have about 12 years to avoid climate catastrophe. We need urgent and unprecedented action now.
Nature is our lifeline. It gives us life - the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. Without nature, we wouldn’t be able to survive.
But you can be part of the solution by raising funds to help regeneration projects managed by WWF-Australia . We can only achieve the change we need together. Only by harnessing the power of collective action of Australians and people around the region can we Regenerate Nature by 2030.
I'm having problems with my fundraising, can you help?
Absolutely! Our Earth Hour team is available to provide tips and support where needed. Send us an email to EarthHour@wwf.org.au or contact us at 1800 032 551 and we’ll do our best to help!
Can I deduct expenses from monies collected in fundraising?
Expenses related to running your fundraiser can be deducted from the proceeds of the fundraising activity, provided they are properly documented. As the Fundraising Coordinator, you must ensure expenses do not exceed more than 40% of the total funds raised and be able to provide evidence of what expenses were incurred.
Can WWF-Australia issue tax-deductible receipts to my donors?
All donations made to your online fundraising page over $2 will automatically receive a personal ‘thank you’ and a receipt for tax purposes via email.
If you are raising funds offline, individual receipts for taxation purposes can be issued by WWF-Australia if a supporter makes a donation of $2 or more and proceeds from your fundraising activity have been received & and processed. When a supporter has received goods or services in return for money given (e.g., purchased raffle tickets, event entry), a tax-deductible receipt cannot be issued.
Where does the money I raise go?
Every year WWF-Australia releases our complete financial statements, showing where every dollar went.
In the last financial year, 74% of our income was dedicated to conservation programs regenerating Sky, Water and Country.
At WWF-Australia, we are committed to maximising the impact of your donation today, while ensuring we can operate efficiently and sustainably into the future.
Through your challenge 60 you are helping to protect and regenerate nature. The funds you raise will contribute towards WWF-Australia projects to support species like tigers, koalas, quolls and whales.
What happens if someone gives me cash instead of donating to my fundraising page?
Promotion and Fundraising Material
Can I use the Earth Hour logo to promote my fundraising activity?
Yes, you can use the Earth Hour logo in promotional activities for your fundraising. It is recommended that you use the assets provided to download on your fundraising dashboard, however, if you would like to create your own materials, please follow the logo guidelines and logos available to download on your dashboard.
Can I use the WWF-Australia name and logo for my fundraising activity?
WWF must always be identified as the ‘beneficiary’ of the fundraising activity. As the third-party Fundraising Coordinator, you have no right to the names ‘WWF-Australia’ and ‘WWF’ or the use of the WWF logo. The fundraising activity may be promoted as ‘proudly supporting WWF-Australia’ . It is recommended that you use the Earth Hour logo in any assets you develop.
Approved branded templates will be supplied. No variations of these will be approved. You can find more information in our Community Fundraising Guidelines.
Can I promote my event to the media?
You can promote your event through media channels; however, WWF cannot undertake media relations for your fundraiser. All media materials and media releases must be approved by WWF prior to distribution. The only exception to this is sharing your fundraising page via your social media channels. Please get in touch if you are keen to get media involved in your activity so we can be across your plans by emailing EarthHour@wwf.org.au.
Can WWF-Australia promote my Earth Hour activity on their social media channels?
WWF-Australia is unable to guarantee the promotion of your event on our social media channels. We do however encourage you to post and tweet using our officially approved and aligned hashtags - #EarthHour and @wwf_australia. Share your fantastic efforts via your social media pages so we can see how it went! If possible to repost your activity we will reach out to you directly.
Organising an event open to the general public?
Send an email to EarthHour@wwf.org.au with details of your event, and we can look at potentially featuring this on our events page.
Insurance
Am I covered by WWF-Australia’s Public Liability Insurance?
WWF is unable to provide public liability insurance to cover community fundraising activities, (including Earth Hour) the Fundraising Coordinator, or their supporters.
Do I need insurance or permits for my event?
The registered fundraiser is required to obtain and maintain any necessary insurance, permits, licenses, consents, and authorisations required for the activity. For example, permits may be required by councils and shopping centres for events on their grounds; and state/territory government permits may be required to conduct raffles or prize draws. There are also regulations relating to liquor licensing and the preparation of food. State/territory guidelines vary. Please check with the relevant governing body for details.
Please contact WWF for advice and support if required by emailing EarthHour@wwf.org.au
Challenge 60
What kind of challenge can I do?
Anything you like! Set your challenge for 60 minutes a day between 1-22 March to raise funds to protect nature. Most people will walk, run, cycle, swim, dance or do some sort of challenge to get out enjoying nature. But you could pick up litter, hoola hoop, meditate, go birdwatching, volunteer at a local environmental organisation - the choice is yours! Just make sure you tackle your challenge each day between 1-22 March.
What if I'm not a fast walker/runner/swimmer?
That’s okay. The beauty of Challenge 60 is that you do whatever you want to challenge yourself. For some people, a 60-minute walk each day is a tough challenge. For others, it might be trying to increase their pace in a 60-minute run or hitting as many pool laps as they can in 60 minutes. It’s completely flexible and a personal choice of how you spend your 60-minute challenge time.
How do I track my challenge?
If you have a fitness watch, you can track your activities and log them to your page. Otherwise, feel free to keep your supporters updated with alerts through your fundraising page.
What if I can’t do 60 minutes everyday?
That's ok. Taking on this challenge is challenging and we understand if you can’t complete 60 minutes everyday.
The challenge is flexible and can be done your own way. You may want to think about breaking up the 60 minutes into time chunks if you are finding it hard to squeeze in 60 minutes all at once i.e. Go for a 15 minute walk during your lunch break and do a 45 minute gym class after work. or get off one stop earlier on your commute to work and walk for 15 minutes to the office, take a walking meeting for 30 minutes and then go for a stroll with the family after dinner for 15 minutes. If you skip a day you can also consider making the time up on the weekend for example go for a bush walk for 2 hours instead of an hour.
Where do I do my challenge?
Challenge 60 is your own personal challenge each day from 1-22 March. We’ll support you online, but we encourage you to get out into nature to tackle your challenge. You can do it from the comfort of your own local community, whether you choose to walk, run, cycle, swim or take another daily action in nature.
Can I do Challenge 60 with other people?
Yes, absolutely! Taking on a group challenge or keeping each other accountable for your own challenges can be a great motivator towards your goal. You can set up a team or workplace on the Challenge 60 registration page.
What if it’s raining or I can’t do my Challenge 60 in nature today?
Nature can be unpredictable, we get it! If you can’t get out in nature, that’s ok, you can still complete your challenge activity indoors or even double up on another day. Sometimes it isn't the weather, life can just be busy but you can complete an average of 60 minutes or 22 hours from 1-22 March.
Are there prizes for how much money I raise?
We don’t have prizes for the amount of money you raise but we do have rewards available for reaching specific milestones. These rewards include:
- Raise $50 – native animal socks
- $100 – Botanica Origins Candle
- $150 –WWF cap
- $250 – Challenge 60 Shirt
- $500 – WWF water bottle
- $800 – WWF lunch bag cooler
- $1000 – Challenge 60 Hoodie
You can see all rewards on offer here https://www.earthhour.org.au/event/challenge60/rewards
We also have an exciting prize available for one lucky winner. By completing specific actions during your Challenge 60 you will unlock entries for a chance to win a Fonz Moto Arthur 7 electric scooter. To learn more about this prize and secure entries visit https://www.earthhour.org.au/event/challenge60/win
win an arthur 7 electric scooter
HOW DO I ENTER?
Upon registering supporters need to select to opt in to the competition to be eligible to win this prize. If you didn’t complete this step you can opt into the competition here https://www.earthhour.org.au/event/challenge60/electricscooter
HOW DO I GAIN ENTRIES INTO THE COMPETITION?
Eligible entrants will receive one (1) additional entry into the competition if you complete one of the below actions related to your participation in Challenge 60. These actions will also light up a badge on your fundraising page.
- Upload your profile image to your fundraising page;
- Log First Hour of activity to your fundraising page;
- Share fundraising page via social media or email;
- Received the first donation from a third party to your fundraising page;
- Make a self-donation for any amount;
- Create a team page;
- Raised $250;
- Reached Your Fundraising Goal;
- Raised $500;
- Completed and logged 22 hours of activity (22 x 60mins);
WHAT ARE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THE COMPETITION?
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ARTHUR 7 ELECTRIC SCOOTER?
WHO IS FONZ MOTO?
DO I HAVE TO BE A CERTAIN AGE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION?
WHEN DOES THE COMPETITION END?
DO I HAVE TO HAVE A LICENSE TO ENTER THE COMPETITION ?
Wear it Wild
What is Wear it Wild?
This Earth Hour, we are encouraging schools across Australia to Wear it Wild. Teachers can help their class learn about nature and win great prizes along the way. Simply join in our Wear it Wild campaign – for a gold coin donation each student can come dressed as their favourite animal!
With free Earth Hour lesson plans and wild fundraising ideas, kids can learn about nature whilst helping to save it!
Signing up is free and we’ll provide your school a fantastic resource to help you plan your involvement in Wear it Wild including curriculum aligned lesson plans.
When is Wear it Wild?
You can Wear it Wild anytime during March! We are encouraging schools and early childhood centres to Wear it Wild on Earth Hour-School Day on Friday, 21st March. However, if this date doesn’t work for you, any day in March can be a great day to get fierce for your world - the choice is yours.
Why should my child Wear it Wild to school?
In the land of the koala, the quoll and the platypus, our mammals are the most distinctive in the world. 86% can’t be found anywhere else. Sadly, Australia has the highest mammal extinction rate in the world, and these iconic species are at risk of disappearing forever.
Together we can create change for nature, people and our planet. Your school can help shine a spotlight on nature loss by Wearing it Wild this Earth Hour Schools Day and raising funds to help regenerate nature.
What are the threatened species WWF raise funds for?
WWF-Australia is working in partnership with Traditional Owners, communities, organisations, businesses and individuals across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to protect threatened wildlife , restore their habitats and turn the tide on our extinction crisis. This work is only possible thanks to incredible supporters like you! You can check out some of the species WWF-Australia is working to save in Australia and overseas here.
How much should I donate?
We ask children participating in Wear it Wild to make a gold coin donation. If you would like your donation to be tax-deductible the donation will have to $2 or above and made to your schools fundraising page. You will receive a tax-receipt directly to your email address.
My child is unable to dress up, can they still participate?
Absolutely! Wear it Wild is for every child whether they dress up or not. Children will be learning about biodiversity and the environment in class thanks to curriculum-aligned lesson plans. Dressing up is just one of many ways your child can get wild for Earth Hour.
Registration
How much does it cost to register?
It’s free to take part! Sign up today and start fundraising to help raise vital funds for nature.
Who can be part of my team?
You can invite friends, family or colleagues to join your team – the more the merrier! If you have a big group of colleagues wanting to get involved, you can register as a workplace instead.
If I’m already registered, can I get people to join my team?
Yes you can. The simplest way to get people to join your team is to share a link to your page and get people to click the join team button. Alternatively, you can share directly from your fundraising page dashboard a join link. The entrant just needs to follow the link they receive and either register or if they are already registered agree to join your team.
If you are experiencing issues please send us an email at earthhour@wwf.org.au and we will assist further with getting people to join your team.
We also have promotional tools available to download by logging into your account and looking under Supporter tools. You can display these proudly at your workplace, school, library or community notice boards to encourage others to support your fundraising efforts or join your team.
My fundraising page
How do I share my fundraising page on social media?
Sharing your page on social media is a great way to let people know the wonderful thing you are doing to help protect nature.
Firstly, make sure you are logged into your fundraising page. Visit earthhour.org.au and click the login button in the top right corner.
Once you are logged in you will come to your fundraising page and next to your profile image you will see the link to your page and then icons for social media. Click the social media icon where you would like to share your page. This will prompt you to login into your social account and then create your post. You can let everyone know why you are taking on the challenge and what helping to raise funds to protect nature means to you.
Alternatively, you can copy the link and paste onto your social platform. We also recommend including this link in your social bios.
We also have a suite of social tools to help make your social posts exciting available in the supporter tools section on your fundraising page.
If you are experiencing issues please send us an email at earthhour@wwf.org.au and we will assist further with getting people to join your team.
We also have promotional tools available to download by logging into your account and looking under Supporter tools. You can display these proudly at your workplace, school, library or community notice boards to encourage others to support your fundraising efforts or join your team.
How do i join an existing team, workplace or team?
Yes you can. The simplest way to get people to join your team is to share a link to your page and get people to click the join team button. Alternatively, you can share directly from your fundraising page dashboard a join link. The entrant just needs to follow the link they receive and either register or if they are already registered agree to join your team.
If you are experiencing issues please send us an email at earthhour@wwf.org.au and we will assist further with getting people to join your team.
We also have promotional tools available to download by logging into your account and looking under Supporter tools. You can display these proudly at your workplace, school, library or community notice boards to encourage others to support your fundraising efforts or join your team.
About WWF-Australia
Who is WWF?
WWF is the world’s largest and most respected independent conservation organisation, with over 5 million supporters and a global network active in over 100 countries on six continents. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature by: - conserving the world’s biological diversity; - ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable; - promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption
The WWF International Network is global, independent, multicultural and non-party political. WWF-Australia’s head office is located in Sydney, with regional offices in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. Contact details for all offices are listed
Who does WWF-Australia work with?
What is WWF-Australia's strategy?
WWF-Australia has a three year strategic plan for FY2024-26 towards our goal to Regenerate Nature by 2030.
Our mission is clear: Together, we will restore and regenerate areas of Sky, Country and Saltwater in ways that will allow nature to heal. With the Knowledge and traditions of First Peoples and local communities, we can bring change on a global scale for climate, nature and people.
You can learn more about our strategy here
What does WWF-Australia do?
Together, we will restore and regenerate areas of Sky, Country and Saltwater in ways that will allow nature to heal. With the knowledge and traditions of First Peoples and local communities, we can bring change on a global scale for climate, nature and people.
Sky, Country and Saltwater have become our three pillars of work. Our areas of focus are inspired by our recent Knowledge exchange on Girramay Country with Indigenous Elders, rangers and community.
Regenerative Sky
We will support Australia in joining global leaders to secure a healthy climate powered by communities, nature and renewable energy.
Regenerative Country
We will transform Australia from a deforestation to a reforestation nation and work with communities to protect regnerate vital landscapes and species here and abroad .
Regenerative Saltwater
We will rally our region to safeguard our oceans and livelihoods, create safe passages for marine ilfe and support coastal communities.
If you would like to learn more about what we do , please take a look at our website https://wwf.org.au/what-we-do/