developing foundations for students and community

To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the institution the Murdoch University Foundation has set a target of establishing 60 new prizes and scholarships for students.

As with most activities of the Foundation, funding for these rewards for achievement and assistance will come from the donations from people who have embraced Murdoch for a variety of reasons and want to inspire and help students to achieve their potential.

The Murdoch University Foundation was set up two years ago to advance the strategic priorities of the University for the benefit of the community, in particular to provide support for students and staff. At its core will be endowment funds comprising public and corporate donations, the profits from which will be channelled to special programs and projects.

More than one million dollars has been raised so far through donations, sponsorships, memorial gifts and gifts from people’s wills. The benefits will flow by way of new buildings, visits from community lecturers, new library resources and environmental research projects, which might otherwise never see the light of day.

For example, an International Theologian Campaign is already well advanced, which will see a prominent overseas clergyman visiting each year for a series of lectures and community workshops. Murdoch is recognised as one of Australia's most innovative universities with a strong focus on community engagement. It maintains a per capita research output that is amongst the highest in the nation.

The Foundation Board operates independently. Its activities are directed by its own board of volunteers, comprising mostly outside community leaders. Every dollar that’s gifted is used for special projects and no funds are used for administration, salaries or fundraising costs. Unrestricted gifts to the university are tax deductible. Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Vicky Dodds, is expecting 2006 to be a big year.

“There are so many exciting projects and opportunities – benefactors and donors can expect their contribution to make a substantial impact on the future direction of Murdoch. Whatever the size of the gift, it will make a difference!” she said.