Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy

1. The purpose of our policy

Our policy sets out the principles under which Adelaide University manages its philanthropy and fundraising activities in support of its strategic goals. 

It establishes the governance-level responsibilities for receiving, managing and acknowledging gifts and donations, engaging with donors, and fostering a culture of giving.

This policy provides authority to maintain our Philanthropy and Fundraising Procedure.

Adelaide University is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and endorsed as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) by the Australian Taxation Office (ATO). This policy supports the effective management of philanthropy and fundraising activities in accordance with that status.

2. Who our policy applies to

This policy applies to:

• Adelaide University staff, contractors, and volunteers involved in philanthropy and fundraising activities
• donors, partners and external stakeholders engaging with Adelaide University’s philanthropic initiatives.

3. Our Philanthropy and Fundraising principles

3.1 We conduct our practice with integrity and in alignment with ethical and values-based principes by:

• conducting philanthropy and fundraising with the highest standards of integrity, transparency and respect, complying with relevant legislation and regulation for charitable solicitations and tax deductibility
• embracing a responsible approach to philanthropy and fundraising that reflects our values, supports our strategic objectives, and advances our mission of excellence in research, education, and innovation
• conducting our philanthropic and fundraising activities in accordance with ethical standards, set by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), the Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA), and other relevant peak bodies
• upholding the principles outlined in the CASE Statement of Ethics, the FIA Code of Conduct, and the International Statement of Ethical Principles in Fundraising, ensuring transparency, accountability, and respect for donor intent in all engagements
• only accepting gifts where they align with our values, strategic priorities and compliance obligations
• reserving the right to decline or return any gifts that compromises our values or compliance obligations, and we will not allow gifts to inappropriately influence decisions or actions
• evaulating the philanthropic status of donations received in accordance with Australian Tax Office (ATO) requirements.

3.2 We are proactive in managing risk and conflicts of interest by:

• identifying and mitigating risk and actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest related to philanthropy and fundraising activities in accordance with our Conflict of Interest Policy
• conducting fundraising activities with informed consent and in a manner that maintains public trust in charitable initiatives.

3.3 We are inclusive and value our donors by:

• fostering inclusivity and diversity in our philanthropic activities
• honouring our donors and committing to appropriate recognition for their contributions, including:
  • acknowledging gifts with respect for donor preferences, wishes and cultural practices
  • celebrating and communicating the positive impact of donor contributions
  • ensuring confidentiality of donor information in accordance with donor wishes, our Privacy Policy and Australian Privacy Principles
  • offering naming recognition in accordance with our Naming Policy.

3.4 We ensure responsible gift management and stewardship

• Philanthropic gifts will be used in accordance with the donor’s specified purpose at the time of giving
• Where the original purpose of the gift is no longer possible, we will repurpose the gift in a way that most closely aligns with the donor’s intention, in consultation with the donor or their representative
• Fundraising activities will align with Adelaide University’s approved fundraising strategy, endorsed by the Deputy Vice Chancellor - International & External Engagement and the Chief Advancement Officer
• We will conduct internal audits to ensure legislative and policy compliance
• We will maintain robust governance structures to oversee philanthropy and fundraising activities, including reporting on philanthropic contributions and conducting internal audits to ensure compliance
• We are committed to responsible stewardship of funds, including transparent reporting of fundraising outcomes.

4.   Definitions used in our policy

Please refer to our Adelaide University Glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Gift is defined in accordance with ATO Taxation Ruling 2005/13

5.   How our policy is governed

Our policy is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6.   Documents related to our policy

7.   History of changes

At the time of writing, Adelaide University’s organisational structure, position titles, and committee names have not been confirmed. Square brackets [ ] indicate placeholders for these details. Brackets are also used to identify policy elements that are subject to further decision-making or confirmation. These will be updated once final decisions are made.