University of Sydney Sport Foundation (USSF)

The University of Sydney Sport Foundation was approved by Senate in June 2005 in anticipation of the Commonwealth Government VSU* legislation which was enacted in December 2005. The primary responsibility of the Foundation was fundraising for sports in the University including for Sydney University Sports and its constituent clubs and to ensure compliance with relevant tax and fundraising laws.

At the time there was already an established Sydney University Cricket Club Foundation in place and a Rugby Foundation established outside the University and managed by the Australian Sports Foundation. Pressure to raise funds by other clubs in the university resulted in applications being prepared to create more Foundations and it was thought to be more appropriate to establish one foundation namely the University of Sydney Sport Foundation.

In 2009 a project was under way to ensure the Foundation was compliant. This involved the re-constitution of the Foundation and the establishment of sub-divisions and clear guidelines for clubs, associations and services as to their obligations pertaining to fundraising through the Foundation (2008 Annual Report). On 3 August 2009 Senate under Item 9.6.3 Establishment of the Sydney Uni Sport Foundation resolved

1) to terminate the University of Sydney Sport Foundation;

2) to approve the Rules for the Sydney Uni Sport Foundation as from 3 August 2009;

3) to take the issue of the name back to the Foundation, expressing Senate's concern about the proposed name; and

4) to ask the Branding Project team to comment on the proposed name.

In 2015 the Foundation is managed by the professional staff of Sydney Uni Sport & Fitness assisted by a specialist team of coaches, administrators and volunteers and is dedicated to ensuring the on-going viability and sustainability of sport and sporting success at the University. Funding contributes to provide the necessary infrastructure, coaching and administrative expertise, as well as the Sporting Scholarship Program for elite athletes. The Foundation enables benefactors to receive tax deductions for all donations in support of their principal sporting interests. (https://www.susf.com.au/page/make_a_donation_to_the_sports_foundation.html accessed on 19/6/2015)

VSU= Voluntary Student Unionism