The Cumming Global Centre for Pandemic Therapeutics made headlines as the largest gift in Australian history with a $250M gift contributed by Canadian philanthropist, Geoff Cumming. In this behind-the-scenes panel discussion, Prof Sharon Lewin and Allison Howell Quinton will share the journey from a bold idea to a fully co-created proposition for the CGCPT.

The CGCPT is a story about a visionary and generous individual who wants to protect humanity from devastation and disruption when the next pandemic strikes. It is about a brilliant scientist who rose to the occasion to identify the gaps in our infectious diseases capacity and stepped up to build that future, and a fundraiser who enabled and convened the conversations to create bold and new thinking.

Experience Level: Level 6 - Leadership/Transforming Seasoned Professional

Topics: Fundraising

CCS Fundraising and UNSW Sydney will provide global insights on assessing campaign readiness through a comprehensive checklist, informed by university campaign planning experience across Europe, USA, and Australia. The session will delve into specific considerations for business intelligence and overall university readiness.

Experience Level: Level 5 - Expert Seasoned Professional

Topics: Fundraising

In 2021, in response to the pandemic and to address an increasing mental health crisis, a pilot project called The Living Room (TLR) was officially launched at The University of Western Australia. Believed to be the first initiative of its kind on a university campus in Australia, TLR provides students with a well-being ‘safe space’ that offers low-barrier, peer-to-peer support for students who are struggling with their mental health. The services are provided by student peer support workers and in-house clinical psychologists. To date over 3,000 students have accessed the service.

Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), in partnership with UWA Student Success and Wellbeing (SSW) team, secured $700,000 pilot funding required to run the programme. By taking a collaborative approach, DAR was able to reach its goal under 18 months through a variety of channels: major giving, COVID relief appeal, global alumni giving, and a subsequent student phone appeal.

Experience Level:  Level 3 - Practicing/Maturing Mid-Career

Topics: Fundraising

Driven by both the needs for family successions and the growing recognition of impact investments, more and more mega family foundations and charitable trusts are being created in Asia, with a philosophy that seeks to generate more holistic positive returns in environment, economy, and society. Get insights into how to harness cross-border partnership opportunities to achieve impactful results and generate desired returns.

Experience Level: Level 4 - Senior/Experienced Mid-Career

Topics: Fundraising

International fundraising is part of most universities' and schools’ alumni and fundraising programme. This panel discussion with practitioners from universities and schools will discuss what is up to date with international fundraising, and practically, what you should be doing which will make the difference between an acceptable (or not) ROI, and making the very most of your international fundraising and alumni efforts. Post-pandemic, has it changed? Or is what was good practice still good practice? And what legal and technical issues have improved or impeded international activities and support? This is one journey where you don't have to book your seat ahead of time!         

Experience Level: Level 3 - Practicing/Maturing Mid-Career

Topics: Fundraising

In this highly interactive session using real time digital polling, we will address the challenges faced by every Gift in Wills program. Through case study examples, we will discuss creative ways to secure internal buy-in, raise awareness, and develop your strategy to acquire new pledges and build a solid pipeline. Let us help to inspire you and showcase the magic and privilege of our roles in a very specialised area of advancement.

Experience Level: Level 3 - Practicing/Maturing Mid-Career

Topics: Fundraising

What happens at your institution after a donor gives? How do you thank your donors, acknowledge their support, and provide regular updates on how their giving makes a difference?

Donor relations plays a key role in future-proofing your fundraising programme and growing a sustainable culture of philanthropy for your institution. It is also everybody's responsibility! Well-executed donor relations retains your current donors, keeps them engaged, and attracts new donors. This does not need to be complicated, expensive or difficult but does need to take into account the scale of support.

From appeal to donors, to bequestors, major and principal gifts, domestic or international, university or school, this presentation will provide simple and easy to implement strategies applicable to any and every advancement professional.

Experience Level: Level 3 - Practicing/Maturing Mid-Career

Topics: Fundraising