Vale Arthur Venn - Fundraising Guru

One of the founding fathers of the Fundraising Institute Australia, Arthur Venn, passed away in his sleep on Friday 18 January in Melbourne aged 87.

“Aurthur was a mentor to many fundraisers, a teacher, capital fundraising guru and a wonderful human being,” said former FIA chairman Leo Orland.

“Arthur was very proud of our profession of fundraising and sought to build pride in those who took up fundraising as a profession. He regularly spoke of how FIA was formed at the Palm and Prawn Hotel in Wagga Wagga. Then it was called The Australian Institute of Fundraising (TAIF).

“He began his fundraising career with the Wells Group and was responsible for building many churches and church buildings throughout Australia. He learnt his craft of capital fundraising and major gift fundraising through this experience.

“Arthur set the example to many of us by sharing his knowledge of capital fundraising and fundraising in general. He believed that there were basic principles which stood the test of time and he was always happy to share these principles with those both young and old. He would also let people know if they were not adhering to these principles,” Orland said.

The FIA recognised his contribution to fundraising in Australia with the Arthur Venn Award which is presented at the FIA Annual International Conference.

Venn was Fellow and Life Governor of FIA, served two terms as President and maintained his interest in FIA even after his retirement, attending FIA functions both in Victoria and nationally.

“Many of us will miss Arthur, but we will always hold him dear to us in our memories. Those who knew Arthur believe he is in heaven instructing them on how to raise funds. Vale Arthur.”