Session Description: As donor expectations evolve, the role of Donor Relations must extend far beyond stewardship. Today, the challenge is not just to deliver best practice – but to anticipate next practice. This session explores how universities can reimagine their Donor Experience programs to meet a new era of philanthropy – one defined by personalisation, transparency, and emotional connection. We’ll unpack how Deakin University has developed a holistic, evidence-based Donor Experience model that enhances relationships, deepens trust, and drives sustained giving. Through real examples and insights gathered from benchmarking with leading institutions across Australia, the UK, and the US, participants will learn how to build a program that not only thanks and reports, but truly transforms how donors feel about giving. Attendees will walk away with a roadmap for embedding “next practice” donor experience principles that create loyalty, elevate brand reputation, and ultimately strengthen the philanthropic pipeline. Donor Experience is not just about stewardship – it’s about creating a sense of belonging and meaning that no other organisation can replicate. The next frontier of donor relations lies in building emotionally intelligent, data-informed experiences that inspire lifelong advocacy and investment.