Frequently asked questions about the Development & Alumni Office
How do you choose the projects that you fundraise for?
Our major campaigns are for projects that have philanthropic appeal and are integral to the delivery of the University's strategic plan. So that means we raise money for everything from buildings to scholarships.
Does the University have a £multimillion campaign?
Glasgow has chosen not to reflect all money won competitively across campus, but rather to seek funds and report on success through individual projects. In this tighter definition of fundraising, Glasgow does very well against other institutions in fundraising success.
Who donates money to the University?
We receive money from many different sources, both from the UK and from all over the world. We receive money from alumni or from those who have a particular interest in our activity in Glasgow. We are lucky to receive money from trusts and foundations too. We receive substantial gifts but also many smaller individual gifts - and regular monthly giving really helps us to achieve our aims.
I know somebody who wants to make a gift to the University – what should I do?
Many donations come about because of personal contact, and we are happy to offer advice and help to those who are talking to a potential donor. We will also be guided by the contact you would wish us to have with that donor, and would only contact them with your agreement.
Can donors specify where their gift goes?
Yes, absolutely. Donors can choose to support the variety of projects outlined or may wish their gift to go to a particular department. We can help arrange that too.
Can staff support campaigns?
Yes, we are delighted to receive donations (and other forms of support) from staff. Some staff make their donations by GAYE which makes it easy to make a tax efficient gift via payroll.
What are the benefits to being a donor?
We operate a Gifted Scheme which allows for gifts of £250 or more to be named in perpetuity. Our guide to naming your gift is available from the Development Office. Our recently launched online benefactor wall can also be viewed at http://universityofglasgowbenefactorwall.com/
What can I get money for?
The Chancellor’s Fund Advisory Board meets twice yearly to award grants to deserving projects across the University community in the areas of:
- Supporting our students: student welfare
- Enhancing the learning environment: environment, facilities and equipment
- Developing excellence: research, scholarship and teaching
- Preserving our heritage: culture and heritage.
The Board disbursed £300,000 to 31 projects in 2007. See our website, or contact us for more information.
Through the Scholarship Fund we aim to encourage support for a range of scholarships across the University.
Can the DAO help us fundraise?
If you have a fundraising need or idea, please contact us. We can offer advice, support and a range of expertise.
Does the University receive many bequests?
The University has benefited from legacies and bequests throughout its history and last year we received over £2M in bequests. Many staff will already know about, and benefit from, the generosity of the Ferguson Bequest which funds our Corporate Membership Scheme and other staff benefits. This shows that bequests are not just left to building projects.
If our department receives a gift or a bequest directly should I inform the Development Office?
Yes, please do so. We can offer advice about channelling the money, making sure that all tax advantages are fully explored and that donors are properly recognised for their gift and thanked appropriately.
I’ve heard there are tax advantages to giving?
Yes, all donations are made to the University of Glasgow Trust, an independent charitable trust SC008303. This means that all gifts made by UK income tax payers will benefit from Gift Aid. More information about these advantages can be found on our website. As outlined above, tax efficient gifts can also be made by GAYE.
Does the DAO charge for their support and help?
No, we don’t.
Our department would like to contact alumni to organise a reunion or get their help in student recruitment – can you help?
Yes! We can help you to get in touch with your graduates, as well as help with the planning of events or activities. Unfortunately we do not have budgets to run all the events that we would like to, however we usually try to make our alumni events break even. We find that alumni are generally more than happy to pay a reasonable ticket price to help cover costs.
I see - how are Data Protection matters addressed?
All information is collected and stored in accordance with the UK Data Protection Act and will be treated confidentially.
My colleagues and I are running the 10k, can we help with University projects?
Yes, this is a way to ensure all your hard training has a wider benefit. We are delighted to receive sponsorship and you might also be interested in the £1,000 Challenge organised for our Beatson Pebble Appeal - see our website for details.
Are there other events that I can participate in? Do you only organise events in Glasgow?
We organise a range of sponsorship events to raise funds for University projects, and also corporate events which help to maintain and develop links with our alumni, friends and supporters. We hold alumni events in Glasgow, throughout the UK and overseas as well. Check our diary below.
How do I maintain contact with our graduates?
The University has a statutory requirement to maintain an electoral roll of members of the General Council (graduates). As such it is our responsibility to ensure that an accurate database is stored. If you keep in touch with individual graduates from your department then please let us know. Forward on changes of address or updated business details and we will make sure these are added to the system to help you, as a department, track the success of your alumni.
How do I nominate somebody for Young Alumnus of the Year?
If you know of a graduate who has particularly excelled in their chosen career since leaving University, and they are within 15 years of their graduation, then let us know. We honour successful young graduates every year and it is a great boost for the department as well as a celebration for the University.
I travel on University business - can I help the University maintain its relationships with alumni?
Yes. Please let us know (with a couple of weeks notice if possible) of your trip. The University has many Alumni Associations based all over the world and they love to welcome visiting members of staff. Similarly if you are visiting a location where we do not yet have an official group, then you may be able to help us set one up by meeting some of the local alumni and encouraging them to get involved.