Due diligence checks and risk management in philanthropy: A university perspective
Abstract
Philanthropy plays a crucial role in advancing higher education’s mission. Yet, as universities seek to engage with external partners, due diligence and risk management is crucial to safeguarding institutional reputation, integrity and compliance. While risk is inherent in the work of advancement and the cultivation of relationships with individuals and organisations external to your university, it does not have to go unmanaged. This paper explores how to establish the criteria for an effective due diligence framework, the process for assessing a risk profile and understanding its impact, and provides guidelines for deployment in an effective and efficient manner. Whether a university is at the beginning of its due diligence journey or already employing a sophisticated approach, this paper will provide guidance and recommendations for crafting an institution-specific approach to staying abreast of the changing risk landscape for external partners as well as the evolving priorities and perceptions of vulnerabilities by internal teams. This article is also included in The Business & Management Collection which can be accessed at https://hstalks.com/business/.
The full article is available to subscribers to the journal.
Author's Biography
Merrell Milano is an accomplished executive with extensive experience in advancing fundraising and engagement programmes. She currently serves as Deputy Vice-President, Advancement Services at the University of Queensland where she oversees a portfolio of information management, insights and operations teams. Her areas of expertise include business analysis, process development, change management and project management, as well as aligning technology and operations with the unique needs and best practices of non-profit institutions. Before joining the University of Queensland, Merrell spent a decade as an Associate Vice President at BWF, an international fundraising consulting company, where she specialised in fundraising operations and systems, helping universities, colleges, healthcare organisations and other non-profits design and implement data-driven operations and effective technology tools to achieve fundraising and engagement success. Merrell is a graduate of New York University.
Ongelle Rice is driven by a passion for building connections that create a lasting impact. As Senior Manager for Relationship Management and Strategy in Advancement at the University of Queensland, she leads efforts to strengthen philanthropic engagement, donor stewardship and strategic partnerships. Her work is guided by a commitment to integrity and resilience, ensuring reputational risk and due diligence are embedded at the heart of decision making. In 2024, she shared this approach on the international stage as a presenter at the Asia-Pacific Advancement Conference. Her career journey has spanned nearly two decades and crossed industries, institutions and countries. At Monash University, Ongelle played a pivotal role in transforming assessment delivery, helping the institution scale digital assessment systems during one of the most disruptive periods in higher education. Prior to that, at Auckland University of Technology (AUT), she built the university’s business architecture capability from the ground up, leading a team dedicated to business optimisation and process innovation. Ongelle’s earlier career took shape in corporate and recruitment settings with organisations such as Avis Budget Group, Fonterra and Hertz. These roles honed her skills in client engagement, organisational transformation and talent development, capabilities she now brings to her leadership in higher education. Beyond her professional life, Ongelle is deeply engaged in community and governance. She serves on the School Council of Indooroopilly State High School, volunteers with 4Voices, and has championed diversity and inclusion as a board member of Women on Campus at AUT. Recognised throughout her career for her ability to simplify complexity and inspire teams, Ongelle blends strategic vision with a people-centred approach. Her work reflects a consistent thread: a belief in the power of relationships to advance education, foster innovation and strengthen communities.
