Your Gift Managed

The Office of Advancement leads activity and strategy to develop fundraising revenue and integrates all the University activities related to fundraising – donations and sponsorship – including the activities of the University's charitable entities.

The Office of Advancement provides leadership and advocacy to the University's Executive, the Foundation Council, Hawkesbury Foundation Board and the University's staff and students on issues and strategies that affect the University's opportunity to raise funds through donations and sponsorships.

The Advancement team ensures effective promotion of the University through development of strong and positive relationships with the benefactors, government, industry, philanthropic trusts and foundations and the community generally.

The Advancement team works to build relationships with individuals, business partners and friends of the University to advance and promote philanthropy across all the University's campuses in Western Sydney. The Development team also works closely with senior staff and academics.

Foundation Council

In 2013 the Board of Trustees announced the establishment of a new Foundation Council, as a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees. In establishing the new Foundation Council, the Board acknowledges the important role of philanthropy in supporting the vision of the University.

The Foundation Council is chaired by Mr Danny Gilbert, Managing Director of Gilbert and Tobin, and led by a group of business and community leaders who are passionate about the University.

In 2013, the Board of Trustees announced the establishment of the Foundation Council, as a subcommittee of the Board of Trustees.

In establishing the Foundation Council, the Board acknowledges the important role of philanthropy in supporting the vision of the University and the need for a change in the governance of philanthropic activities through the dissolution of a separate Foundation entity and the creation of this new governance structure.

The Foundation was established in 1991 as a wholly owned entity of the University and trustee of the University Foundation Trust, an ATO-approved Gift Fund with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. However, as a public university that already held DGR status in its own right, the trust is able to receive tax deductible gifts directly, without the need for a separate structure.

The Foundation Council reports directly to the Board of Trustees to provide a more efficient and effective approach to fundraising and philanthropy, more clearly guided by the strategic priorities of the University.

Mr Danny Gilbert, Managing Director of leading national legal firm Gilbert and Tobin will remain as Chair of the Foundation Council and continue to ensure that donors' wishes are fulfilled so that all gifts inspire lives and enhance the future of our community.

Under the Foundation Council, all donations will be receipted directly by the University. All gifts will continue to be directed to the purpose for which they are gifted and donors will be provided with appropriate recognition for their philanthropic support. The University does not deduct administration or other fees from your donation, which means 100% of your gift goes straight into the University.

Through sustained partnerships between the University, the community and the world of business, the University aims to support educational and regional development by raising funds for important projects such as scholarships, prizes, research, teaching positions, academic programs and teaching facilities.

Through new and existing partnerships, the University strives to overcome the increasing pressures faced by universities to find sources of non-government funding. With community and industry support, the University will continue to provide the highest standard of learning opportunities to the Western Sydney Region and beyond.

As in the past, the philanthropic activities of the University will continue to be led by a group of individuals who are passionate about the University, its students, staff and community. As a sub-committee of the Board of Trustees, this new group will have a direct connection to decision making and ensure fundraising activities are guided by the strategy of the institution. The directors of the Foundation Council will volunteer their time.

With the desire to make a difference and a passion for providing opportunity, the Foundation Council is bringing knowledge to life.

Hawkesbury Foundation

The Hawkesbury Foundation is led by a group of people who have a strong connection with the Hawkesbury Campus and are passionate to see the University and its community advance into the future in partnership.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can make an online donation right now.

You can designate how your gift will be used, or we can allocate your gift to an area of priority. Learn more about Ways to Give or, to discuss how you might be able to support Western Sydney University, please contact the Office of Advancement.

You are able to support a specific project in one of the colleges, or contribute to the long-term development of the Learning, Teaching and Research programs that are shaping our future.

You can also establish an endowment, which allows your gift to have a greater impact over time. It provides an ongoing and reliable source of funding that allows the University to confidently plan for the future. An endowed gift is invested in a trust fund with only the earnings generated from its interest spent on areas of need each year.

An unrestricted gift allows Western Sydney University to allocate funds where and when they are needed most.

Learn more about Ways to Give to Western Sydney University, or simply donate online.

By making an unrestricted gift, Western Sydney University can meet the changing needs of the University by allocating funds where and when they are needed most.

You can also designate exactly how your gift will support the University. You may wish to establish a new scholarship, support an existing one, or commemorate a loved one through a prize.

If you would like to support the University by donating to an area not listed on the online form, please contact the Office of Advancement.

100% of your gift goes straight into the University, an ATO-approved Gift Fund with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status. From here, it will be directed to a specific area of need, as designated by you.

If you have made an unrestricted gift, the University will allocate funds where and when they are needed most.

We will keep you up to date on how your gift is applied.

We will keep you up to date on how your gift is applied. If you donate to a specific campaign or project, you can find out more about it through this site or by contacting the Office of Advancement.

100% of every gift contributes to excellence at Western Sydney University.

The University does not deduct administration or other fees from your donation.

Western Sydney University appreciates support of any kind. To discuss in detail how you can contribute to the University's future as an institution of excellence, please contact the Office of Advancement.

If you wish to make your gift from overseas, please contact the Office of Advancement so we can provide you with accurate advice for your location.

All gifts to Western Sydney University are tax-deductible in Australia.

If you live overseas, you may be able to gain tax benefits. Please check with your local taxation professional.

Many businesses match employee gifts up to a certain limit. Ask your human resources department about your company's gift-matching policy.

By making an unrestricted gift, Western Sydney University can meet the changing needs of the University by allocating funds where and when they are needed most.

You can also designate exactly how your gift will support the University. You may wish to establish a new scholarship, support an existing one, or commemorate a loved one through a prize.

An endowment allows you to leave a legacy that truly is lasting. Your gift is invested, and only the interest accrued is spent. This provides an ongoing and reliable source of funding for a specific, or 'unrestricted', purpose. For more information, please visit Bequests.

A bequest is a gift in your Will. It is your chance to create a legacy and contribute to the future of Western Sydney University as a university of excellence and – ultimately – the world in which we live. Learn more about Bequests.

You will receive a taxation receipt upon payment, as well as a formal letter acknowledging your generosity.

As a donor, your name will be placed on the Western Sydney University Honour Roll and you will receive invitations to attend events at Western Sydney University.

You can choose to remain anonymous when making a gift.