The grant funding will enable the Development and Alumni Relations Division (DAR) to develop advanced prospect research tools to successfully drive innovation, research, and educational excellence at SU.

The research tools aim to accurately identify, understand and engage potential international donors, and will enable DAR to target and cultivate long-term relationships with donors whose interests align with SU’s mission and vision.

"By equipping our team with these tools, we can maximise our outreach efforts, streamline our donor engagement processes and ultimately secure the necessary funding to support our strategic goals,” said David Marupen, Director of Fundraising at DAR.

Marupen expressed his gratitude towards CEFF for their contribution which he said will be instrumental in helping DAR achieve a sustainable and impactful global fundraising campaign.

"The funding will not only strengthen our prospecting research work, but it will also grow our pipeline of suitable prospect donors in philanthropy. The Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation has been a long-term partner of the University, and we commend the Foundation for their continued support of our fundraising efforts.”

Dr Riaan Els, CEO of the Foundation, said it is important to employ the latest tools and technology in an ever-increasing competitive funding environment and amid the complex challenges of mobilising resources and raising funds, particularly from international sources. He wished the DAR team well in their efforts to “sustain professional development, remain consistently ‘ahead of the curve’ and exemplify higher education fundraising excellence in the country”.