Macquarie University’s Philanthropy team is opening the door to new opportunities for our researchers through a tailored skill-building program, says Hedda Paisley, Executive Director of Philanthropy and Alumni Relations.

Macquarie University, as a university deeply connected with the world, remains committed to pursuing opportunities that enhance the impact of our research. Through our valued relationships with external organisations and our global network of alumni, an increasing number of altruistic companies and citizens are keen to support Macquarie to develop research solutions for the world.

At the same time, the Australian research funding landscape is becoming increasingly competitive. Exploring non-traditional sources of funding, including philanthropic funding, is therefore a valuable exercise – opening up more opportunities for our academics to undertake funded research with real-world impact.

However, we know that many academics – especially those in the early stages of their careers – do not always feel they have the skills, knowledge or resources to successfully engage with philanthropic funders, which usually require a very different approach than the traditional grant applications academics are trained to prepare.

One way the Philanthropy team is addressing this skills gap is through our philanthropic fundraising development program, Engaging with Purpose. Designed by our Trusts and Foundations team in collaboration with Cruxes Innovation, the program has been tailored to the University’s five future-shaping research priorities. The program focuses on further developing key skills such as donor discovery, active listening, relationship building and impactful communication.

Workshops centred around the research priorities of Healthy People and Secure Planet were held in May and June, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from academic participants: 

• 100 per cent of participants from the Healthy People and the Secure Planet workshops said the program helped them articulate their project’s intended impact more effectively. 
• 100 per cent of Secure Planet participants and 91 per cent of Healthy People participants said the program increased their understanding of the needs and priorities of philanthropic donors. 
• 100 per cent of Secure Planet participants expressed a likelihood of recommending the program to their colleagues. 

More feedback from workshop participants is available on the Philanthropy SharePoint >

Participants of the Engagement with Purpose course with Philanthropy’s Trusts and Foundations team 

A Resilient Societies-themed workshop will be held in August. Following this, a general workshop series, held in September, is open to all researchers. If you are an academic interested in exploring opportunities for philanthropic funding, you are encouraged to participate. Expressions of interest can be submitted via this form. 

Several academic staff resources are available on the Philanthropy SharePoint, including a philanthropic grant calendar and advice for building a case for support or applying for a grant. 

Like other professional teams at Macquarie, Philanthropy is proud to support the work of our academic staff in both the research and education spheres. We look forward to continuing our close work with faculties and academics to further amplify the University’s impact.