Fundraising capacity

Since the University of New Brunswick established its Office of Development and Donor Relations in 1984, more than $160 million has been raised to strengthen and enhance the institution. Contributions from many thoughtful donors are absolutely critical to UNB's continued excellence and our ability to adapt to the needs of our students.

In these times when government grants are decreasing as a proportion of our operating funds and tuition fees are at maximum levels, contributions from many thoughtful donors are absolutely critical to UNB's continued excellence and our ability to adapt to the needs of our students.

Building our fundraising capacity even further is essential to our success in the years ahead.

It is a truism that it takes money to raise money, and UNB's Return on Investment (ROI) has been outstanding.  For every 13 cents invested, UNB received a dollar, an ROI of nearly 800 per cent.

Fundraising financing

Since 1988 the UNB Board of Governors has had a Policy on Fundraising Costs.  Fundraising is financed through three sources:

  • A modest annual contribution from the general operating budget
  • A holdback of five per cent on all contributions
  • An additional amount, if required and approved by the Board of Governors, from undesignated investment funds and donations

But UNB's support doesn't stop there.  The institution also provides office space and utilities, as well as operational support through Financial Services, Information Technology Services, and other administrative units.  The Office of Development and Donor Relations' budget is reviewed and approved annually by the University's budget committees and the Board.

Features of this approach

  • Fundraising activities are financed more like a business than a university department since costs are assessed primarily against revenues generated.
  • Our approach puts a minimum of pressure on the University's operating budget, preserving precious government and tuition fee income for academic purposes and student services.
  • Every dollar donated to the University helps the University raise more money.  Every dollar donated helps UNB raise another $9.
  • UNB's fundraising is cost-effective.  Fundraising costs at North American universities range from 4 to 25 per cent.
  • UNB's approach is similar to most other institutions in Canada and the United States.  Most use a combination of operating and investment income.
  • Ninety per cent of your contribution goes straight for the purpose for which you have designated it.  And if your contribution is made to an endowment, investment income over time will replenish the 5 per cent allocated to fundraising activities.

Helping to build a stronger UNB

Your contribution to UNB helps build a stronger institution in two ways:

  1. By directly supporting our programs and activities.
  2. By increasing our fund raising capacity for the future.

Your contribution is an investment that pays double dividends for UNB.