Our donors

Philanthropic partnerships have been vital to Cambridge's success throughout its history. The foresight of our benefactors today continues to enable us to serve society through academic excellence.

Our donors

Testimonials

Discover why philanthropy matters and how it makes Cambridge better still. Hear from our donors about their philanthropic motivations and from those who have been supported by such gifts during their time at the University.

 
 
 
 
 
Dr Patricia Turner

"I believe that conserving biodiversity is not a luxury in our times but a survival imperative." — Dr Patricia Turner

Dr Patricia Turner on biodiversity, philanthropy and the new Turner Fellows programme
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Harry Desai

Harry's Home — leaving a legacy that matters

For decades, Harry Desai’s home has been haven for young people from all over the world. A bequest to Cambridge will ensure that his London flat will provide security for students for generations to come.
Gifford Combs is shown at his admittance to the Guild of Benefactors

An interview with Gifford Combs

Ask Gifford Combs, MPhil (Queens’ 1983), what type of projects he likes to support philanthropically and he will use an interesting word: “orphans”.
The Dawsons in front of the Senate House

Making a difference

When Peter and Christina Dawson endowed the Jean Thomas PhD Award at St Catharine’s College they made a permanent and profound contribution to the lives of countless young scholars.
Rebekah Scheuerle

Meet Rebekah

Rebekah Scheuerle is a second-year Gates-Cambridge Scholar at St John’s College. She is undertaking a PhD in the BioScience Engineering Group in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology.

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