CASE Insights on Philanthropy Australia and New Zealand

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The webinar presented findings from CASE’s 2025 Philanthropy Survey for Australia and New Zealand, which drew data from 35 institutions, including 26 in the five-year consistent cohort. The survey tracks fundraising, donor participation, bequests, staffing and related measures.<br /><br />Total new funds committed reached a record $1.2 billion, including a $100 million gift to Murdoch University. Median results also suggested a broadly positive year, though large, infrequent gifts can distort annual totals. ANU’s experience illustrated why institutions should examine gift counts and underlying trends—not just headline fundraising figures—when assessing performance and setting targets.<br /><br />The session also highlighted an ongoing decline in donor numbers, with some signs of stabilisation among non-Group of Eight institutions. Fundraising staff numbers rose slightly, while alumni-relations staffing and investment softened.<br /><br />CASE outlined benchmarking tools available to participants, including institution-level data, comparison groups, interactive reports and deeper analysis through CASE Insights Solutions. These resources can support planning, goal-setting and discussions with senior leaders.<br /><br />The next survey is expected to open in February 2027, with few changes anticipated. Participants were encouraged to use the current data and take part again to strengthen future comparisons.

Keywords

CASE Philanthropy Survey

Australia and New Zealand

fundraising performance

donor participation

bequests

institutional benchmarking

alumni relations staffing

CASE Insights Solutions

fundraising trends