Faces of Environmental Justice Australia

Meet James

Driving environmental justice through connection and action, James is Environmental Justice Australia's key relationships lead.

He builds impactful partnerships, crucial in helping EJA to seek justice for creatures and communities, this beautiful continent we call home, and for everyone who comes next.

With a career spanning environmental law, renewable energy finance, and fundraising, he brings a rare combination of legal expertise, financial know-how, and a deep passion for environmental justice to the team.

Before joining EJA, James spent six years in California leading capital-raising efforts for some of the world’s largest renewable energy projects. Prior to that, he worked as an environmental lawyer at Minter Ellison.

Now based in Bondi Beach on Gadigal land, James balances his professional life with a love for the outdoors – surfing, practicing yoga, and jogging along the coastline. For him, nature isn’t just a passion, it’s a fundamental part of his daily life.

Here, James shares what fuels his passion for fundraising, the power of connecting people with purpose, and how EJA’s legal work is contributing to systemic change for the environment.

Walk us through what you do in your role at EJA?

As the Key Relationships Lead, my role is all about connection.

A typical day involves reaching out to major donors, long-time supporters, and people who are passionate about environmental justice, to share the impact of our work and explore how we can collaborate.

I spend a lot of time listening – understanding what drives our supporters and what environmental issues matter most to them. My job is to build genuine relationships and create opportunities for people to contribute in meaningful ways. Every day is different, whether I’m meeting with philanthropists, drafting proposals, or working with our team on supporting vital legal battles.

What’s constant is the sense of purpose; I know that every conversation has the potential to lead to real change for the environment.

“Fundraising is about bringing together vision, resources, and action. It’s about turning passion into impact.”
— James ward, Environmental Justice Australia key relationships lead

What originally drew you to working in fundraising?

Joining EJA feels like coming full circle for me.

I started out as an environmental lawyer, fighting for stronger protections and better policies. Later, I worked in the capital-raising space, helping secure funding for some of the largest renewable energy projects in the world. Through these experiences, I realised that what really energises me is connecting with people who want to make a difference.

Fundraising is about bringing together vision, resources, and action. It’s about turning passion into impact.

At EJA, I get to do exactly that, in a way that aligns with my deep commitment to environmental justice. Every dollar we raise fuels legal action that holds polluters accountable, protects ecosystems, and pushes for lasting transformation. It’s an incredibly rewarding space to be in.

Fundraising is at the heart of making change happen. What excites you most about connecting people with EJA’s work?

For me, it’s all about people – the incredible network of supporters, donors, and advocates who believe in EJA’s mission.

First, I love meeting people who are deeply committed to the environment and helping them see the tangible difference their support makes.

Second, I get inspired by the power of collective action. When people come together around a shared cause, real change happens.

And finally, I love the optimism that comes with fundraising. In a world where environmental challenges can feel overwhelming, our work gives people a way to take action, to be part of solutions. That sense of purpose and hope is what keeps me motivated every day.

What does a great fundraising campaign look like to you?

A great fundraising campaign is one that makes people feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves.

It’s not just about raising money; it’s about building a movement and making sure our supporters know they are an essential part of the fight for environmental justice. The best campaigns create a sense of belonging and shared purpose.

One standout moment for me was a campaign where we worked closely with donors to fund a project for clean air. What made it so powerful was the way we engaged our supporters – not just as contributors, but as partners in the process. They weren’t just donating; they were standing side by side with our legal team, playing a crucial role in a fight for clean air and water.

That kind of engagement makes fundraising feel less like a transaction and more like a shared mission, and that’s when you see the best results.

EJA takes on big, complex legal battles. How do you keep people engaged and hopeful when the work takes time?

I always try to remind people that while legal battles can take time, the impact they have is often profound and lasting.

It’s true, meaningful change very rarely happens overnight. But some of the most significant environmental wins in history have come from strategic legal action. Think about the establishment of national parks, landmark climate agreements like the Paris Accord, or major renewable energy policies…so many of these were achieved with the stroke of a pen, after years of advocacy and legal work.

“At EJA, we’re playing the long game, but we’re doing so with a clear goal in mind: systemic change. And when that change happens, it’s transformative.”
— JAMES WARD, Environmental Justice Australia key relationships manager

That’s what I focus on when talking to our supporters: the big picture, the real wins, and the role they play in making it all possible.

Our work might take time, but the results are worth it.