Cranbrook, a high-fee eastern suburbs boys’ college attended by generations of business moguls, excels at fundraising. It is budgeting for $125 million to come from parents and alumni for a new Centenary building, and is poised to receive a significant donation from Atlassian multibillionaire Scott Farquhar if it proceeds with plans to become co-educational.
But they’re trying. James Ruse has set itself the goal of expanding its alumni database from 150 to 1000 in the next three years, and has appointed a development manager. Others are doing similar work. The goal is not money, although that would be nice, said the principal of another selective school who spoke on the condition of anonymity. It’s networks and support. “We just want their knowledge,” he said.
Another problem is tax deductibility. “It’s easier for private schools to get [deductable gift recipient status],” said David Hetherington, chief executive of the Public Education Foundation, which was set up after the Gonski funding review to allow tax-deductable donations. “Public education was never set up to be funded by private donors, whereas non-government schools, independent schools, the role of wealthy alumni has always been prominent.
Source: Education Headlines (educationheadlines.net)
JordsBaker How much in the way of taxpayer $ do these anachronisms receive?