Securing big gifts in a major fund-raising campaign has something to do with talk. But, in the end, it has more to do with "show" than "tell." In today's fiercely competitive philanthropic market, universities have to display their strengths if they expect to meet fund-raising goals.

    In the process of securing more than $80 million towards its $100 million target, the National Campaign for York University has "shown its hand" to hundreds of new donors. The stakes are big ­ but so is the pay-off.

    For example, York recently secured two major gifts: a $2 million gift from the Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University, and a combined $1,220,000 from the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and MDS Sciex.

    The $2 million gift from Canadian Friends of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem will be used to fund York students who want to attend Hebrew University to enhance their studies. The gift will be matched through the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund (becoming $4 million), making it one of the largest benefactions in York's history.

    "We're always talking about how important it is for our students to broaden their horizons, to look beyond what they are used to. This gift will help them reach that goal," says professor Michael Brown, director of York's Centre for Jewish Studies.

    "By spending time at the Hebrew University, students who are specializing in Jewish Studies, or in the Jewish Teacher Education Program, will be able to perfect their Hebrew language skills and experience Jewish culture in a different environment." Brown says the scholarships are open to students throughout York, whatever their academic discipline.

    "We've had ties with the Hebrew University for many years. With this gift, more students can attend. It helps our students and strengthens our international profile."

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