Case Study: University of Queensland raises $23.5M to accelerate COVID-19 vaccine research with Blackbaud's peer-to-peer fundraising solution

University of Queensland - Customer Case Study

The University of Queensland (UQ) in Brisbane raced to accelerate a promising COVID‑19 vaccine, aiming to cut more than six months off an already aggressive timeline but facing a critical funding gap as public and private support lagged amid wider economic shocks. With time running out, UQ needed a fast, scalable way to mobilise public support in addition to government, corporate and foundation partners.

UQ used Blackbaud’s peer‑to‑peer fundraising platform to launch “Team Vaccine,” a public campaign that engaged 2,600 supporters worldwide and raised $23.5 million by July 2020. The funds helped trim months from the research timeline, moved the vaccine into stage‑2 human trials, kept donors informed and energized researchers, and raised the profile of UQ’s advancement efforts.

University of Queensland

Jen Karlson

Pro-Vice-Chancellor