Engaging and Securing Support from International Alumni and Parents 

Engaging international Alumni and parents is a key strategy for expanding a school’s global community, enhancing its reputation, and increasing philanthropic support. Successful institutions build long-term, culturally sensitive relationships through consistent communication, personalized outreach, and meaningful engagement. 

I was curious to learn more about best practice and research some examples which would be able to demonstrate how to implement and who to learn from. 

Although every institution has its own history, resources and capabilities, there are lessons learnt which can be applied across many organisations: 

1.Build and Cultivate Local Relationships 

• Research and segment your database and learn about your overseas constituents. 
• Appoint regional ambassadors and establish international alumni/parent chapters. 
• Host in-person events abroad and leverage school leadership visits for donor cultivation. Host virtual events for years when no in-person presence is planned. 
• Tailor communications by region, language, and interest to foster stronger connections. 
• University of Melbourne operates active alumni networks in Singapore, China, and North America. Events like Melbourne Global Alumni Celebration Week bring international communities together with senior university representatives. 
• Redlands has established multiple overseas chapters to grow international alumni engagement; staff and leadership travelling overseas plan various touchpoints to deepen these relationships. 
• Wesley College holds alumni reunions in Hong Kong and London, often coinciding with staff visits for Admissions Expo, to sustain a global community. 

2.Offer Flexible and Purposeful Ways to Engage and Give 

• Provide diverse opportunities for involvement beyond donations (e.g. mentoring, speaking, networking). 
• Promote giving options aligned with international donors’ interests, such as scholarships or global impact initiatives. 
• Emphasise transparency and clearly demonstrate the impact of support. 
• The University of Sydney offers a global mentoring program connecting students with alumni abroad for career advice and internships. 
• Brisbane Grammar School promotes scholarships that support students from regional or overseas backgrounds, appealing to international alumni with an interest in broadening access to education. 

3.Focus on Long-Term, Personalised Stewardship 

• Maintain ongoing engagement through newsletters, virtual events, holiday messages, and student updates. 
• Recognise contributions publicly to strengthen loyalty and inspire others. 
• Use CRM systems to manage segmented outreach and track relationship development over time. 
• UNSW Sydney maintains a personalised engagement calendar for high-potential overseas donors and uses regionally tailored content in communications. 
• Scotch College Adelaide recognises major donors through digital and print honour rolls and maintains contact with overseas families via regular school updates and alumni magazines. 

Conclusion 

Australian schools and universities that succeed in international engagement invest in long-term, authentic relationships. A culturally sensitive approach that empowers international alumni and parents as community builders leads to stronger global ties, a deeper sense of belonging and willingness to be part of a donor community. 

Educate Plus NSW Chapter Summit  

Would you like to learn more and hear first-hand from experienced practitioners such as David Mason-Jones, Executive Director of the Shore Foundation and Mary Cook, Director of Advancement & Community at KRB?

Please join us at the NSW Make Tomorrow Chapter Summit on October 23-24. Register here.