Giving FAQs

How are gifts/donations to CDU managed?

Gifts are managed and administered by the CDU Alumni & Giving team in line with the Donations and Gift Acceptance Policy.

Who can donate to CDU?

CDU is permitted to accept donations and gifts from individuals and organisations for the direct benefit of the University and its students.

How can I give/donate to CDU?

We accept multiple donation options. To see the full list, visit our Ways to Give web page.

What percentage of my donation goes towards the area of support?

100% of your donation or gift is allocated to the area you elect to support.

Can I elect for my gift to remain anonymous?

Yes, we offer the option to remain anonymous from donor recognition. Our online donation forms offer an option to elect an anonymous gift. Otherwise, contact the CDU Aluni & Giving team at (08) 8946 6917 or giving@cdu.edu.au to notify us of your wishes.

Can I get a refund on my gift or donation?

Any request for a refund of donations or gifts already donated to the CDU by a donor will be considered and determined on a case-by-case basis as outlined in the Donations and Gift Acceptance Policy.

Is my donation tax deductible?

Yes, donations made in Australia to CDU are tax deductible. The Australian Tax Office endorses CDU as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) in accordance with section 30-15 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997. Charles Darwin University - ABN 54 093 513 649

Will I get a receipt for my donation?

Yes, all donations are provided with a tax-deductible receipt within 48 hours of receiving payment.

Will I receive an annual giving statement?

An email notification will be sent to all donors advising them how to download their tax statement via our Donor Giving Portal on the 2^nd week of July each year.

I can’t find the receipt for my donation. How do I get a copy?

Contact the CDU Alumni & Giving Team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au with your donation details, and you will be sent a duplicate receipt.

How are my details managed?

Details are retained in our Donor Management system in line with CDU’s Privacy and Confidentiality Policy.

How can I update my donor details?

To update your donor details, contact the CDU Alumni & Giving team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au.

Can I elect for my gift to remain anonymous?

Yes, we offer the option to remain anonymous from donor recognition. Our online donation forms offer an option to elect an anonymous gift. Otherwise, contact the CDU Alumni & Giving team at (08) 8946 6917 or giving@cdu.edu.au to notify us of your wishes.

Can I donate shares or property?

Yes, get in touch with the CDU Alumni & Giving Team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au to discuss your donation further.

Do you accept In-kind donations?

Yes, get in touch with the CDU Alumni & Giving Team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au to discuss your donation further.

Can I leave CDU a gift in my will?

Yes,  visit the Leaving a bequest to CDU web page or contact the CDU Alumni & Giving Team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au to discuss your bequest further.

I previously donated to the CDU Foundation. Can I still make a contribution?

The CDU Foundation was closed in April 2023. CDU’s philanthropic entity is now managed internally at CDU by the Advancement team.

CDU has, in recent times, undertaken an internal review to evaluate the University’s fundraising and philanthropic function, including benchmarking with other Australian higher education providers. A key recommendation from the review is that the University should take ownership of fundraising and philanthropy by bringing the function “in-house”. Accordingly, the CDU Foundation Board, based on a recommendation from CDU, has resolved to wind up the CDU Foundation, with assets and donor funds transferred intact from the CDU Foundation to an equivalent CDU internal fund.

Importantly, protections are in place to ensure that funds are only expended in accordance with donor instructions, just as they have been with the CDU Foundation.  Philanthropy at CDU must hold the respect and trust of the public, donors, and prospective donors and gifts will only be used for the purposes in which they have been given.  The vast majority of donor funds auspiced by both CDU and the CDU Foundation are already governed by donor gift agreements which clearly stipulate when, where and how donor funds can be used. This practice will continue as CDU becomes the sole fundraising entity.

If you would like to discuss the CDU Foundation further, contact the CDU Alumni & Giving Team at (08) 8946 6917 or email giving@cdu.edu.au.