Creating a culture of giving

A highly successful year for student-to-student fundraising proves that tapping into the enthusiasm of student societies and volunteer networks is key to effective fundraising.

Student fundraising on Eastern Avenue

The Sydney Development Fund (SDF) introduced student-to-student fundraising in 2010, with the aim of fostering a culture of philanthropy among the student community.

To achieve this, SDF joined forces with student societies such as the Sydney University Law Society and the Science Society to look for fundraising opportunities within the student community. Student donors were given a choice of causes to support, including Compass, Student Support Fund and the Koori Centre. The year closed with a solid 116 student donors.

In 2011, building upon the well-laid structure of the first program, SDF partnered with additional student societies and the Alumni and Events Office to create the Student Alumni Association.

Led by a committee of active, motivated and creative students, the association is working to organise and improve student fundraising, strengthen ties across the University community, and establish a foundation for a lifelong relationship with alumni and donors.

The results are extremely encouraging. By the end of 2011 the number of student donors had reached 363, more than triple that of the previous year.

Part of the increase was due to the promotion of diverse and appealing causes for students to support.

The Science Society chose to raise funds for the Science Outreach Program, a high-priority Faculty of Science initiative designed to create more interest in science among the wider community.

Meanwhile, the Student Alumni Association collaborated with the Sydney Nursing School to raise funds for the preparation of birthing kits for new mothers in Papua New Guinea and Africa. These kits contain essential items needed to create a hygienic birthing environment, and can potentially save thousands of lives.

Looking beyond the numbers, the act of giving is just as significant as the amount of money raised. By choosing to donate, whether $2 or $100, students, alumni and friends of the University are making a statement about their belief in the value and importance of the work we do.

Their gifts will have an enduring impact, helping to improve lives in Australia and beyond, well into the future.