Impact of giving

Cambridge turns philanthropy into impact. Now more than ever, our work takes place on a global scale. We build computers in Cambridge, grow tomatoes in Mexico, nurture leaders in Africa, empower education in India, and help protect cultures, languages and species across the planet.

Impact of giving

Philanthropic impact stories

Find out how Cambridge is working to solve the challenges we face in today's world. None of the examples described here would be possible without Cambridge’s philanthropic supporters. Their philanthropy sets the brilliant minds working at Cambridge free to pursue new ideas and change the world.

 
 
 
 
 
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Philanthropy matters

How will philanthropy impact the University’s future?
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Children looking at globe

Cambridge and the Philomathia Foundation launch second phase of innovative Social Sciences Research Programme

The second phase of the interdisciplinary Philomathia Social Sciences Research Programme, a collaboration between the Philomathia Foundation and the University, has been launched to enable further pioneering work in addressing some of the major issues facing humanity today.
Simon Sainsbury Centre. Photo credit: Hufton and Crow

Simon Sainsbury Centre officially opens

On 1 May 2018, the Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) celebrated the opening of the Simon Sainsbury Centre presided over by his Royal Highness the Duke of York.
In the laboratory at the Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology building

New home for Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology officially opened

The new building is the first of its kind to house the whole cycle of scientific investigation in chemical engineering and biotechnology, and its teaching and commercialisation, under one roof: from fundamental research right through to technology innovation, development and spin-out.
Philomathia Africa Programme gift agreement signing in Trinity Hall on 4 February 2018. Image by Stephen Bond Photography

Cambridge and the Philomathia Foundation launch new Africa programme

A programme launched jointly by the University, Trinity Hall and the Philomathia Foundation will create new research and teaching collaborations with African universities, scholars and students in the social sciences to help seek solutions to some of the world’s most intractable challenges.

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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.

 
 
 
 
 
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.
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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.
Rhys Jones, Wolfson Scholar and PhD in History student

Meet Rhys

Rhys Jones is studying a PhD in History as a Wolfson Scholar.
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”.
Charlotte Owens is pictured with College friends

Meet Charlotte

Charlotte Owens (Selwyn 2014) is an undergraduate Philosophy student. She is from Brighouse in West Yorkshire and is the first student from her sixth-form college to go to Cambridge University. She was encouraged to apply after participating in the HE+ programme in 2013.

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Gift announcements

Cambridge owes its world-leading excellence in research and teaching to the generosity of its supporters. Our history is synonymous with a history of far-sighted benefaction, and the same is as true today as it has ever been.

 
 
 
 
 
Stormzy with Cambridge students on the steps of Senate House at the University

Stormzy unveils Cambridge scholarships

British musician Stormzy has announced ‘The Stormzy Scholarship’, a brand new studentship scheme for University of Cambridge students that will see four British black students provided with financial support during their degree courses.
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Cambridge to appoint DeepMind Chair of Machine Learning

The University of Cambridge will establish a DeepMind Chair of Machine Learning, thanks to a benefaction from the world-leading British AI company.  
Tony Whitten in Raja Ampat, on his final voyage

New University Lectureship to advance understanding of marine biology

A new lectureship in Marine Biology has been created in the Department of Zoology, with the intention of strengthening the Department’s capability as a centre of excellence in the research and teaching of marine biology.

Cambridge and Nokia Bell Labs establish new research centre to advance AI-supported multi-sensory personal devices

The long-sought dream of wearable and mobile devices that will interpret, replicate and influence people’s emotions and perceptions will soon be a reality thanks to a collaboration between the University and Nokia Bell Labs.

New Cambridge institute to tackle policy challenges in our age of disruption

The Bennett Institute for Public Policy will address emerging global patterns of inequality and social unrest by offering a unique combination of deep research, high-level training and effective policy engagement. 

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