Staff Giving and Benefits Program - Southern Cross University

Make a difference through staff giving

At Southern Cross University, we see every day the difference education and research can make in people’s lives. It is that shared belief in opportunity, equity and impact that sits at the heart of our Staff Giving Program.

Our Staff Giving Program provides a simple and meaningful way for staff to contribute directly to the areas of the University and the wider community that matter most to them. Whether through a one-off donation, regular payroll giving, or the contribution of time and expertise, staff can support students, research and priority initiatives that change lives and strengthen our community.

Contributions help support students facing financial and personal barriers through initiatives such as the Student Opportunities or Hardship Fund, assist early career researchers and PhD candidates to continue their work, and strengthen priority areas including research and the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine.

We recognise that meaningful giving extends beyond financial contributions to the sharing of our time, skills, and experience. By engaging in volunteering and community service, staff can forge deeper professional connections and foster personal development while providing vital support to those in need.

This is a program built on collective impact. Many staff already contribute in different ways across the University, and this initiative provides another way to come together with shared purpose, helping ensure more students and the wider community can access education, thrive in their studies, and realise their potential.

Support Today

Ways to Give

Give through payroll

Giving through payroll is a simple and flexible way to make a lasting difference. Donations are made directly from your pay, allowing you to spread your support across the year while also receiving a tax benefit. There is no need to keep track of receipts, as your contributions are included in your annual PAYG summary.

Setting up your donation is quick and straightforward:

Log in to MyHR
Go to Dashboard / Payroll
Select 'Add new deduction'
Choose the fund most important to you
Enter your amount and commence from your next pay

Payroll donations are set up as ongoing contributions, making it easy to provide consistent support over time. You remain in full control and can adjust or stop your donation at any time through MyHR.

Join payroll giving

Share your time and expertise

Volunteering is another powerful way to drive meaningful impact. By sharing your knowledge, skills and experience, you can directly support students, researchers and communities across the University.

There are many ways to get involved, depending on your interests and availability. This may include mentoring students, guest speaking, supporting events and outreach activities, contributing to alumni and industry networks, or helping strengthen connections between the University and community. Each interaction creates opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom. Here are a few people and partners you could connect with to explore how to get involved:

Whether you give your time, your expertise, or your support, every contribution helps build confidence, capability and connection across our University.

See how we are already engaging our communities

Support that drives meaningful impact

A one-off donation is a simple and meaningful way to make an immediate impact. Whether you choose to give in recognition of a milestone, in response to a current need, or simply because you want to support our students and research, every contribution helps create real opportunities across the University.

Your gift can be directed to the area of greatest meaning to you. This may include supporting students experiencing financial hardship through the Student Opportunities Fund, advancing important research, or contributing to initiatives such as the National Centre for Naturopathic Medicine. Whatever you choose, your donation goes exactly where it is needed.

Every gift, regardless of size, plays a vital role in supporting students, advancing research, and strengthening initiatives across our University community.

Left: Dayna Scapin received support through the Student Opportunities Fund to bring her idea to life – launching a drone-based business that helps farmers better understand crop health. Her story shows how staff giving directly enables students to turn knowledge into real-world impact.

Staff Spotlight

Professor Jon Wardle

"I choose to give because I see the impact of our work every day, and I believe in the power of our students and our research to change the future of health. As staff, we have the power to influence what’s possible and through our collective support, we can help students access life-changing opportunities and enable research that challenges and transforms how we understand health. I want to help ensure they have every opportunity to go further"

Learn more about NCNM Giving

Joanne Cooper

"I have seen first hand the powerful impact that support can have, whether through financial assistance or simply believing in someone and encouraging them along their educational journey. While generous sponsors provide vital funding, others create meaningful connections with students, helping them feel supported, valued, and confident in their potential. Our students have extraordinary potential, and with the right encouragement and opportunities, they go on to achieve not only personal success but also make a meaningful contribution to their communities. That is what makes my volunteer work so rewarding, and it is a privilege to contribute through my involvement with Lord's Taverners Northern NSW"

Student Opportunities Fund

To start a conversation about donating differently, leaving a legacy or to start a scholarship contact our team.

giving@scu.edu.au +61 (02) 6620 3644 Donate Now