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. 

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.

This policy sets out the governance responsibilities for accepting, managing, and acknowledging gifts and donations, engaging with donors, and promoting a culture of giving. It also establishes rules for the operation of the Adelaide University Library, Art Galleries and Museums, which hold separate DGR endorsement from the ATO.

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

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 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 Conflicts 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. Rules of the Adelaide University Library, Art Galleries and Museums

These rules, confirmed with the ATO, apply to specific public institutions operated by the University.

The purpose of these public institutions is to benefit the public by establishing, maintaining, and developing public libraries, art galleries, and museums. They do this by collecting, preserving, interpreting, and displaying works, literature, and objects of artistic, historical, or scientific value for the education of the public and the University community.

4.1 Financial management of gifts

The University keeps clear records so all gifts to the public institutions are identified and kept separate from general University funds. Dedicated cost centres or project codes are used for this purpose. All gifted funds and property are used only to support the public institutions.

4.2 Gift receipts

All tax-deductible gift receipts are issued in the name of the Adelaide University Library, Art Galleries and Museums.

4.3 Public contributions

The public institutions actively invite and accept donations from members of the public to support their purposes.

4.4 The public institutions operate on a not-for-profit basis

The public institutions operate on a not-for-profit basis as part of the University. All income, property, and assets are used only for their stated purposes. No funds or assets are distributed to University Council members, except to reimburse genuine expenses or payment for legitimate administrative services.

4.5 Management and oversight

Each public institution is managed by a committee, with most members having responsibility to the broader community.

4.6 Winding up or loss of DGR status

If a public institution closes or its DGR status is revoked, any remaining assets will be transferred to another eligible organisation that can receive tax-deductible donations.

4.7 Changes to the rules

These rules can only be changed by a decision of the University Council. Any changes will be reported to the ATO within 28 days.

5.   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.

6.   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.

7.   Documents related to our policy

8.   History of changes