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Alanoud Naif

Alanoud's subject area is Leadership and Management. Her project title is "Crafting Philanthropic Identities: Fundraising Narratives and Elite Philanthropy"

Project details

The title of Alanoud's research is “Crafting Philanthropic Identities: Fundraising Narratives and Elite Philanthropy"

Overview

Elite philanthropy has long played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of higher education. Wealthy donors contribute significant resources to universities, funding scholarships, research initiatives, infrastructure, and various programs that drive academic excellence and innovation. These philanthropic endeavours are often publicized through press releases and other communications, constructing a narrative around the donors and their benefactions. Within this philanthropic ecosystem, fundraising discourse and professional fundraisers are indispensable, not only highlighting the generosity of elite philanthropists but also shaping public perceptions and influencing the broader discourse on elite philanthropy, societal values, and institutional priorities.

Alanoud’s PhD project investigates the role of fundraising discourse in this context, with a particular focus on the narratives employed in press releases issued after a major donation. Her research aims to uncover the nuanced elements within these communications and analyze their role in the construction of elite philanthropic identities. By exploring these narratives and understanding their multifaceted dimensions, Alanoud aims to offer a rich understanding of the dynamics at play within elite philanthropy and fundraising, illuminating the complex processes through which philanthropic identities are constructed and perpetuated.

Supervisors

Professor Charles Harvey

Sara Zaeemdar