Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the new UWS Foundation Council?

The new UWS Foundation Council will oversee fundraising and philanthropy at UWS, providing accountability and transparency to our donors.

The new structure has been established to embed philanthropy more clearly in the University’s strategic direction and to provide a more effective method of supporting fundraising and donation management.

It also allows the University to more efficiently meet new requirements under the Australian Charities and Nonprofits Commission and for the management of donations from public and private ancillary funds.

The new UWS Foundation Council will support the receipt of donations directly to UWS ensuring donated funds are quarantined from other University revenue and allocated for the purpose for which they are donated.
 

2. Who will sit on the new UWS Foundation Council?

The UWS Foundation Council will be made up of community leaders who will volunteer their time to ensure the proper use of funds donated to UWS. These individuals will also support fundraising activities through their networks to support the strategic direction of UWS.

The UWS Foundation Council will be chaired by current Chair, Mr Danny Gilbert of leading national legal firm Gilbert and Tobin.

UWS representatives on the Council will include Chancellor, Professor Peter Shergold AC and Vice-Chancellor Professor Janice Reid AM

Recruitment of new ‘external’ members will commence immediately. We look forward to welcoming new members whose interests align strongly with the ambitions of UWS.

 

3. Will I still receive a tax deduction for my gifts?

Yes, as a public university all gifts to UWS are tax-deductible in Australia. 

The only difference is that these receipts will now be issued under the UWS ABN 53 014 069 881 

If you live overseas, please check first with your local taxation professional whether you are able to gain any tax benefit for your gift.


4. How will my gifts be managed to ensure they reach the ultimate beneficiaries of my support?

The new UWS Foundation Council will receive regular reports on fundraising and donations from the Office of Advancement. 

The Office of Advancement will provide the full administrative and communications systems to ensure that gifts are allocated for their purpose in an efficient and timely manner. The Office will be responsible for the regular reporting and reconciliation of all financial transactions. All gifts will be quarantined from other University funds and all disbursements approved, in accordance with donors’ wishes, by the new UWS Foundation Council. 

The new UWS Foundation Council will report regularly on this activity to the Board of Trustees.


5. Will I still be able to support the programs I have previously supported?

Yes, the University is committed to maintaining and growing our existing activities and to also introduce new opportunities for gifts to UWS in the future.

Scholarships and student support will continue to be major priorities for UWS, particularly support to ensure more students can access and make the most of their university studies. 

Research and academic programs are also an important area of focus for donor support, with key priorities in these areas continuing to be refined in future.


6. How will donations held in trust be managed under the new UWS Foundation Council?

All existing endowments will be maintained under the new structure. A small number of endowments designated to the UWS Foundation Trust will continue to be held in the trust and overseen by the new UWS Foundation Council. 

7. What will happen to my existing gift agreement with the UWS Foundation Council?

All existing gift agreements will be reviewed and where necessary renegotiated. If this affects your gift we will contact you.


8. How will my gifts be recognised by the University?

As is our current practice, you will receive a taxation receipt at the time of your gift, as well as a formal letter acknowledging your generosity. 

As a donor, your name will be placed on the UWS Honour Roll and you will receive invitations to attend events at UWS. 

You can choose to remain anonymous when making a gift.


9. How will the University communicate with me as a supporter?

The University appreciates the opportunity to share with our supporters the achievements your support makes possible. We produce an annual impact report on gifts to UWS, including our donor honour roll, and make this available in print and electronic format. 

The Giving Newsroom on the UWS website includes regularly updated stories on gifts and the beneficiaries of gifts to UWS. 

Our electronic newsletters are distributed to donors throughout the year to share news about giving to UWS.


10. What are the University’s priorities for philanthropic gifts?

Through sustained partnerships between the University, the community and the world of business, we aim to support educational and regional development by raising funds for important projects such as scholarships, prizes, research, teaching positions, academic programs and teaching facilities. Below we have outlined the current priorities for which we are seeking philanthropic support.

Student Support

Scholarships

  • Opportunity
  • Indigenous
  • Academic Excellence
  • Leadership
  • Work Placement
  • Honours
  • PhD
UWS Scholarships allow students with the most potential, access to quality tertiary education, regardless of their circumstances. They also encourage the most talented students to make UWS their university of choice.

The rewards of a scholarship go far beyond a student’s time at University, providing them with confidence as they embark on their professional careers and contribute to the advancement of our communities and industries now and in the future.
Prizes for Academic Excellence Prizes for academic excellence allow the University to acknowledge the achievements of our most dedicated and talented students, giving them the confidence and motivation to continuously strive for excellence.
Student Welfare Fund  The Student Welfare Fund provides small grants or bursaries to students in financial need. The bursaries help cover the costs of text books, equipment associated with study needs, fees incurred as a result of study commitments, short term assistance with living expenses, or any other purpose that will assist with the completion of a degree.

A bursary can assist a promising student through a time of financial difficulty, often ensuring their long term enrolment.
 

Research & Academic Programs

Professorial Chairs A Professorial Chair is an investment in excellence. It is one of the most effective mechanisms for stimulating advancements in scholarship and research, for the long-term benefit of the community.
Research Fellowships Research Fellowships provide the opportunity for early career researchers to further develop and refine their research skills and experience. A fellowship will generally be linked to a particular research project in line with the specialist skills of the fellow and the priorities of the institution and partners.
Lectureships Lectureships ensure our students and future researchers are able to access high quality academics to help develop their full potential. Lectureships also provide opportunities for our academics to advance their skills and expertise and contribute significantly to their discipline through both teaching and research.
 

      ^Back to top

11. How can I become more involved in supporting UWS

We welcome the support of our community in many different formats.

Gifts to support priority projects make a direct impact on the lives of our students and the outcomes of our research activities. Give now (opens in a new window) to support these initiatives.

Volunteers and ambassadors are also important supporters of the University, championing the work of our institution and providing vital support at events and other engagement activities. Please contact us to register your interest in these opportunities.

12. Who can I contact for further information about giving to UWS?

Please contact the current UWS Development team for further information.

Michelle Macgregor Owen
Associate Director
m.macgregorowen@uws.edu.au
+61 2 9685 9540

Elissa Gale
Senior Development Manager
e.gale@uws.edu.au
+61 2 9685 9541