What steps will the university take to ensure the long-term sustainability and viability of the programme?
Some universities have philanthropic departments that may be willing to cultivate relationships and partnerships with alumni, external organisations, and donors, and to take responsibility for some funding applications. The International Office of a university can also often be helpful. Alternatively, some universities have set up dedicated fundraising teams to take on the specific and targeted role of sourcing financial support for relocation. In short, it is important to locate and work with relevant departments within the university which support fundraising.
Alumni funding
The University of York’s Protective Fellowship Programme is part-funded by donations from alumni. Programme staff, with the assistance of the University’s philanthropy department, have worked with one of these donors to develop a more sustainable funding arrangement. Instead of an annual donation for two fellowships, the alumnus has now agreed to a three-year commitment for two fellows per year plus some staff costs.
More information
Examples of support that the university may be willing to provide, or that could be accessed in the wider community, are listed in CARA’s Supporting persecuted academics: A guide for higher education institutions (page 49).
‘Find means and resources’ in How to set up a Shelter City by Justice and Peace Netherlands (pages 11 to 12).
