Partner with us to strengthen Indigenous excellence in education, research and community leadership.
Indigenous Philanthropy at the University of Melbourne advances Indigenous student success through scholarships and pathways and supports Indigenous leadership in research and knowledge creation.
Our Team
Applying a culturally grounded approach centred on trust, respect, and self-determination, the Indigenous Philanthropy team works alongside Indigenous academics and leaders across the University to attract philanthropic support and corporate social investment that strengthens Indigenous excellence across the University and beyond.
Reach the team collectively at indigenous-giving@unimelb.edu.au.
Sonya Paul (Navajo/ Diné)
Director, Philanthropy Indigenous (Advancement)
sonya.paul@unimelb.edu.au
Portfolio: Arts; Fine Arts & Music; Science; Engineering & IT; Deputy Vice Chancellor (Indigenous) portfolio; scholarships in in these areas
Hope Perkins (Eastern Arrernte/Nyamal)
Senior Development Manager
hope.perkins@unimelb.edu.au
Portfolio: Business & Economics; Education; Law; Architecture, Building & Planning; scholarships in these faculties
Jessica Vangelista (Narungga/Kaurna)
Senior Development Manager
jessica.vangelista@unimelb.edu.au
Portfolio: Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences; scholarships in this faculty
William McClure (Bundjalung)
Project Officer
w.mcclure@unimelb.edu.au
A moment of opportunity
Through the University’s Indigenous strategy, Murmuk Djerring (2023–2027), Melbourne has committed to deepening Indigenous leadership, expanding opportunity and strengthening Indigenous knowledge systems.
Philanthropy plays a critical role in accelerating this work – enabling innovation and impact beyond what core funding alone can achieve.
Our priorities are guided by two interconnected pillars: Indigenous Knowledges and Indigenous Advancement (IKIA) – recognising that strong cultural foundations and expanded opportunity must advance together.
-
Strengthening Indigenous leadership in research and knowledge creation through respectful engagement between Indigenous and Western disciplines.
Philanthropic support advances initiatives including:
- Indigenous Knowledge Institute – advancing Indigenous self-determination in research and strengthening connections to law, language and ceremony.
- Indigenous Sciences Academy – developing the next generation of Indigenous scientists to drive innovation nationally.
- Centre for Truth Telling and Dialogue – advancing Indigenous-led truth-telling, justice and reconciliation.
These initiatives elevate Indigenous authority and rebalance knowledge systems for the benefit of all.
-
Expanding opportunity and supporting Indigenous success at every stage – from scholarships and student pathways to research and community leadership initiatives.
Philanthropic investment supports:
- Scholarships and pathway programs for Indigenous students and researchers
- Community capacity-building initiatives, including the Dilin Duwa Centre for Indigenous Business Leadership
- The emerging Indigenous Law and Justice Hub, strengthening Indigenous participation in national and global conversations
When Indigenous communities flourish, Australia and the world benefit.
Partner with us
When you support Indigenous Philanthropy at Melbourne, you join a community committed to generational change. Your partnership enables Indigenous students, scholars and communities to define and achieve success on their own terms.
We welcome conversations about:
- Philanthropic gifts
- Corporate social investment
- Scholarships and bursaries
- Programmatic support
- Endowments
- Planned giving/bequests
Together, we can expand access to education, strengthen Indigenous-led research and elevate knowledge systems that benefit all.
A shared vision for impact
When you support Indigenous Philanthropy at Melbourne, you join a community of allies, advocates and visionaries working toward lasting change.
Your contribution helps create a future where Indigenous students, scholars, and communities can thrive - guided by their own definitions of success.
Learn more
How can we help?
FAQs and contact details
Find helpful answers to common questions and specialised contact details.
Give to education and research
Learn how you can support students and researchers.
Ways to give
Explore the varied and meaningful ways you can give towards a brighter future for all.