BGU | Fundraising Handbook

INTRODUCTION

As we embark on the Way Forward Campaign , we are proud to present a new fundraising manual, a comprehensive resource describing Ben-Gurion University’s (BGU) key funding priorities. Designed to support our dedicated fundraisers and partners – both professional staff and lay leaders – this guide aims to enhance your efforts in building awareness and securing support for BGU’s mission across the globe. The Way Forward Campaign will ensure BGU’s growth and development in the years ahead. This initiative will empower BGU to implement its strategic plan and achieve its vision of becoming one of the world’s leading research institutions and Israel’s foremost university in research, education, and societal impact. Following the events of October 7, 2023, BGU’s role in the Negev has become even more critical. For over 50 years, the University has been a driving force in the region’s economic and social development. Today, BGU is leading the rebuilding and revitalizing of the Negev, playing an essential role in fostering resilience, wellbeing, and a promising future for the region. The Way Forward Campaign will enable BGU to fulfill this expanded role while unlocking the potential of our beloved Negev. This manual provides an overview of BGU’s primary funding priorities, offering insights into why these specific areas were prioritized and how donors can make meaningful contributions. Rather than delving into every specific project or fundraising opportunity, it offers a high-level perspective to help fundraisers and associates understand how advancing these priorities will enable the University to thrive in the decades to come. BGU is a large and diverse institution, committed to education, research, and community engagement. While the manual does not describe every funding need, it highlights the most significant priorities aligned with the Way Forward Campaign. It is important to recognize that Israel’s dynamic situation demands adaptability. The University’s strategic plan and Way Forward Campaign objectives were conceived well before October 7, 2023, and our immediate funding needs have evolved in response. Similarly, the priorities outlined here are flexible and may be adjusted as circumstances require. We hope this manual serves as an indispensable tool, deepening your understanding of BGU’s funding priorities and equipping you to champion the University’s mission effectively. The team at BGU’s Strategic Planning and Resource Development Department is ready to provide further details about any of these priorities and individual opportunities associated with them. Our hope is that this guide empowers you to identify the perfect opportunity to inspire and engage each supporter. We are confident that there is at least one funding priority or associated project that will appeal to each potential donor.