Showcasing Member Excellence and Advancing the Industry
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The educate+ Excellence Awards highlight and reward exceptional talent and achievements within the educational Advancement industry, setting a standard for others to aspire to. They enhance the visibility and credibility of both individuals and the institutions they represent, enhancing their professional profile and elevating their credential in a competitive market.
The educate+ Excellence Awards
- The Excellence Awards are the educational Advancement industry showcase
- The Awards are open to all educate+ members
- There is no charge to apply
- The Awards are presented every two years at the Excellence Awards Lunch at the biennial International Conference
- All Applicants are recognised (see below). Shortlisted Applications are promoted throughout the Conference to enable delegates to review submissions and learn about each project. Winners have the opportunity to participate in an Excellence Series Webinar, aimed at sharing their expertise with others in the Educate Plus Community.
2026 Awards – Winners & Finalists
The celebrations are complete and the results are in!
We were thrilled to honour the very best of Advancement at the 2026 educate+ Excellence Awards Presentation, held on the afternoon of Wednesday 2 September at the Building Futures International Conference.
This year we received an incredible 300+ submissions across multiple Award categories, showcasing the innovation, dedication and impact happening right across our profession. From outstanding individuals and teams to initiatives making a genuine difference within institutions and communities, the calibre of entries was truly exceptional.Huge congratulations to all our winners and finalists – your achievements are an inspiration to the entire Advancement community.
We’re so proud of the difference you’re making. Our sincere thanks go to our amazing panel of judges, who generously gave their time, expertise and careful consideration to the significant task of reviewing and assessing each submission.
Thank you also to our Excellence Awards Sponsor, Global Philanthropic.
We’re delighted to share the Winners & Finalists for the 2026 educate+ Excellence Awards – congratulations to everyone involved!
Expand the accordions below to see the Winner & Finalists Submissions (Click on the images to enlarge the posterboards).
To access the Excellence Awards Gallery, click here.
ADMISSIONS
Recognising excellence in an Admissions campaign specifically designed to secure Enrolments
Recognising excellence in Admissions collateral specifically designed to secure Enrolments.
Recognising excellence in an Admissions event specifically designed to secure Enrolments.
ALUMNI & COMMUNITY
Recognising excellence in a series of activities or programs specifically designed to engage with Alumni and/or Community.
Recognising excellence in collateral specifically designed to engage with Alumni and/or Community.
Recognising excellence in an event, specifically designed to engage with Alumni and/or Community.
FUNDRAISING
Recognising excellence in an Annual Giving Project or Giving Day.
Recognising excellence in a Capital Campaign or Major Gifts Program.
Recognising excellence in a Bequest or Stewardship Program.
Recognising excellence in a Fundraising event.
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS
Recognising excellence in an integrated campaign that elevates institutional reputation, strengthens brand identity and delivers measurable impact.
Recognising Excellence in digital initiatives that drive meaningful engagement and achieve strategic communications objectives.
Recognising excellence in the use of video to engage audiences and achieve institutional objectives across Admissions, Alumni, Fundraising or Marketing.
Recognising excellence in the production of a publication to engage audiences and achieve institutional objectives across Admissions, Alumni, Fundraising or Marketing.
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Recognising excellence in a program designed to support and enhance the wellbeing of staff within the institution.
Recognising excellence in an initiative that supports, develops or improves organisational culture, capability or people practices.
IMPACT ON A SHOESTRING (ALL STREAMS)
Recognising excellence in achieving high-impact outcomes with limited financial resources across Admissions, Alumni, Fundraising or Marketing.
TEAM AWARD
Recognising a team that has consistently contributed to their institution’s strategic priorities and purpose, while advancing their institution and community through collaborative practice.
SPECIAL AWARDS
| Trevor Wigney Award | Russell Davidson, Director of Development & Alumni Relations, Haileybury VIC |
| Institutional Leader Award | Ross Featherston, Headmaster, Brighton Grammar School VIC |
| Volunteer Award | Steven Wellbeloved, Head of Advancement, St Mark’s Anglican Community School WA |
| Mentor Award | Yvette Graniero, Director of Community Relations & Strategic Engagement, Santa Sabina College NSW |
| Newcomer Award | Owen Briffa, Media & Communications Officer (Strategic Communications & Community Relations), Mount Lawley Senior High School WA |
| Supplier Award – Leading the Industry Forward | McCrindle Research |
| Supplier Award – Serving Our Teams | Collective Objective |
View the 2024 Winners & Finalists here.
