• Section 1 - Overview & Scope
• Part A - Solicitation of Donations
• Part B - Criteria and process for acceptance of donations
• Part C - Donor Recognition
• Summary of Roles and Responsibilities
• Section 2 - Authority and Compliance

Section 1 - Overview & Scope

(1) This Policy supports the Advancement Rule and guides the University of New England (UNE) in providing a consistent, whole-of-institution approach to advancement-related activities.

(2) This Policy applies to:

1. all UNE staff, faculties, schools, groups, research centres, directorates, controlled entities and residential colleges, and the advancement, fundraising, alumni and engagement related activities and events held by the University;
2. all donations, grants and sponsorships by corporate and individual philanthropy, accepted for or on behalf of the University, the UNE Foundation, and entities of UNE, including donations for scholarships and prizes but excluding:
   1. human anatomy donations;
   2. government funded or non-philanthropic scholarships or prizes; and
   3. private sponsorships and scholarships for Higher Degree Research students from external parties unaffiliated with UNE;
3. cultural donations including donations of cultural, literary, heritage, scientific, research, archival or artistic material to the Dixson Library, Archives and Heritage Centre, Art Collection, and other UNE museum and specialist collections such as the NCW Beadle Herbarium, Earth Sciences and Zoology Collections.

(3) This Policy does not apply to gifts or benefits offered to or received by UNE Representatives. Such gifts and benefits are covered by the Gifts and Benefits Policy. 

(4) Advancement, Communications and Events oversees and coordinates all advancement-related activities at UNE. Within this Policy:

1. Part A deals with the solicitation of donations;
2. Part B deals with the criteria and process for the acceptance of donations; and
3. Part C deals with the processes for recognising donors.

Part A - Solicitation of Donations

(5) To ensure UNE meets donor and stakeholder expectations, the University must maintain a coordinated and consistent approach to contacting potential donors and managing donors who offer support. 

(6) Only authorised staff, faculties, schools, groups, research centres, directorates, controlled entities and residential colleges may be involved in advancement-related activities. However, all UNE Representatives, faculties and schools must notify, and seek the advice of, Advancement on any planned advancement related activity or strategy (including fundraising campaigns, in person contact, direct mail outs, telephone or email contact and crowdfunding). Advancement will advise if an activity requires the approval of the Director, Advancement prior to any activity being conducted. All UNE Representatives, Faculties and Schools must also notify Advancement of any enquiries or approaches from individuals or corporations about a potential donation.

(7) All UNE Representatives involved in solicitation, (and all advancement-related activities) must exercise prudent judgement in accordance with UNE’s Code of Conduct, Conflicts of Interest Policy, Records Management Rule and Privacy Management Rule.

(8) The Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer is responsible for setting UNE’s fundraising priorities. All fundraising campaigns must align with those priorities and all-organisation wide fundraising activities must be approved by the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer.

Part B - Criteria and process for acceptance of donations

(9) UNE may be offered and receive donations in a number of categories, including: 

1. Money through bank transfer, cheque or credit card*;
2. Personal property;
3. Intellectual property;
4. Real estate;
5. Securities (stocks or bonds);
6. Royalties, distribution rights or alternative  assets;
7. Partnership interest;
8. Insurance (policies where UNE is named a beneficiary); and
9. Cultural donations either gifted during the donor's lifetime or made via a bequest.

(10) Where practicable, the UNE Foundation is the preferred recipient of all donations. The UNE Foundation is a controlled entity of the University of New England and acts as the trustee of the UNE Foundation charitable trust. The UNE Foundation Board decides how to invest trust funds and on advice of the University approves the distribution of funds and determines their purpose.

(11) Donations to UNE and the UNE Foundation are tax deductible under Australian law and must comply with the requirements set by the Australian Taxation Office. Potential donors are encouraged to seek independent professional advice about the taxation status and any other business or legal implications of their donation or potential donation. Advancement, Communication and Events may work with such advisers to assist with donation arrangements.

(12) UNE will generally accept donations where their purpose or requirements align with the strategic objectives and responsibilities of the University as outlined in UNE’s object and functions under the University of New England Act 1993 (NSW) and Strategic Plan. A donor may express a preference as to how a donation is used and UNE prefers that this preference be agreed in writing at the time the donation is provided. All donations are treated in accordance with the donor's preference, to the extent consistent with the letter and spirit of the law.

(13) UNE reserves the right to decline a donation for any reason. A donation may be refused with the approval of the Vice-Chancellor or their delegate. However, in general, UNE will not accept donations from:

1. individuals and entities involved with criminal activities, slavery, tobacco, illicit drugs, or pornography; 
2. individuals or entities associated with breaches of human rights, use of child labour, anti-competitive practices, or lack of environmental responsibility; and
3. countries or states listed under the Autonomous Sanctions Act 2011.

(14) The value, marketability and nature of any donation offered and the proposed purpose(s) to which the donation is being directed must be considered in a determination on accepting a donation. Additional specific requirements for determining the acceptance of donations include:

1. Donations that could be classified as a University Collection must be dealt with under the University Collections Rule and University Collections Policy.
2. Non-cash donations are considered having regard to UNE’s capacity to use the donation effectively, the benefits it may bring, and any ongoing costs associated with its ongoing use and maintenance.
3. Donations with a value under $25,000 may be considered and approved by the Director, Advancement, Communications and Events.
4. Donations with a value over $25,000, where a donation may attract special interest, attention or adverse comment, or where there is any doubt as to the ability of the University to utilise a donation or meet any requirements or associations that acceptance may impose upon it, must be considered by the Executive Principal Brand Partnerships and Business Development and escalated, as required, to the Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer for consideration and approval or non-acceptance.

(15) The Director, Advancement will notify the donor of the decision on the donation and ensure all documentation is recorded in UNE’s Records Management System. If the donation is for the establishment of a prize or scholarship, Advancement will establish the prize or scholarship in accordance with the Prizes and Scholarships Rule.

(16) UNE reserves the right to broaden the purpose of a donation should it be determined by the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Advancement that the purpose of the donation no longer best serves the mission of the University. The re-purposing will be discussed with the donor. The UNE Foundation Board will make decisions regarding the use of donor funds on behalf of UNE, in the event that donors and/or their representatives cannot be contacted by the University.

Part C - Donor Recognition

(17) UNE acknowledges the important role that donors play in the success of UNE and will ensure that appropriate recognition of donors occurs.

(18) The Advancement, Communications, and Events Directorate manages the University’s donor recognition strategies and any donor recognition will be at the discretion of the Director of Advancement.

(19) UNE may recognise persons who have either supported the University through distinguished effort or substantial financial endowment by naming facilities in their honour. This will occur in accordance with the University’s Naming of Facilities at UNE Policy.

Summary of Roles and Responsibilities

1. Indigenous arts
2. Cultural artefacts
3. Natural and scientific materials
4. Film and social history pieces
5. paintings
6. manuscripts
7. books
8. antiques
9. jewelry