Donor generosity supporting ECU students
In the recently released ECU Foundation Impact Report 2024, it's been revealed the generosity of ECU's donor community has changed the lives of more than 100 students through scholarships and support initiatives. It marks another milestone in ECU's ambitious plan to grow its scholarship program to support 500 students annually by 2030.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Clare Pollock said ECU's donor community embodies the spirit of giving and plays a vital role in shaping the University's future.
From scholarships that ease financial pressures to funding that supports groundbreaking research, your generosity is making a meaningful difference. It goes beyond financial assistance: it empowers dreams, changes lives, and helps shape a brighter future," Professor Pollock said.
Led by Chancellor and Chair of the ECU Foundation Board, Gaye McMath, ECU's philanthropic efforts are enabling students and researchers across all disciplines to thrive.
L-R John Carey MLA, Minister for Planning and Lands, Housing and Works, Health Infrastructure, Mr David Templeman, former Minister for Culture and the Arts, Sports and Recreation, International Education, Heritage, Hon. Roger Cook MLA, Premier of WA, Professor Clare Pollock, Vice Chancellor ECU and Mr John Hartman CEO Minderoo Foundation
A bold new stage for the performing arts
In an historic moment for the arts in Australia, the Minderoo Foundation donated $30 million to the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA), one of the largest philanthropic gifts in the history of the sector.
"This unprecedented partnership will unlock extraordinary opportunities that will impact generations of young people from Western Australia and the region more broadly," Professor Pollock said.
Combined with annual prizes like the Taryn Fiebig and Bill Warnock Awards, donations at every level are supporting WAAPA students in profound ways.
Empowering educators in the digital age
ECU's Writing & Reading for All study, funded through donor support, has helped transform literacy education in Western Australia. More than 320 teachers across the state have participated in professional learning, strengthening their ability to shape confident and capable young writers.
The program has also reached a global audience, earning more than 100 media mentions and achieving an estimated reach of 65 million people.
Growing cultural leadership and community impact
Philanthropy at ECU is about more than individual achievement; it's about community transformation. Scholarships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are helping to foster cultural leadership, personal growth and stronger communities.
Sara, a scholarship recipient and Occupational Therapy student, summed up the spirit of ECU's donor-supported programs.
"I am passionate about gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to my community."
With scholarships and initiatives growing across priority areas such as engineering, critical care, nursing, and education, ECU remains committed to fostering opportunity, equity and excellence with the help of its generous donor community.
More information on how to support a worthy cause can be found on the Giving to ECU webpage.
