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.

 
 
 
 
 
Heong Gallery at Downing College with, inset, donors' names inscribed on the Gallery's wall

Bricks and mortar: donors are part of the fabric of Colleges

The 31 Colleges of Cambridge leave a lasting impression on all who pass through them. Philanthropy offers a chance to leave a lasting impression on the Colleges.
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A scientist conducts a chemical test

Location, location, location: enabling research in high-tech surroundings

Catalysis plays a vital industrial and economic role in enabling us to turn relatively inexpensive materials into high value products.
Anonymous crowd in New York City.

Philanthropy that brings together public health partners

In order to continue providing world-class education and to conduct world-class research with the potential for global impact, Cambridge needs to attract outstanding academic staff. Here are two examples of how philanthropy is central to all that we have yet to achieve in the field of public health.
Seen left to right are: James Prothro, Professor Judith Lieu, Bobby Jamieson and Sookgoo Shin

Supporting graduate students with their studies

Our graduate students are tomorrow's innovators and leaders. Your philanthropy allows them the freedom to concentrate on their studies, challenge the status quo and find ways to make the world work better. Here are two examples of how your gifts support graduate students.
Graphic showing soundwaves reaching the ear

Seeking the magic number of sound

How many is too many, and how few is too few? There is a number, yet to be identified, that could be key to an improvement in hearing for millions of people.

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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.
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”.
Sir James Dyson

An interview with Sir James Dyson

Sir James Dyson tells us what inspired him to give to Cambridge and why the world needs engineers.
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.

 
 
 
 
 

Cambridge to launch lectureship in Chinese urban development

The creation of the lectureship, based at the Department of Land Economy, was announced at a signing ceremony held in Hong Kong.
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Cambridge appoints its first professor of innovation

Dr Tim Minshall has been appointed as the inaugural Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge, a new post that will build on the University’s strengths in science, engineering and entrepreneurship. Dr Minshall, who is currently Reader in Technology & Innovation Management in the Department of Engineering and Fellow of Churchill College, will take up his new post on 1 October. 

Cambridge appoints new professor of innovation

Dr Tim Minshall has been appointed as the inaugural Dr John C Taylor Professor of Innovation at the University of Cambridge, a new post that will build on the University’s strengths in science, engineering and entrepreneurship. Dr Minshall, who is currently Reader in Technology & Innovation Management in the Department of Engineering and Fellow of Churchill College, will take up his new post on 1 October. 

Biomedical science fellowships to be established after gift reflecting Vice-Chancellor's legacy

Much of the world-changing research at the University of Cambridge is underpinned by postdocs - qualified researchers with fixed term contracts.

Cambridge to launch Polish Studies programme

Polish language, literature and culture will be a permanent feature of the University of Cambridge’s research and teaching following the signing, today, of an agreement with the University of Warsaw.

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