New Policy Library

The objectives of this policy are to ensure:

(a) the solicitation of gifts to, and administration of gifts held by the University:

(i) complies with the University’s legal obligations while observing the interests of donors; 

(ii) is financially responsible;

(iii) benefits the University’s objects in a manner which:

(A) maintains the good will and confidence of donors;

(B) respects donors’ wishes; and

(C) informs donors of the impacts of their gifts;

(b) the allocation of responsibility and accountability in relation to gifts;

(c) the co-operation and communication between relevant business units of the University in relation to gifts; and 

(d) the facilitation of decision-making in relation to gifts.

2.1. This policy applies to:

(a) the University’s philanthropic fundraising activities;

(b) all gifts accepted by the University;

(c) charitable trusts of which the University is the trustee;

(d) gifts distributed to the University from external trusts; and

(e) the administration by the University of (a)-(d) above.

2.2. This policy does not apply to:

(a) gifts given to individual University staff within the scope of the Appropriate Workplace Behaviour Policy;

(b) sponsorships, except the thresholds in Schedule 3;

(c) non-philanthropic grants; 

(d) University funded scholarships and prizes; or

(e) any other property received by the University not described in Section 2.1 

3.1. This policy is made under the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) (the Act) and the Council Regulation and supports compliance with the:

(a) Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission Act 2012 (Cth);

(b) Income Tax Assessment Act 1997 (Cth);

(c) Charities Act 1978 (Vic); 

(d) Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006 (Vic);

(e) Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic);

(f) Trustee Act 1958 (Vic); and

(g) University legislation and policy.

4.1. The University must ensure gifts are:

(a) lawfully, responsibly and ethically sourced;

(b) used to support the University’s strategy, reputation and objects;

(c) appropriately acknowledged, receipted and recorded; and

(d) to the best of the University’s endeavours, used to fulfil donors’ wishes.

4.2. University staff involved in gift administration must:

(a) apply gift funds lawfully and in accordance with the relevant gift governance record;

(b) act in good faith;

(c) exercise reasonable care in the administration of gifts;

(d) not benefit personally from administering the gift;

(e) avoid a position of, or appearance of a position of, compromise or conflict of interest;

(f) keep proper accounts and records in accordance with applicable laws and University policies; and

(g) carry out all other duties as required by law.

4.3. In their dealings with donors, University staff must abide by:

(a) the Donations Framework in Schedule 1; and 

(b) the Donor Charter in Schedule 2.

4.4. University staff without fundraising responsibilities as part of their roles, must notify the Vice-President (Advancement) (or nominee):

(a) of any approaches or discussions about potential gifts to the University before any gift is accepted; and

(b) any concerns regarding a gift or potential gift. 

4.5. The University may for gifts not held on trust deduct an administration fee equivalent to that specified in section 42 of the Act.  

4.6. The University as trustee has certain legal obligations. Strict adherence to this policy will assist in ensuring these obligations are met.

5.1. University staff, volunteers and external contractors who interact with donors and / or undertake fundraising activities must:

(a) act with fairness and integrity and within the laws of the jurisdiction in which the activity takes place and within the relevant laws of Australia;

(b) disclose to the Vice-President (Advancement) any potential, perceived or actual conflicts of interest of which they become aware;

(c) only use gift documentation in the form approved by the General Counsel;

(d) only use appeal documentation and content approved by the General Counsel;

(e) not receive any commission or finder’s fee for fundraising activities;

(f) abide by the University's Privacy Policy; and

(g) abide by the Donor Charter in Schedule 2.

5.2. The Vice-President (Advancement) must ensure that:

(a) the University obtains sufficient information about each donor for the purpose of gift acceptance;

(b) donor personal information is only shared by the University with third-parties where express consent to do so has been obtained from the donor;

(c) where appropriate, donors are informed of relevant University policies that may affect the administration of their gift, and that these policies may change over time; and

(d) appropriate annual reports related to significant gifts are provided to donors as determined by the Vice-President (Advancement) or as otherwise stated in the relevant document recording the gift.

5.3. The General Counsel must approve and publish on the University public website the preferred wording for donors to use when making gifts in wills (bequests).

5.4. A gift to the University that meets or exceeds the threshold levels set out in Schedule 3 is a significant gift for the purpose of this policy.

5.5. Council may, on the recommendation of the Vice-President (Advancement), set and amend the significant gift threshold levels in Schedule 3.

5.6. The Vice-President (Advancement) must, at least every two years, review threshold levels for significant gifts set under this policy and recommend any changes to Council.

5.7. Where the University receives a significant gift, the University may:

(a) subject to the University Naming and Memorial Policy, recognise the donor’s support by naming or memorialising the endeavour funded by the gift in honour of the donor (or such other name or memorial as the donor may reasonably request);

(b) place the gift in a separate account in the University’s General Ledger; and

(c) provide the donor with specific individualised reporting about the gift.

5.8. The Vice-President (Advancement) (or nominee) may accept gifts that are consistent with the objects of the University provided:

(a) the gift document used is authorised by the General Counsel;

(b) the identity of the donor is known, or able to be known, by the Vice-President (Advancement);

(c) the gift is adequate to achieve its intended purpose, or the University has expressly agreed to meet any additional costs. Additional funding provided by the University must be supported by the relevant head of division and approved in accordance with the Delegations Framework and the Transferring University Funds to Gifts Guidelines;

(d) any wishes or trust terms attached to the gift are feasible and reasonable for administration by the University; and

(e) the gift meets or exceeds the threshold levels set under Section 5.5 unless a lower amount is approved by the Vice-President (Advancement); or

(f) where the gift is below the gift threshold levels, the gift is for an existing broad purpose.

5.9. The Vice-President (Advancement) (or nominee) must refuse to accept gifts if acceptance would: 

(a) contravene state and/or federal laws in Australia, including, but not limited to, law regarding equal opportunity and discrimination;

(b) be inconsistent with the objects of the University;

(c) create unacceptable conflicts of interest;

(d) expose the University to reputational risk;

(e) compromise the academic quality, integrity and /or autonomy of the University;

(f) cause any damage, including financial damage, deterring other donors to the University; or

(g) conflict with University strategy, legislation and policies, including, but not limited to, the Academic Freedom of Expression Policy or Freedom of Speech Policy.

5.10. Undesignated gifts, not subject to specific trust terms, may be used to advance the University’s objects as determined by the Vice-Chancellor on recommendation of the Vice-President (Advancement).

5.11. The Vice-President (Advancement), or the Vice-Chancellor, may refer a proposed gift that creates a potential, perceived or an actual conflict with this policy, or other University policies, to the Gift Committee. 

5.12. The Vice-President (Advancement) must ensure that:

(a) gifts accepted by the University are appropriately receipted and acknowledged; and

(b) subject to Sections 5.1 – 5.3, any donor’s wishes or trust terms are clearly documented in writing in:

(i) a will;

(ii) a gift letter; 

(iii) a gift agreement; 

(iv) a trust deed; or

(v) other appropriate documentation.

5.13. All philanthropic grants involving defined research projects (either in part or in full) must adhere to the University’s approved process for competitive grant applications in accordance with the Delegations Framework and policies relating to research funding, costing and pricing.

5.14. All transfers of University funds to establish a gift or contribute to a gift (whether or not a trust) to be managed through Company 12 in the Themis General Ledger must be approved by the Chief Financial Officer.

5.15. The Chief Financial Officer must assess all requests in accordance with the Transferring University Funds to Gifts Guidelines as approved by the Chief Operating Officer on recommendation of the Chief Financial Officer.

5.16. Due to the costs and potential complexity involved in the administration of trusts, the Vice-President (Advancement) may only approve the University declaring a trust over gifts of at least AUD$5 million, subject to the terms of gifts in wills (bequests).

5.17. The Vice-President (Advancement) may approve the University declaring a trust over gifts of less than AUD$5 million upon consideration of:

(a) the donor’s relationship and giving history;

(b) the gift objective(s); and/or

(c) the strategic and business objectives of the University, and where the Vice-President (Advancement) has consulted with:

(d) the General Counsel (or nominee); and 

(e) the head or a deputy head of the relevant academic or non-academic division that is proposed to benefit from the gift.

5.18. In respect of gifts not held on trust, the General Counsel (or nominee) may approve a proposal to apply gift property in a manner which varies from the donor wishes provided that the proposal:

(a) includes the background and rationale for the variation;

(b) contains a report of consultation with the donor (or donor’s representative) regarding the variation which confirms that the donor supports the variation; and

(c) is supported by the head or deputy head of the division responsible for administering the gift.

5.19. The General Counsel (or nominee) must report any variations approved under Section 5.18 to Council at its next meeting.

5.20. The General Counsel (or nominee) will refer a proposal referred to in Section 5.18 to Council for decision if:

(a) any of the requirements set out in Sections 5.18(a)-(c) cannot be satisfied; or

(b) other circumstances arise in which the General Counsel (or nominee) decides referral to Council is required.

5.21. For the avoidance of doubt, except as provided in Sections 5.18 and 5.20 no other individual or body may approve variations to any donor wishes in respect of gifts not held on trust.

5.22. Trust terms may only be amended where permitted by the terms of the trust or as provided for in relevant legislation and law. Proposed amendments to trust terms must be referred to, and developed in consultation with, the General Counsel (or nominee). 

5.23. The General Counsel (or nominee) must ensure that any variations or amendments in accordance with Sections 5.18, 5.20 and 5.22 are recorded in the relevant gift governance record. 

5.24. In accordance with the Council Regulation, where the terms of a trust require Council to make a decision relating to the expenditure of, or transfer from trust capital, the decision must be made by Council and recorded in writing. 

5.25. Subject to any statute, regulation or University trust record, a head or a deputy head of the relevant academic or non-academic division, or administrative department of the University, or the chair of the relevant committee:

(a) where the terms of a trust require Council to make an award or approve the expenditure of income, may act on behalf of Council to make awards or spend income from trusts administered by their unit or department; and

(b) where the terms of a trust require Council to approve the expenditure of or transfer from capital, may submit a recommendation to Council for approval, and if approved spend or make a transfer from trust capital.

5.26. The General Counsel must establish processes for, coordinate, and advise on:

(a) the administration of gifts;

(b) monitoring and reporting on gifts;

(c) creating and administering charitable trusts.

5.27. University staff must follow the processes established under section 5.26.

5.28. Student award proposals must be approved in accordance with the Establishment and Award of Student Awards Policy. The selection procedures and eligibility criteria detailed in the proposal must be within the terms of the trust, or accord with the express wishes of the donor, as appropriate. 

5.29. The Vice-President (Advancement) must ensure that:

(a) an appropriate academic or non-academic division is assigned to administer each gift; and

(b) relevant Finance and Employee Services and Legal & Risk staff are notified upon receipt of the gift.

5.30. The head or deputy-head of the academic or non-academic division assigned in accordance with Section 5.29, must assign a relevant gift administration officer.

5.31. The General Counsel must, in consultation with the relevant gift administrative officer, establish and certify the gift governance record for significant gifts, which will record the background, donor wishes or trust terms (as appropriate), any administrative arrangements and any other relevant information.

5.32. The relevant gift administration officer must monitor gifts in accordance with the processes established under Section 5.26. 

5.33. The Vice-President (Advancement), or the Vice-Chancellor, may refer a gift that has already been accepted by the University, where that gift later creates a potential, perceived or an actual conflict of interest or conflicts with this or other University policies, to the Gift Committee. 

5.34. The Chief Operating Officer must ensure processes are established for the maintenance of the gift including investment, accounting, and financial reporting.

5.35. In accordance with processes established in Section 5.34, the relevant gift administration officer must submit a request to Finance and Employee Services to set up an appropriate account for holding the gift funds. 

5.36. For gifts held long term and trusts, the Chief Operating Officer must ensure that the gift funds:

(a) are placed in the Common Fund established in accordance with section 40(1) of the Act; and

(b) are prudently invested.

5.37. Subject to the University Delegations Framework, and in accordance with the gift governance record, the relevant gift administration officer, may:

(a) in writing, approve expenditure of gift income;

(b) make student awards;

(c) where a gift governance record requires Council to make an award or approve the expenditure of income, may act on behalf of Council to make awards or spend income from gifts administered by their unit, department or committee;

(d) if expressly permitted by the gift governance record, may spend or make a transfer from a gift held long term; and

(e) where the gift governance record requires Council to approve the expenditure of or transfer from capital, may submit a recommendation to Council for approval, and if approved spend or make a transfer from a gift held long term.

5.38. A head or deputy head of division (or nominee) who has difficulty or can foresee difficulty in performing the specifications in the gift governance record must consult the General Counsel (or nominee) for advice.

5.39. A head or deputy head of division (or nominee) who has accumulated at least two years of unspent income for a particular gift must:

(a) submit a spend down plan to the General Counsel (or nominee) for approval; and

(b) provide 6 monthly reports to the General Counsel (or nominee) on progress against the approved spend down plan.

5.40. The General Counsel must:

(a) ensure an annual gift compliance review is undertaken of all gifts held in Company 12 in the Themis General Ledger; and

(b) in accordance with the Vice-Chancellor Regulation, provide the Vice-Chancellor with a report for Council on the performance of gifts held in Company 12 in the Themis General Ledger. 

5.41. The relevant gift administration officer must:

(a) provide any information requested by the General Counsel (or nominee) as part of the compliance review; and

(b) certify the compliance report.

5.42. For gifts distributed from external trusts, the relevant gift administration officer must ensure processes are in place to meet any reporting requirements specified by the trustee.

5.43. Before seeking Council’s approval, the Vice-President (Advancement) must agree to any proposed amendment to this policy.

appeal means an invitation to the public to make a gift to support the objects of the University. The forms of invitation may include, but are not limited to: direct mail, collective approaches to groups interested in supporting a particular activity or purpose, e-solicitations, telethon or online fundraising activity such as web-based appeals and crowdfunding.

capital means the funds initially gifted to and received by the University and held in the investment common fund established in accordance with section 40(1) of the University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic), together with any further amounts added to those initial funds. 

defined research project means a research project with one or more associated documents that define a specific research goal, project, methodology or personnel.

donor wishes means the wishes of the donor in respect of how, and the duration over which, a gift is applied. 

external trust means a trust of which an entity that is not the University is the trustee. 

General Counsel means General Counsel and Executive Director, Legal and Risk. 

gift means any transfer of property to the University to pursue its objects and where:

(a) the transfer is made voluntarily;

(b) the donor does not expect to receive anything in return for the gift; and

(c) the donor does not materially benefit from the gift.

The term gift includes gifts held by the University on trust and excludes all payments (including grants) from government and statutory bodies (including universities). 

gift governance record means a record of how the gift is held, administered and applied. The term gift governance record includes a University Trust Record (UTR) for the administration of trusts and a University Gift Record (UGR) for the administration of gifts not held on trust. 

income means the annual income of the trust or gift fund less any deductions permitted by donor wishes, under the terms of trust or the Act. Deductions may include income added to capital and/or income deducted as commission pursuant to the Act. 

material benefit means a benefit or advantage that is received by the giver by way of return for a gift that is considered significant enough in accordance with Australian Taxation Law. Refer to the Defining Gifts Guidelines for further information. 

objects means the objects of the University as set out in Section 5 of the Act. 

property includes, but is not limited to, cash, real estate, works of art, shares, securities, library or archival materials. 

relevant gift administration officer means the head or deputy head of an academic or non-academic division, or an administrative department of the University or a chair of a relevant committee of the area recorded in the gift governance record as responsible for administering the gift. Note: In practice, the work may be via a nominee of the relevant gift administration officer. 

significant gift means a gift that:

(a) meets or exceeds the threshold value levels set out in Schedule 3 as may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 5.5; or

(b) the Vice-President (Advancement) determines to be significant taking into consideration such factors as the nature and duration of the relationship between the University and the donor. 

trust means a set of legal obligations by which property is held and managed by one party for the benefit of another party, or for a specific purpose. 

trust terms means mandatory conditions set by the donor or will maker (or by the University where the University is declaring a trust over its own funds), which govern the creation and performance of the trust. 

University funds means any funds of the University that have not been specifically set aside for, required for, or subject to a condition to be allocated or spent on philanthropic, research or other specified purpose.

Council 

General Counsel

This policy is due to be reviewed by 6 May 2023.