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Annual Giving
$1.1M
Giving Ratio
0.2%

About

Universities Australia is the peak body representing Australia's 39 comprehensive universities, advocating for the sector on policy, funding, and regulatory matters. It works to advance higher education and research, fostering collaboration and promoting the value of universities to the nation. While not a traditional philanthropic foundation, it facilitates significant programmatic funding and awards within the higher education sector.

Tips for Applicants

Applications for specific programs, research schemes, or leadership fellowships are typically advertised on the Universities Australia website or through member universities. Applicants should demonstrate clear alignment with Universities Australia's strategic priorities for higher education, research excellence, equity, and access. For university-led initiatives, applications usually involve formal submissions through institutional channels.

Giving Philosophy

Universities Australia approaches its funding by strengthening the Australian higher education sector through advocacy, policy development, and targeted programs. Its 'giving' primarily supports initiatives that promote research excellence, enhance equity and access to higher education, and develop leadership within the university community.

Notable Grants

Funding provided to Australian universities through the Higher Education Equity and Access Program (HEEAP) to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Funding for collaborative research projects between Australian and German universities under the UA-Germany Joint Research Co-operation Scheme (past program).
Awards for excellence in university teaching as part of the Australian Awards for University Teaching (administered on behalf of the Australian Government).

Giving History

2022
$1.1M

ACNC Financial History

YearGrants GivenRevenueTotal AssetsNet Assets
FY2023
$10.0M$20.3M$10.9M
FY2022
$9.1M$23.7M$11.2M
FY2021
$8.9M$24.3M$10.9M
FY2020
$10.8M$23.7M$11.0M
FY2019
$9.9M$21.7M$10.7M
FY2018
$5.4M
$25.2M$28.3M$12.7M
FY2017
$4.3M$14.9M$9.2M
7yr total$5.4MSource: ACNC Annual Information Statements

Focus Areas

educationresearchdisabilitycommunity
Geographic
AU-National
Recipients
universityindividualresearch

Financial Details

Board & Leadership

ACNC
Luke Sheehy
director
ACNC
Adam Shoemaker
board member
ACNC
Andrew Parfitt
board member
ACNC
Attila Brungs
board member
ACNC
Harlene Hayne
board member
ACNC
Renee Leon
board member
ACNC
Rufus Black
board member
ACNC
Zlatko Skrbis
board member
ACNC
Linked from structured person roles rather than unstructured foundation summary text.

Data Sources

Profile quality: high
Foundation profile updated: 6 March 2026 (103 days ago)
Website scan updated: 21 April 2026 (56 days ago)
Added: 5 March 2026 (104 days ago)
View on ACNC Register →