Philanthropy has been at the heart of RMIT since the day our doors first opened in 1887.
The spirit of philanthropy
In 1882, RMIT's founder, Melbourne philanthropist and grazier Francis Ormond, lit the spark that would eventually become RMIT. He pledged £5,000 to build a working men's college, and challenged the people of Melbourne to match his contribution.
The spirit of philanthropy upon which the University was founded continues.
RMIT has been gifted donations of all kinds, by people and institutions who recognise the value of education.
RMIT's Francis Ormond building
Our commitment to donors
RMIT Philanthropy connects our community of supporters - donors, staff, alumni, industry partners and students - with University initiatives they are passionate about, to deliver strategic funding and support that advances RMIT’s ambitions. The University was established through the generosity of working Melburnians passionate about an institution created just for them. The Philanthropy team is committed to maintaining this legacy, in partnership with our donors, by supporting extraordinary RMIT education, research and innovation outcomes that change lives and shape the world.
To ensure that RMIT Philanthropy protects the University’s interests and maintains the respect, trust and confidence of our supporters, we make the following commitments:
- All RMIT fundraising activities will abide by the CASE Principles of Practice and Statement of Ethics.
- We will not seek or accept philanthropic support that compromises our fundamental values and principles, including that of academic freedom, or where there is a likelihood of reputational damage, financial loss, or illegal or unethical activity.
- We will only accept philanthropic gifts that meet the University’s legislative and policy requirements and support RMIT strategic objectives, in accordance with our Philanthropy and Fundraising Policy.
- Any philanthropic gifts accepted will meet the University’s legislative and policy requirements and support RMIT strategic objectives.
- All philanthropic gifts will be used effectively and ethically in line with donor wishes and any applicable cultural protocols. Where it is no longer possible, practicable or productive to use a gift strictly in accordance with its originally stated purpose or requirements, we promise to remain as true as possible to the donor’s original intentions and the objective they have sought to achieve.
- Every philanthropic gift or pledge made to the University will be receipted in a timely manner, and acknowledged in accordance with the donor’s wishes.
- Donors will be kept informed of the use and impact of their giving, and offered opportunities to meaningfully connect with the University and its mission.
- Donors will be kept informed about RMIT, its evolving priorities and strategy, services, events and achievements.
- Personal information will be handled responsibly and in accordance with the donor’s wishes and all relevant privacy laws and RMIT’s Privacy Statement.
- Where applicable, donated funds will be invested in accordance with the RMIT Investment Strategy and the Responsible Investment Principles. RMIT’s most recently published financial statements are available on our Annual Reporting site.
Frequently asked questions
An email receipt is automatically sent to you as soon as your donation has been processed. If you do not receive your receipt within an hour of donating, please contact us at giving@rmit.edu.au and we will send you a copy.
If you are an Australian taxpayer and your donation is of $2 or more, it is tax deductible through your next tax return.
RMIT is a certified Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) with the ATO.
All donations are deposited into the RMIT Philanthropic Fund and invested as per RMIT’s Responsible Investment Principles through our partnership with Russell Investments. The RMIT Philanthropy Fund is managed by the Philanthropy Fund Committee in accordance with the University’s legislative and policy requirements. Interest and earnings generated through investments are directed back into the endowment to support its ongoing success and impact.
All donated amounts go directly to the initiative nominated by a donor; RMIT does not deduct any administrative fees.
RMIT is committed to using all donations effectively and ethically in line with donor wishes and any applicable cultural protocols. Where it is no longer practicable or productive to use a gift for its original purpose, the gift will be used in a way which, in the University’s opinion, best aligns to the extent practicable with the donor’s original intentions and stipulations.
All donations to RMIT are acknowledged in line with the size and designation of the gift, and in accordance with donor wishes. Therefore, you might hear about the impact of your gift in a number of ways, from personal letters and updates, to events, newsletters and our annual Impact Report magazine.
All philanthropic gifts are designed to honour the donors wishes while also supporting the University’s strategic objectives and meeting our legislative and policy requirements. We have a variety of existing initiatives from scholarships and research to innovation projects that you can support to drive greater educational, research and impact outcomes. If you’d like to support a new initiative at RMIT, please contact us at giving@rmit.edu.au to discuss what’s possible. RMIT works together with donors to ensure your donation has the greatest impact.
RMIT has a longstanding commitment to sustainability, and in response to passionate feedback from the RMIT community, we are strengthening our ethical approach to philanthropic investments. Our Responsible Investment Principles were developed to guide our investment managers and ensure that our portfolio minimises activities that have material impact on climate change, including involvement in fossil fuels, while also screening for issues relating to public health and wellbeing.
RMIT also regularly monitor the portfolio in relation to globally accepted norms on corporate sustainability behaviours to ensure we meet our commitments to the UN Global Compact. All donated funds are invested as per the Responsible Investment Principles and through our partnership with Russell Investments to maximise their impact.
Gifts can be recognised publicly or kept anonymous if you prefer. All our donation forms provide the option to make a gift anonymously. If you select to remain anonymous, we will not publish your name as a donor. RMIT is committed to respecting your privacy in accordance with relevant privacy laws and regulations, and our Privacy Statement.
RMIT gratefully accepts gifts in Wills and appreciates the impact they have on the future of education, research and innovation at the University. If you’d like to include RMIT in your Will, please contact us at giving@rmit.edu.au and Gifts in Wills Manager will work with you to ensure your gift has the desired impact. More information about leaving a bequest to RMIT is here.
Yes, our Philanthropy team can assist you by taking a donation over the phone on +61 3 9925 5220.
Yes, we can accept online donations from any originating currency via our online donation form and will receipt you appropriately.
