Philanthropic thoughts from a small island
Philanthropy derives from the ancient Greek: philos (love) and anthropos (mankind) — the love of mankind.
I have been honoured over the last twenty-one years to meet many generous benefactors who are true philanthropists, motivated by an unselfish concern for the greater good. Many have been alumni who, through giving back to their University, wish to enable current students to experience what they benefited from when they were students. A high proportion of donors have not, hitherto, had any formal link with the University. Their support derives from their generous commitment to excellence and their desire to make a difference to peoples’ lives.
I have spent the last ten years working at the University of Oxford, most recently spearheading The ‘Oxford Thinking’ Campaign. This was the first major fundraising campaign Oxford had launched in twenty years and the biggest fundraising campaign in European history, aiming to raise a minimum of £1.25 billion. Why would Oxford need more money you may ask? Oxford understood the need to explain the effects of a new paradigm of permanent and fundamental changes in funding for universities – institutions responsible for teaching and research at the highest level:
Oxford has to build its future in a world of unprecedented change. The challenge is great. Never before has the University’s future been so dependent on the success of a campaign. We need help to secure investment in the next generation, and all those to come. (Oxford Thinking: 2011)
When planning for the Oxford Campaign, many said that the UK, unlike the USA, was not a philanthropic country. As I write this piece, the Oxford campaign has raised over £1.053 billion. The support provided by over 30 000 donors is remarkable – particularly considering the Campaign was launched in May 2008, only months before the world financial crisis.
Over £500 million – more than half of the support – is from the UK. Funds raised have enabled the provision of student scholarships at undergraduate and graduate level and the endowment of numerous academic posts. Gifts are making possible multidisciplinary research into the global challenges of the twenty-first century. Support has also enabled the upgrading of existing buildings and the development of new ones – providing, for example, student accommodation, improved library facilities and the award-winning re-development of the first public museum of art in the world – the Ashmolean.
Philanthropic support for universities in the UK is not new. In Oxford the names of donors from centuries past have become inextricably woven into the fabric of the ancient University: the Bodleian Library, for example, named after its seventeenth century founder, Sir Thomas Bodley; the elegant Radcliffe Observatory, named after its founder, John Radcliffe, and completed in 1794. In the UK, philanthropic support to the university sector reduced after the Second World War due to the increased investment of government into higher education as part of the creation of a welfare state. This funding source has, however, diminished significantly over the last thirty years. The need, therefore, to reach out to benefactors to invest in the universities has grown.
Some interesting trends in UK philanthropy have emerged over the past decade. More people are giving during their lifetime, and are taking a strong interest in understanding the impact of their gifts. Private wealth is increasing and the self-made wealthy (75 per cent of the Sunday Times Rich List) are more inclined to give to others than to retain their wealth solely for their children. Information about non-profit organisations and their use of funds has become more available and donors are often innovative in how they give to leverage results. (Philanthropy UK: 2011)
In a recent survey of giving to universities in the UK, figures indicate that more than £600 million in new income was given by over 185 000 donors in 2009/10. This figure represented an increase of 13 per cent on the previous year. The number of donors to higher education in the UK has doubled in the last five years. The focus in the UK by government and universities on the need for increased philanthropic support to higher education is beginning to deliver results. A cultural shift toward philanthropic support to universities in the UK is starting to take place. This is due, in no small part, to the increased investment in professional advancement activity in the tertiary education sector, as the need for new income streams and the desire for increased involvement from alumni and friends has become clear. British universities have become better at communicating their mission, impact and desire for external engagement. Furthermore, the British government has provided strong backing for the importance of increased participation in alumni giving through the creation of matched giving programs.
And what of Australia? Philanthropy is not new to the University of Melbourne. Philanthropists during the last century have contributed to an endowment of some $600 million to the institution. The names of generous donors past and present are writ large across the University: the Baillieu Library, Wilson Hall, the Rowden White Library, the Beaurepaire Centre and the Sidney Myer Asia Centre, to name a few. Like Oxford, the University of Melbourne operates as a global institution seeking solutions to world problems through teaching the next generation and supporting and facilitating research. Its funding base has also changed dramatically, making alternative income sources imperative if it is to remain world class.
The remarkable level of support from Australians for national and international crises in recent times highlights the strong seam of philanthropic intent that exists in Australia. From my experience, people provide support to universities because they care passionately about the provision of excellence in teaching and research; because they want to contribute to solving future challenges for the world; because they have met a remarkable academic who has inspired them to become involved; and because they have been asked. Two years ago Oxford carried out a study of their donors’ motivations. A volunteer and donor funded the report. To share but two quotations from the array of feedback we received:
I feel privileged and grateful for the chance to be close to the University again.
Intellectual engagement as a quid pro quo is a huge motivation. Most of us in business don’t get that often.
As I prepare myself for the transition of joining the University of Melbourne as Vice Principal for Advancement, in the midst of pondering packing cases and the reversal in seasons, I am energized by the opportunity to build support for Australian higher education. It will be exciting to play my part in connecting those who wish to make a difference now, and in the future, through supporting the remarkable work of the University.
Sue Cunningham
Vice Principal (Advancement)
University of Melbourne
Like to know more about supporting the University?
The Heritage Society was established in 2006 to honour and thank bequest benefactors during their lifetime. Membership is offered to all who have advised the University of their intention to include it in their will, and members meet regularly to exchange ideas and form friendships at lectures and events often led by distinguished alumni speakers, academics and thought leaders.
The Society’s latest newsletter is available online or you can find out more about the Society and bequests by contacting Sue Girling-Butcher, Bequests Manager on +61 (3) 8344 1056 or s.girling-burtcher@unimelb.edu.au
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