• Section 1 -  Purpose of Policy
• Section 2 - Application and Scope
• Gifts
• Entities and Individual
• Section 3 - Background
• Section 4 - Fundraising Approvals
• Approval for Philanthropic Fundraising Activities
• Authority to Accept or Decline Gifts
• Process for the Acceptance of Gifts
• Section 5 - Principles for the Acceptance of Gifts
• Overview
• Requirements for Gifts
• Sources of Gifts
• Feasibility of Gifts
• Testing a Gift against the University’s Gift Acceptance Principles
• Accepting or Declining a Gift
• Section 6 - Confirming and Documenting the Terms of a Gift
• Section 7 - Naming and Recognition of Gifts
• General Naming Principles
• Approval Procedure
• Plaques and Naming Signage
• Section 8 - Responsibility for Applying Gifts Once Accepted
• Section 9 - Reporting
• Section 10 - Roles and Responsibilities
• Section 11 - Definitions

Section 1 -  Purpose of Policy

(1) To ensure consistency, accountability and transparency in the University of Wollongong’s consideration and processing of philanthropic gifts, this Policy lays out the framework for philanthropic fundraising priorities, acceptance and refusal of gifts, naming conventions and recognition.

Section 2 - Application and Scope

(2) This Policy applies to:

1. the process of determining and approval of University philanthropic fundraising priorities;
2. the process of gift acceptance, that is, from the point that a prospective donor makes an offer of a specific gift to the University, the consideration of that offer, through to recording the gift on an appropriate register of gifts;
3. the initial transactions involving the gift;
4. recognition of donors; and
5. should be applied in conjunction with the Gift Acceptance Procedure.

Gifts

(3) This Policy applies to all legacies and all other gifts to the University covered by the definition of Gift (see Section 11). It does not include personal gifts offered to individual employees or affiliates of the University, for example by companies, international dignitaries or collaborators. The University’s Policy on the acceptance of such gifts is contained in other University Policies such as the Conflict of Interest Policy.

(4) This Policy does not apply to the donation of bodies for medical and scientific research. For information on this program, refer to the University of Wollongong Body Donation Program.

(5) This Policy does not apply to the donation of student prizes. However, the management of prizes must adhere to the principles and values set out in this Policy, in particular with regards to naming.

(6) Philanthropic grants for research are gifts to the University. This Policy does not apply to non-philanthropic sources of grant funding, such as commercial or government grants.

(7) For information and guidance on political gifts and donations, refer to the Political Donations Procedure.

Entities and Individual

(8) This Policy applies to all staff and affiliates of the University and to entities or groupings that form part of the University including all faculties, departments, schools, colleges, museums, libraries, institutes and centres not separately incorporated.

(9) This Policy does not apply to gifts made to the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI), which has its own deductible gift recipient number. Gifts made to individual researchers in IHMRI which are committed to further areas of research are subject to this Policy as they remain employees of the University.

(10) This Policy does not apply to UniActive.

(11) This Policy does not apply to University operations owned and managed by UOW Global Enterprises.

Section 3 - Background

(12) The University welcomes, appreciates and relies upon the generosity of alumni and friends to support its mission and activities.

(13) The consideration of gifts can sometimes involve an array of academic, ethical, legal, taxation, estate planning, investment, strategic alignment, feasibility, policy and reputational issues.

(14) The University strives to ensure that all gifts offered to it are considered carefully through appropriate due diligence, and processed professionally. Gifts accepted on behalf of the University must serve to enhance the University’s reputation and must not compromise its core objectives and values.

(15) This Policy has been developed to set high standards for the University’s consideration of gifts in order to protect the interests of donors and the University. The Gift Acceptance Procedure support this Policy and seek to assist University staff and affiliates who deal regularly with offers of gifts. The Gift Acceptance Procedure must be adhered to in conjunction with this Policy in order to undertake fundraising activities.

(16) The University of Wollongong is registered as a deductible gift recipient by the Australian Taxation Office. To maintain this status, the University must satisfy a number of regulatory requirements and have high standards of accountability in relation to gift acceptance.

(17) UOW is obliged to comply with relevant provisions of the Charitable Fundraising Act 1991  and the Charitable Fundraising Regulation 2021.

(18) UOW philanthropic activities comply with and are guided by the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme Act 2018, the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020 and the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector.

Section 4 - Fundraising Approvals

Approval for Philanthropic Fundraising Activities

(19) The University encourages fundraising activities which enable the delivery of high quality research, teaching and scholarly activity. Fundraising activities will be strategic and contribute to the achievement of the advancement of the University and its mission.

(20) No fundraising activity may be commenced on behalf of the University or its affiliates without the written approval of the Chief Advancement and Communications Officer.

(21) Any faculty, unit or individual proposing to undertake a fundraising activity on behalf of the University must complete a written Authority to Fundraise, outlining the purpose, strategy, implementation and budget, and submit that Authority to Fundraise to the Chief Advancement and Communications Officer for approval. A written response on whether the activity is approved will be provided, noting any relevant conditions placed on the fundraising activity. The Chief Advancement and Communications Officer may seek further approval from the Vice-Chancellor and President regarding a fundraising proposal.

(22) Any fundraising activity may be stopped at any time if the activity does not fit with the University’s values and priorities, does not adhere to the approved Authority to Fundraise or is unsustainable.

Authority to Accept or Decline Gifts

(23) Authority to accept or decline gifts on behalf of the University of Wollongong (the University) is delegated by the University Council to senior officers of the University through the Delegations of Authority Policy.

(24) The principles and processes for gift acceptance set out below and in the Gift Acceptance Procedure apply to any person or body authorised, as set out in the Delegations of Authority Policy, to accept a gift on behalf of the University.As required and at the recommendation of the Chief Advancement and Communications Officer, the Vice-Chancellor and President may choose to convene appropriate senior staff (based on the nature and purpose of the gift) to assess gift proposals. This assessment may include:

1. reviewing existing and new gifts to the University;
2. receiving due diligence reports for gifts;
3. taking decisions on the acceptance of gifts; and
4. reviewing existing or new decisions on Naming and Recognition of gifts.

(25) The University reserves the right to decline any gift.

(26) This Policy shall be read subject to the requirements for gift acceptance contained in the Delegations of Authority Policy. Any gift accepted outside of the requirements of these delegations may be deemed invalid and may be returned to the donor by the University.

Process for the Acceptance of Gifts

(27) In support of this Policy and the principles for acceptance of gifts, the separate Gift Acceptance Procedure set out the processes to be followed by the Advancement and Communications Division before accepting a gift on behalf of the University, and provide access to document templates for use at different stages of the gift acceptance process.

Section 5 - Principles for the Acceptance of Gifts

(28) The following Gift Acceptance Principles apply to gifts covered by this Policy.

Overview

(29) Gifts must only be accepted by the University if they align with the University’s strategic objectives and core values, and preserve or enhance the University’s reputation.

(30) An objective of the University is to partner with organisations and individuals on shared social purposes through philanthropy to create transformative change. The University’s values of intellectual openness, academic freedom, and excellence underpin its collaborative endeavours and partnerships. Appropriate due diligence practices are undertaken for all gifts to the University. All necessary steps will be taken to obtain the best available information when undertaking due diligence to ensure gifts comply with the principles of this Policy.

(31) Prospective donors may seek restrictions on the use of funds or that the University make undertakings in return for gifts. Where such requests do not align with the University’s objectives, values, autonomy or academic freedom, or may influence University operations, staff or academic programs they will not be acceptable to the University.

(32) In other cases, while potential donors may not seek restrictions on the use of gifts or undertakings that do not align with the University’s objectives or core values, it is important to consider the likelihood of the gift achieving the donor’s wishes. The degree to which acceptance of the gift is consistent, and seen to be consistent with, the University’s objectives and core values, strategic direction and reputation should be a key consideration.

(33) The University may at any time review previous gift decisions that were made in goodwill, if new information is made available that supports a review.

Requirements for Gifts

(34) Where a donor wishes for certain requirements to be placed on the use or management of a gift, the requirements must be consistent with the following principles:

1. the principle of academic freedom, especially with regard to methods of research, conclusions and findings, and the dissemination and publication of research;
2. the University’s objectives and core values including its educational purpose;
3. ensuring that any legal obligations and restrictions do not affect the University, any individual student or member of staff;
4. maintaining the good reputation of the University;
5. adherence to all applicable University Policies;
6. alignment with the University’s strategic priorities (see the University’s Strategic Plan 2020 - 2025); and
7. compliance with NSW State and Commonwealth laws.

Sources of Gifts

(35) The source of a gift must be consistent with the University’s objectives, values, strategic direction and reputation. The source of a gift must:

1. be legal;
2. not arise in whole, or part, from any activity which may have been considered to suppress or falsify academic research or limit freedom of inquiry; and
3. be consistent with all applicable University Policies.

Feasibility of Gifts

(36) The feasibility of a gift achieving the donor’s objectives is an important consideration. In exercising their delegated authority, officers of the University must satisfy themselves that:

1. the proposed gift will achieve the intended purpose, or that the University agrees to meet any additional costs that will arise from accepting the gift;
2. any obligations that a donor wishes to impose upon the University, in relation to the management or administration of the gift, are reasonable and able to be met; and
3. acceptance of the gift would not lead directly or indirectly to a net decline in the asset base of the University.

(37) Further considerations when assessing the feasibility of a non-cash gift include:

1. whether the gift will serve the best interests of the University;
2. whether the gift will result in an administrative or financial burden;
3. whether the University is able in practice to convert the non-cash gift into cash after vesting, which is its preference;
4. whether retaining the gift in its non-cash form is more beneficial considering the nature and purpose of the gift.

Testing a Gift against the University’s Gift Acceptance Principles

(38) The Gift Acceptance Procedure support this Policy and should be referred to when assessing a potential gift against the Gift Acceptance Principles. Where an officer of the University is uncertain whether a potential gift satisfies the University’s Gift Acceptance Principles, the officer should seek advice from the Advancement and Communications Division. The Advancement and Communications Division may liaise with senior University officers as appropriate, including the Vice-Chancellor and President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-Presidents, Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Operations; and Chief Governance Officer.

Accepting or Declining a Gift

(39) The supporting Gift Acceptance Procedure set out the process for determining whether a gift is accepted or declined.

(40) A gift should be declined if it does not align with one or more, of the Gift Acceptance Principles set out in this Policy. A gift may also be declined at the discretion of the University officer with Delegated Authority.

(41) Where a gift is declined, the donor must be advised. On acceptance of a gift, the University must advise the donor and document the process as outlined in section 6 of this Policy.

Section 6 - Confirming and Documenting the Terms of a Gift

(42) Where a gift is approved by the Delegated Authority, the University must ensure that the donor is appropriately advised and acknowledged, that there is clarity about the terms of the gift, and that appropriate records are kept in accordance with the UOW Records Management Policy. All donor requirements that apply to a gift must be documented clearly in:

1. writing in a will;
2. gift acceptance agreement; or
3. letter from the University to the donor confirming the University’s acceptance of the gift and its terms.

(43) Where appropriate, donors should also be made aware of any relevant University Policies that may affect the administration of the gift. Donors should also be made aware that University Policies covering gift administration may be reviewed and updated.

(44) Gifts that involve a Foreign Arrangement must also be notified to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, both when proposed and when finalised, in accordance with the Australia’s Foreign Relations (State and Territory Arrangements) Act 2020. Such notifications are coordinated by the Global Strategies Division.

(45) Guidance on how to document gift acceptance is provided in the Gift Acceptance Procedure. The Advancement and Communications Division should be contacted if further information is required.

Section 7 - Naming and Recognition of Gifts

(46) The University may recognise individuals or organisations who contribute significantly to the University, by naming a building, a section of a building, or another campus space, professorship or other program or event after that person. Such recognition will require approval by the appropriate UOW delegate or by the University Council.

(47) The University must ensure that naming and recognition is only bestowed upon those individuals and/or organisations that contribute significantly to the University. The University will ensure that the purposes of the gift being recognised, are consistent with UOW values and strategic direction.

(48) On the recommendation of the Vice-Chancellor and President, the University Council may choose to honour an individual who has given the University outstanding service or whose gift has met the general naming principles clauses 50 to 51.

(49) The Advancement and Communications Division maintains a recognition framework as approved by the Vice-Chancellor and President, which details the naming and recognition Standards. Advice on the framework can be sought from the Chief Advancement and Communications Officer. Should any naming or recognition activity need to occur outside of the preapproved framework, approval will need to be sought as defined under General Naming Principle’s clauses 50 to 51.

General Naming Principles

(50) The University Council holds the authority to approve any significant naming requests such as naming a building, a section of a building, other campus spaces, professorships or other programs and events after a person or The University Council reserves the right to revoke any naming decision, if it constitutes a significant and continuing impairment to the University’s reputation, or if the agreed philanthropic contributions are significantly reduced.

(51) Naming is for an agreed period of time, the University reserves the right to rename the entity on the expiration of the defined period.

(52) When a named space is proposed for renaming in line with a change of purpose etc. reasonable efforts will be made to inform the original honouree/donor in advance. If the honouree/donor is deceased, reasonable efforts will be made to inform family members in advance of renaming.

(53) Naming of academic units shall not impede the University from altering its academic and research priorities and shall align with the University’s policies and guidelines governing the establishment of such units.

(54) Recommendations for the naming of a new building or major segment include:

1. significant support from the broader University community for the naming in recognition of the person’s leadership contribution to the growth and reputation of the university; or
2. an individual (or corporation’s) significant financial, or in-kind contribution towards the capital or continuing operating cost of the facility, within the context of the University’s strategic plan. Naming as a result of future gifts (legacies etc.) will not normally be granted until such time as the gift is realised.

Approval Procedure

(55) Naming suggestions may be received from any member of the University community.

(56) Individuals contemplating a significant naming opportunity, to recognise outstanding service and/or philanthropic donations, may consult with the Advancement and Communications Division for information and advice on alignment with philanthropic naming.

(57) The Advancement and Communications Division will submit significant naming requests, in writing to the Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Operations for review.

(58) The Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President Operations, once satisfied that the significant naming recognition aligns with the principles set out in this Policy and should be supported, will make recommendation to the Vice-Chancellor and President for consideration.

(59) The Vice-Chancellor and President will submit the recommended names to the University Council for approval.

(60) If the University Council does not approve the recommendation it will be returned to the Advancement and Communications Division, who will inform the submitting party.

Plaques and Naming Signage

(61) Plaques or other signs recognising donors and named spaces should be of a consistent design and should align with the University’s branding guidelines. The Advancement and Communications Division should approve all named space and recognition signage.

Section 8 - Responsibility for Applying Gifts Once Accepted

(62) Once the University accepts a gift, it undertakes to carry out the donor’s wishes or instructions (unless expressly made non-binding) as set out in the will, Gift Acceptance Agreement or other document and is bound by that undertaking.

(63) Gifts must not be used for a purpose that is contrary to the donor’s wishes or that would contravene the Terms of The Gift. 

Section 9 - Reporting

(64) The Advancement and Communications Division is responsible for processing gifts and must ensure that the gift is appropriately acknowledged, processed and recorded on the University gift registry.

(65) The Gift Acceptance Procedure set out the documentation and reporting requirements for gifts covered by this Policy.

Section 10 - Roles and Responsibilities

(66) The Vice-Chancellor and President is responsible for setting the strategic fundraising priorities for the University.

(67) The Chief Advancement and Communications Officer oversees the fundraising Strategy for the University and is responsible for co-ordinating the University’s fundraising activities.

(68) The Advancement and Communications Division has been designated by the Vice-Chancellor and President to administer all donations to the University in accordance with the requirements and processes outlined in this Policy and the supporting procedures.

Section 11 - Definitions