South African universities are under pressure to optimally manage their fundraising opportunities and processes. This requires well-trained professionals with up-to-date knowledge. Inyathelo has accordingly offered training and support for around two decades to help higher education institutions become more sustainable in the long term. This initiative has largely been sponsored by the Kresge Foundation, based in the United States. The foundation method, known as Advancement, is an integrated approach to managing relationships with key stakeholders. Core disciplines include alumni relations, communications, marketing and fundraising.

Inyathelo also develops leadership capacity through the Higher Education Leadership Management Division (HELM) in Universities South Africa (USAf) and facilitates partnerships and collaboration that support financial sustainability and resilience in universities.

Programme areas include:

United States-South Africa Higher Education Network (US-SA HEN)

Inyathelo’s partnership with US-SA HEN incorporates several levels of engagement. Inyathelo is a programme lead on university Advancement and third stream income, universities as anchor institutions, and university research office capacity development. Read more. 

Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits University

We are collaborating with CAPSI at Wits University through the Postgraduate Diploma in African Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation. Students and professionals with a strong interest in philanthropy and fundraising can apply to study for a prestigious specialist postgraduate qualification, the first academic qualification of its kind in Africa.Read more. 

Annual Survey on Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE)

The Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) provides a rigorous and in-depth overview of philanthropic support to universities in South Africa. This research reveals the commitment of global and South African philanthropy to the South African university sector, and also showcases the important role of Advancement offices in managing philanthropic support. Read more.