The Foundation

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation manages donations to support projects of strategic importance to the University.

Since it was established in 1990, through the generous support of donors, the Foundation has contributed more than $89.7 million to the University. These funds support students, deliver capital projects, and advance knowledge through teaching and research.

As of January 2024, the investment portfolio is $107 million, providing ongoing support for academic positions, scholarships, and teaching and research programmes.

Governance

The Foundation is governed by an independent Board of Trustees, including the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and alumni and friends of the University who are business and community leaders in Wellington.

The Board is responsible for ensuring all donated funds are correctly managed, invested, and disbursed. Investment of the funds is overseen by the Foundation’s Finance, Risk and Investment Committee, who receive monthly reports on funding for all projects.

On a day-to-day basis, the University’s Development Office ensure that donors’ objectives and expectations are met through auditing annual accounts and monitoring formal agreements signed with donors and sponsors to ensure all terms are met. Each year the Development Office and the Foundation produce an Annual Report of all Foundation activity.

You will find Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Trust’s audited financial statements for 2022 and the accompanying Auditor’s Report below.

Scholarships

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation Trustees also fund scholarships for students who are the first in their family to attend university.

These scholarships are a very real way we can increase opportunities for talented students who might not otherwise have the chance to study and gain a world-class education.

United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment

The Victoria University of Wellington Foundation is proud to be one of only two universities in Australasia who have signed up to UNPRI (United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment) demonstrating our commitment to ethically responsible investment.