Media Releases 2008

13 May 2008

New report into best practice for university philanthropy

Universities Australia is pleased to acknowledge the release today of the Final Report into Philanthropy in Australia’s Higher Education System, which it managed on behalf of the Business, Industry and Higher Education Collaboration Council (BIHECC) with funding from the Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR).

The Allen Consulting Group report includes

• best practice guidelines and case studies of best practice;
• options to assist universities to become more strategic in their philanthropic fundraising;
• ways of encouraging and building a culture of philanthropy in Australian higher education, and informing the community about the economic and social value of universities;
• examination of the impact of our recommended approaches to increasing philanthropy in the higher education sector; and
• analysis of the options identified.

“Universities Australia is working towards increasing both public and private investment in the university sector from all sources: both are critical to ensuring superior quality student experience, and to preserve the reputation and global competitiveness of Australian universities,” Universities Australia CEO, Dr Glenn Withers said.

“However, private support is not, and cannot be, a substitute for public investment in our universities, and should not have to be used for ongoing maintenance and operational funding,” Dr Wither said.

The report recommends a range of Government measures to support greater higher education philanthropy including enhanced tax concessions and matched funding arrangements.

“Universities Australia is interested in exploring mechanisms and activities to build capacity within universities to manage and support fundraising and alumni engagement,” Dr Withers said.

The report can be found at: http://www.dest.gov.au/highered/bihecc

-ENDS-

Media Inquiries Rebecca Harris – phone: (02) 6285 8106 or 0400 166691