What is philanthropy?

Donor Charter

Deakin University Advancement

At Deakin University, we are driven to create impact by turning bold ideas into discoveries and discoveries into change that touches lives. This is only possible through the generosity, trust and shared vision of our diverse, global community of donors and partners. Together, we amplify what is possible and extend the benefits of our work to reach as many people as we can.

Philanthropy has always been a part of Deakin’s story, shaping who we are today and who we will become tomorrow. Our partnerships with donors are at the heart of creating opportunity, sparking innovation, and fostering excellence in education and research. Together, we make a genuine and lasting difference in the many communities we serve.

At Deakin we celebrate the transformative role of philanthropy and are committed to providing exceptional donor stewardship. We work to ensure that all our donors have fulfilling experiences when giving through Deakin. We are committed to building enduring relationships with those who share our passion for making positive change in the world. The generosity of our community of supporters empowers us to push boundaries, change lives and help create a better world. We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their support and strive to ensure every experience with us in philanthropy is positive and rewarding.

Deakin University’s Donor Charter underpins our promise to fundraise in an ethical manner that promotes public confidence and protects the University and the donors’ interests.

As a donor, and our partner in change, you can expect the following commitments from Deakin:

To be transparent, informative and professional

• Deakin University adheres to the Universities of Australia Code of Practice for Australian University Philanthropy and to Deakin University’s Philanthropic Gifts Policy.
• A donor can expect to be informed of the University’s mission, the way the University will implement the gift according to the donor’s intent and the identity of key personnel involved in managing the gift.
• Individuals representing the University will act in a professional manner and will inform prospective donors if they are volunteers, students or University staff.
• No programs, agreement, trust or contract will be pursued with potential donors at the expense of the donor’s or the University’s best interests and motivations.
• The University and its staff will actively and positively provide relevant information on the University, and the use of and progress with the gift.

To use gifts effectively and ethically in line with donor wishes

• The University is committed to ensuring that philanthropic gifts are managed efficiently, effectively and ethically, and in a way that reflects their intended purpose/s.
• Should it become impractical or impossible to carry out the expressed purpose/s, or where the University reasonably believes that the original expressed wishes are no longer a suitable and effective means of using the gift, the University will communicate with the donor or the donor’s nominated representative.
• As part of our commitment to responsible management and oversight of philanthropic gifts, the Chief Advancement Officer reports regularly to Council on the overall management and administration of philanthropic income of the University.
• The University is committed to use gifts responsibly and ethically.

To respect the privacy of donors 

• Donors can expect to be treated with the highest level of care and respect.
• Donors’ personal information will be treated confidentially in line with the University’s Privacy Policy.
• Requests for anonymity will be respected, honoured and confidentially enacted.

To acknowledge and recognise donors and celebrate philanthropy 

• We will acknowledge and recognise every donor in ways that are timely, personal, and meaningful – celebrating their impact and fostering a genuine, lasting connection with the Deakin community.
• We will promptly provide an official receipt suitable for taxation purposes, ensuring donors feel valued and assured that their generosity has been received and recognised.