News Archive

Philanthropy is making an increasingly important contribution to our goal of being recognised internationally as a research intensive university of excellence producing benefits for society as a whole.

Our University was built on, and has been continuously supported by, philanthropic support from generous benefactors. Since 1911, with the original endowment by Sir John Winthrop Hackett, we have established pathways to learning and discovery that have earned our University global respect.

The tradition of giving and sharing is vital to the role of universities in advancing knowledge and culture for the good of the community at large.

Our endowment and investments provide the underlying base to our operations, but they are not the funding panacea that many in the community might falsely believe. We are finding that more and more we seek funding from other sources to ensure we can provide a world-class learning environment for the scholars, researchers and leaders of the future.

While we still aggressively pursue competitive government grants, we also look to other quarters, particularly partnerships with individuals and the public and private sectors, as well asnationally and internationally.

We also know that the top universities in the world have very strong relationships with large groups of willing and active donors whose support - financial and otherwise - is vital to the success of their institutions. There is no doubt that if we are to commit fully to achieving our global objective of being counted among the top 50 universities in the world by 2050, we too must continue to offer new and meaningful ways for people to engage with our University.

The purpose of our fundraising is threefold. First, to secure the capital investment needed to achieve our strategic objectives; second, to diversify our income base; and most importantly, to strengthen our links with the community - because without strong links, it is impossible to achieve the first two objectives.

Effective fundraising must be based upon a comprehensive development strategy. In other words, a strategic combination of planning, management, marketing, funding, fundraising and enterprise activities needs to be linked to the University's vision and mission. This is the approach that will underpin our Centenary Fundraising Campaign which will be launched during our centenary celebrations next year.

However, we should never forget that fundraising is not simply about raising money. Certainly, in my experience, most of those who give see their contribution in far more than simple dollar terms. This is a sentiment summed up well by US fundraiser and author Kent Dove, who writes: "

The ultimate objective is not simply to raise money ... successful campaigns seek and secure investments in a better society, a higher quality of life, and an enriched culture, and they showcase humankind at its best, expressing love and hope and caring for others who have greater needs..."

If our University is to continue to be a hub of innovation that supports the prosperity of the State and the wellbeing of Western Australians, we must have clarity of purpose and action within the University, and philanthropic support from our friends and supporters in the broader community.

Paul Johnson

Vice-Chancellor