Strengthening and expanding the VU community: that is what the Department of University Relations & Fundraising (DURF) at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam is dedicated to each day, with genuine enthusiasm.
Since its establishment in 2021, DURF has grown into the central department for external relations, partnerships and philanthropic fundraising. We cultivate meaningful relationships with donors, corporate partners and other stakeholders who are deeply committed to the work of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.
Our primary audience is VU alumni: a global and diverse network of 150,000 graduates of Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. In addition, DURF coordinates all activities of VUvereniging, a social network for anyone who feels connected to the VU or Amsterdam UMC.
Events
DURF organises university-wide events such as the Opening of the Academic Year and the Dies Natalis. Through these events, we align with the VU’s annual theme.
These occasions provide a platform for key VU initiatives and bring together students, staff and alumni. Déjà VU, the annual summer festival for the VU community, also fosters meaningful connections across all audiences.
Throughout the year, we organise a range of alumni gatherings for different degree programmes and faculties, as well as major events such as the Martin Luther King Lecture.
Fundraising
The VU is dedicated to educating students and professionals, conducting research, valorising knowledge and advancing diversity. Thanks to DURF’s fundraising activities through VUfonds, additional financial scope is created for distinctive education, pioneering research and other initiatives.