Bond University has announced the establishment of an Office of University Development, which will be charged with developing and implementing fundraising strategies for the private, not-for-profit institution.
Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Robert Stable said, “Philanthropy and fundraising have always been a crucial component of the long-term strategy of American universities, and are becoming more and more so for their Australian counterparts.”
“In Australia, donations are estimated to account for less than two per cent of university income, compared with about 15 per cent in the United States*; so we are lagging well behind,” he said.
“However, there are predictions of a growing culture of philanthropy towards universities nationally and the establishment of an Office of University Development is an important step towards maintaining Bond University’s position as a leading Australian university.”
Professor Stable said he hoped the establishment of an endowment fund would give the University scope to fund new initiatives; to invest in capital works and to fund scholarships, among other things.
Bond University today formalised the establishment of its new Office of Development, announcing the appointment of seasoned fundraiser Mr Scott Bulger as Director of Development.
Mr Bulger is the former Director of International Fundraising of the Christian Children’s Fund of America - one of the world’s leading donor agencies for international aid with an annual income of around US$500m. Prior to that, he was the Victorian State Coordinator for Red Cross Calling in Australia.
“We are particularly excited to have made this appointment of a committed, passionate and enthusiastic individual, with extensive experience in the philanthropic area,” Professor Stable said.
* Locals lose touch with alumni, The Australian, 4/10/06