Development & Alumni Office
Introduction
The University of Sunderland Development and Alumni Office (DAO) coordinates contact between
the University and its former students, as well as acting as a central focus for all philanthropic
fundraising activity.
Over the past 8 years the office has raised over £5million to support the University and its
students, and has assisted projects such as the Media Centre, the Disability Support Team and
Formula Student. The office manages the University of Sunderland Development Trust, a
registered charity set up in 1994 to help the University and its students.
Through regular communication with our 18,000 alumni the office also finds ways to involve our
former students in the current life of the University - whether that is through providing student
placements, financial support or promotional case studies.
The office has recently been awarded £250,000 from the government to expand its activity over the
next three years, and in doing so raise around £2.5million. This money will be used for a variety of
projects across the University.
How we can help you
The University has three levels of philanthropic projects.
1. Major University Developments
These are strategic projects of the University. They have implications for the whole
University and demand a significant level of input from DAO and the University of
Sunderland Development Trust. They can include a variety of fundraising projects, which
are adopted after agreement by both the Vice-Chancellor and the Trustees of the
Development Trust. Projects in this category include: The Digital Media Centre and The
Futures Fund (current)
2. School Projects
These are projects which are supported and managed by a School or Department with
some assistance from the Alumni and Development Office. They need to fit within the
University corporate plan and are ultimately subject to approval by the Vice-Chancellor,
after approval by the relevant Dean or Head of Department. Examples would include:
Chairs or Research Institutes.
3. Departmental Initiatives
These are smaller scale funding activities supported and managed by departments. The
DAO will provide general advice but direct assistance is limited. Projects need to fit with
School or Service plans and be approved by the Dean/Head of Service. Examples would
include conferences and Arts Council supported projects.
The priorities for these projects are set by the Vice Chancellor, who leads our fundraising
campaigns. Funding can take from six months to two years to obtain depending on the amount of
funding required and its match with our current supporters. The earlier in the process you contact
the DAO for help the greater the chances of success.
For further details about getting support for your project please contact Amanda Ball,
Development Administrator on 3664 or E-mail development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.
University of Sunderland Development Trust
Registered Charity No.1041658
Recent Projects

The Digital Media Centre (£4.5 Million)
This award winning facility on the Sir Tom Cowie Campus is home to students of Journalism, Public Relations,
TV, Radio, Video and New Media Production.

Disability Support Team (£10k and rising)
The Trust is supporting the foundation of an assistive technology library.


Formula Student (£2k and rising)
This award winning extracurricular project, involving automotive technology students, has received both large
donations as well as raising its own funds by using the Trust’s Lottery License.
University Big Band (£30K and rising)
A series of successful applications to the Arts Council has enabled the Band to perform and rehearse on a
regular basis, as well as host the annual Sunderland Big Band Jazz Festival.

Futures Fund Scholarships (£350K and rising)
The Fund provides scholarships to encourage excellence and opportunity at the University.
Further details are enclosed.
Why are we raising money to support the University
In an increasingly uncertain time for higher education financial independence and stability are
important factors. One of the many ways the University is looking to diversify its income streams is
through creating a sustainable flow of philanthropic income. This money will not replace the core
funding, but will give us the extra resources to obtain and maintain a cutting edge across a range
of academic areas.
How much is this costing the University?
Over the next three years the University is investing £250,000 in the Development and Alumni
Office. By the end of this period the Office will be raising over £1million per year. Part of this
investment is in staff, part of it in materials such as the brochure that accompanies this sheet.
You may be interested to know that the cost of sending you this brochure is less than twenty
pence, meaning that to send a copy to each member of staff has cost less than £360. Compare
this with the value of helping a student take up a life-changing opportunity – and I am sure you will
agree this represents good value.
How you can help us
Raised awareness
We rely on members of staff to pass on information to our students about projects such as the
Futures Fund. Strong candidates for awards allow us to demonstrate a need for funding, and
ensure that the funds we raise are well used. We have enclosed further information about the
Futures Fund with this sheet. Application forms will be made available through the Student
Gateway and the libraries. For electronic copies of the forms please contact the DAO.
Support
The University of Sunderland Development Trust needs the support of staff, students and alumni
as well as wealthy businessmen and companies. This support can take many forms including
your time and enthusiasm. You may also wish to join with the many other staff that support
projects such the Futures Fund, with a small regular gift. For more information about how you can
help please contact the office at the address below.
Further Information
For further information about the DAO or Development Trust please contact Andrew, Suzanne, Jo
or Amanda on 3664 or e-mail development.office@sunderland.ac.uk.
University of Sunderland Development and Alumni Office, Room 501, Edinburgh Building, City
Campus, Chester Rd, Sunderland, SR1 3SD.
University of Sunderland Development Trust
Registered Charity No.1041658