Building Bridges Through Culturally Responsive Stewardship

Introduced in August 2024, Prince Alfred College’s Building Bridges program demonstrates how culturally responsive stewardship can strengthen belonging and philanthropic engagement. It began when a Chinese parent explained that language and cultural barriers made some families hesitant to attend College events. By listening and responding, the Philanthropy team developed an approach that other Advancement teams can adapt to their communities.

1 Begin with listening and evidence

Start by asking families what prevents them from participating and what would help them feel welcome. At Prince Alfred College, consultation with parents and Chinese language staff revealed barriers that existing engagement activities had not addressed.

• Review donor numbers, giving, membership and attendance alongside these conversations to establish a baseline and identify where change is needed.

2 Build a collaborative working group

In September 2024, the College brought together the Director of Philanthropy, Headmaster, Chinese language staff and parent representatives. This combination connected community knowledge with institutional support.

• Establish a similar group to guide activities and seek advice on cultural expectations around giving, stewardship and recognition, allowing families to help shape the experience.

3 Make communication accessible and personal

The College translated key Communications into Mandarin, subtitled videos and shared information through trusted parent WeChat networks. These channels supported personal introductions, including the Director of Philanthropy’s attendance at an EALD parent breakfast in September 2024.

• For your institution, confirm language preferences and identify existing gatherings where families can meet Advancement staff and learn about the Foundation comfortably.

4 Develop trust through consistent engagement

Relationships strengthened through the Director of Philanthropy’s regular presence at Preparatory School and Foundation events, supported by personalised Communications. Families were also included in photography and publications, reinforcing their visibility within the community.

• Explain the impact of giving and the purpose of Foundation membership through these ongoing conversations, recognising that confidence and commitment take time to develop.

5 Create a culturally meaningful experience

The inaugural Chinese New Year Celebration in February 2026 brought this approach together. Co-designed with Chinese staff and parents, it featured Mandarin invitations, Year of the Horse branding and decor, and senior leaders wearing red. Hosting the celebration at the Headmaster’s residence conveyed a personal welcome.

• When planning something similar, consult families on the details and use the occasion to deepen relationships beyond the event itself.

6 Measure Progress and Sustain Engagement

Track donor numbers, total giving, Foundation membership, event attendance and family feedback. Compare results annually and distinguish between new and returning donors so families who give across multiple years are not counted twice when reporting overall participation.

For Prince Alfred College, the results were:

• FY24, before the program: Four Chinese-speaking donors contributed $5,738.
• FY25, following its introduction: 62 donors contributed $141,197.50, representing a 1,450% increase in donor participation and a 2,361% increase in giving compared with FY24.
• FY26: The figures supplied record 47 donors contributing a further $70,614.50.
• Since August 2024: More than 65 Chinese-speaking families have donated, while Foundation membership has increased from eight to 20, a 150% increase.
• Event participation: The inaugural Chinese New Year Celebration attracted 55 parents, representing 85% of invitees.

Against a reported investment of $4,494, gifts across FY25 and FY26 totalled $211,812, approximately $47 for every dollar invested.

• Assess these financial results alongside increased participation, family feedback and stronger relationships to understand the program’s broader impact and guide future engagement.

Key Takeaways

• Consult families before choosing activities or communication channels.
• Combine accessible Communications with consistent personal contact and visible Leadership.
• Measure belonging and participation alongside giving, using clearly defined reporting periods.

Why it Matters

Culturally responsive stewardship helps families participate with confidence and see themselves within the institution’s future. Building Bridges demonstrates how patient relationship building can strengthen Fundraising and Foundation membership while creating enduring connections that support future engagement, even when families choose not to contribute to a particular appeal.