Policy: Fundraising and gift administration

Purpose

This policy outlines the principles governing the University’s fundraising activities and administration of gifts to the University.

Overview

This policy defines the University’s commitment to donors to uphold principles of professional and ethical conduct in fundraising, and accountability and transparency in accepting, accounting for and stewarding gifts.

This policy is made under the Australian National University (ANU Foundation) Statute 2023.

Scope

This policy applies to all gifts to the University, and to all persons, including staff, students and volunteers, fundraising on behalf of ANU, the ANU (UK) Foundation and the ANU (US) Foundation.

Definitions

CASE is the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.

Donor refers to an individual or organisation that has made a gift or gifts, including documented pledge commitments, to the University.

A gift to the University is defined (in accordance with ATO Taxation Ruling 2005/13) as a transfer of the beneficial interest in property, in which the transfer is made voluntarily and arises by way of benefaction, and from which the giver receives no material benefit or advantage.

Policy statement

ANU is committed to excellence in pursuing its charitable purposes of research, education, and contribution to societal transformation and public policy-making. ANU welcomes gifts from individuals, industry, trusts and foundations, and other philanthropic sources that enable it to achieve its vision.

Fundraising

The Vice-President (Advancement) is responsible for the coordination and management of all fundraising activities, including the cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of all donors.
Fundraising activities at the University:

are aligned with the University’s strategic and fundraising goals, and based on areas of need, as identified by the University’s cases for support;
present donors with opportunities to give to projects offering demonstrable impact;
balance the interests of donors with the needs of the University; and
are undertaken in accordance with the CASE Principles of Practice for Fundraising Professionals at Educational Institutions and the CASE Statement of Ethics.

Gift acceptance

ANU values and protects its integrity, autonomy and academic freedom, and does not accept gifts when a condition of acceptance would compromise these fundamental principles.
Gifts to the University may be accepted where the gift:

has a clear deliverable purpose which is aligned with and progresses the strategic aims of the University;
does not compromise the values, integrity, reputation or academic autonomy of the University;
is made without expectation of benefit to the donor;
is ethical and fair and accords with all relevant laws, legislation, University policies and CASE Global Reporting Standards; and
is received, applied and acknowledged through a transparent and rigorous process.

The University may decline gifts in its absolute discretion.

Gift governance

The ANU Foundation is the governance framework for all gifts to the University.
Gifts accepted by the University:

are invested and financially managed to support their intended purpose;
are governed through a transparent and rigorous process, in accordance with all relevant laws; and
are reviewed regularly.

Endowed gifts are managed in accordance with the ANU Investment Policy and the ANU Socially Responsible Investment Policy.

Donors

Donors to the University:

are stewarded with discretion, care and professionalism, in accordance with the ANU Donor Charter;
receive acknowledgement of all gifts in writing;
are recognised in line with their wishes and at a level commensurate with their contribution; and
receive an annual update on the impact of their giving.

Public recognition of gifts is considered in accordance with the ANU Naming Recognition Policy.

Volunteers

Volunteers in support of fundraising:

contribute time, effort and expertise without remuneration in support of the University’s fundraising goals;
endorse, advocate, contribute to and protect the University’s reputation;
enable the University to harness the respect, credibility and contacts of senior people within its network; and
have written terms of reference which define reporting lines, expectations and support mechanisms.

The Vice-President (Advancement) establishes groups of volunteers in support of fundraising, where:

the potential collective contribution is demonstrated; and
appropriate development and administrative support are provided.

Information	Printable version (PDF)
Title	Fundraising
Document Type	Policy
Document Number	ANUP_6014932
Version
Purpose	Outlines the principles that underpin the University’s fundraising activities, including gift acceptance, gift fund governance, donor stewardship and volunteers in support of fundraising
Audience	Alumni, Affiliates, Staff, Students
Category	Administrative
Topic/ SubTopic	Community & Development - Donations

Effective Date	14 Oct 2025
Next Review Date	14 Oct 2030

Responsible Officer:	Vice-President, ANU Advancement
Approved By:	Vice-Chancellor
Contact Area	ANU Advancement
Authority:	Australian National University (ANU Foundation) Statute 2018
Delegations	247
Information generated and received by ANU staff in the course of conducting business on behalf of ANU is a record and should be captured by an authorised recordkeeping system. To learn more about University records and recordkeeping practice at ANU, see ANU recordkeeping and Policy: Records and archives management.

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