Across the globe, universities and research institutions are increasingly seeking private donations to complement the funding they receive from public authorities. However, reaching out to donors half the world away from where you are can be challenging. Navigating the complexity of regulations under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code regarding charitable donations, particularly to foreign organisations, is even a more daunting task. In this session, we will share insights into how institutions from outside of North America raise philanthropic support in the U.S., the challenges and key considerations to broaden and diversify sources of funding, whether you are a new institution with a strong mission or one with a long history and strong alumni network.

This year, the development team at Christ Church, one of the largest and oldest colleges at the University of Oxford, has tidied up their alumni and donor database and introduced some new engagement tracking. Using the CASE alumni engagement framework as a base, Christ Church has examined the different 'modes' of engagement- philanthropy, volunteering, experiential and communications - amongst their database and drilled into the specific activities they want to consistently monitor. They've also applied their own weightings and added a few extra metrics (which might surprise you!). Through statistical analysis of their donor database, they've begun to spot trends in donor behaviour and have an inkling about which combinations of engagement might predict donations from alumni in the future. It's gripping stuff - don't miss this talk to see if similar engagement tracking could work for you too!

Milestone events can be daunting as they usually involve managing the expectations and aspirations of a diverse range of community stakeholders. They also present a unique opportunity to build engagement and win hearts - paving the way for success in a range of advancement endeavours - from enrolments to alumni relations to philanthropy. Careful planning with consideration to key audience groups is crucial in maximising good outcomes. In this session, learn more about how to make the most of your milestone event from the early planning stages to execution including engaging leadership, establishing your guiding principles, events, marketing, communications, budgets and merchandise! Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the principles pf planning a multi-event celebration milestone program 2. Build a celebration that is inclusive and accessible 3. Building engagement with your key audiences 4. Consider how to tailor a program for your institution

The session will cover major gifts from a donor’s perspective including: • You are providing donors an opportunity to create miracles • Donors need to be inspired to do the extraordinary • Understand philanthropy’s super-powers • We are living our legacy now - give while you live • Bring the family on a journey where they work together with smart subject matter experts • What does success look like? • “Have you done your best work yet?”

In the realm of education, endowments have long been associated with universities and colleges. However, the significance of these financial reserves is now being recognized by an increasing number of independent schools. Sophisticated donors are seeking ways to make a lasting impact, leave a legacy and secure the long-term sustainability of their educational institutions. We will delve into the process of establishing and growing endowments, shedding light on the steps taken to educate the community, raise awareness, and generate excitement.

Designing and implementing a systematic and comprehensive due diligence capability. How UQ is identifying risk, managing and monitoring evolving context & making informed decisions regarding collaboration, partnerships and other significant activities.

In mid 2021, the University of Melbourne identified the establishment of a mid level giving program - Leadership Giving and Engagement – to strategically focus on building donor pipeline. To achieve this outcome, the program has focused on the radical simplification and consolidation of mid-level giving in service of institutional strategy and academic priorities, away from highly bespoke gifts toward a demonstration of the impact possible through collective giving.

The Institute of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (IIE) at Singapore Management University (SMU) is delighted to host a session emphasizing the vital role of alumni in enhancing SMU's startup ecosystem. This session will showcase strategies for utilizing alumni networks to boost innovation and entrepreneurship at the university. Aimed at those interested in alumni engagement, improving entrepreneurial frameworks, or fostering a culture of mentorship, the session promises valuable insights and practical strategies.

Deciphering and navigating complex organisations, governance structures and systems is the operating basis of most higher education business units - and Advancement is no stranger to this type of working environment. Having the time, expertise and capacity to design, drive and deliver projects may be a fundamental part of your organisation, but for ANU, this was a strategic priority for a period of time. The project Management Office within the ANU Advancement office was primarily focused on projects related to CRM implementation, process improvement, automation of processes, reporting capability enhancements and very recently took on the coordination of higher-level portfolio wide operational and strategic project delivery. This session will cover the development, professionalisation and subsequent closure of a purpose-built Project Management Office (PMO) within the Advancement Portfolio at the Australian National University. This session will cover the approach and learnings across the lifecycle of this function from the identification and development of projects through to the fiscal drivers forcing the closure of the Advancement PMO team.