Impact of giving

From bursaries, scholarships, and new academic posts to new initiatives, buildings and facilities, philanthropy ensures that we continue to lead and inspire the world in our teaching and research, nurturing exceptional minds and driving the discoveries of the future.

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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Professor Tim Dalgleish named as the inaugural Dawson Professor of Young People’s Mental Health

The University of Cambridge is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Tim Dalgleish as the inaugural Dawson Professor of Young People’s Mental Health, a new post established through a generous gift by philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson.

How an unrestricted PhD studentship improved our understanding of neurodegenerative disease

A generous and unrestricted PhD studentship enabled Nadia Erkamp (King’s 2020) to pursue bold, interdisciplinary research into biomolecular condensates, advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative disease and laying the foundations for a promising academic career.

An interdisciplinary approach to global change

How Chevening-Cambridge alumna, Laura Reyna, is revolutionising technology worldwide

A new perspective on the power of lived experience

Chevening-Cambridge alumna Julia Vilela Carvalho shares how her upbringing in a Brazilian mining state has provided her with unique insight

Stormzy at Cambridge: a mic drop moment for philanthropy

When Stormzy appeared on BBC's The One Show last week, it wasn’t to perform—it was to celebrate something truly transformative: the Stormzy Scholarship at Cambridge

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.

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Irish Government endows Childers Professorship of Irish History at Cambridge

The University of Cambridge is delighted to announce a landmark gift of £3.6 million from the Government of Ireland, awarded on the basis of establishing the Childers Professorship of Irish History. This marks a renewed commitment to deepening the study of Irish history at Cambridge and to strengthening Anglo-Irish academic collaboration.

£1.5 million gift from The Ogden Trust helps secure the future of physics education for all

At a time when demand for science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills surpasses supply, too many talented students still face barriers that prevent them from fulfilling their potential at school and university.

An investment in civilisation

Behind a transformative gift to the Cambridge Centre for the Study of Existential Risk (CSER)

Cambridge welcomes expansion of Martingale Foundation’s pioneering scholarship programme

The University of Cambridge is proud to be part of the expanded Martingale Foundation postgraduate scholarship programme, which has pledged to support 800 exceptional STEM scholars by 2030.

Cancer early detection research at Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital awarded support from the Wolfson Foundation

The Early Cancer Innovation Institute (ECII), a key function in the new Cambridge Cancer Research Hospital, has been awarded funding for world-leading multidisciplinary research on detecting cancer at its earliest stages.

Donor stories

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.

A legacy richly interwoven with education and scholarship: the Raymond C. Read and Lillian J. Gostick PhD Studentship

Professor Jennifer S. Read shares the story of a passionate family tradition of philanthropy and high hopes for its impact

Law, young lives, and ‘the spirit to excel’: How Prathiba M Singh is paying it forward

‘It's nice to contribute to the system and make a change—and it's an everlasting change."

Everyone’s journey is different: The inspirations behind Dr Lewis Owens’s passion for service

To call Dr Lewis Owens (Queens’ 1996) a veteran volunteer is an understatement. Lewis has been weaving together the threads of meaningful service since his Cambridge days.

Blending Chemistry, Cooking and Children’s Health: An audience with Bonnie Garmus

In a special event to raise money for the ground-breaking new Cambridge Children's Hospital (CCH), author of global sensation Lessons in Chemistry Bonnie Garmus took to the stage to discuss her bestselling debut novel with the hospital’s campaign board co-chair, Dame Mary Archer.

Bill Gates: "Of all our foundation’s grants, this was my dad’s favourite"

I couldn’t be prouder of the difference Gates Cambridge scholars are making, and the leaders they have become.

Legacy stories

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Where the need is greatest: how a legacy is helping to uncover and build Black Cambridge narratives

To mark International Legacy Giving Day, we are pleased to share a story of a legacy gift which has helped promote race equality at the University of Cambridge

The Youngs and the Whipple: An imaginative legacy from an unusual family that honours people, place, and mission

‘We all see the artefacts in a different light after hearing the stories behind them.’

Romance, physics, and a revolution in sound: the Dolby family’s unique relationship with Collegiate Cambridge and how it drives their phenomenal philanthropy

The Dolbys’ philanthropic support for science research and higher education has helped secure the UK’s status as the epicentre of physics discovery for the world.

Legacy gift lends a helping hand to Downing medics

Thanks to a generous legacy gift from alumnus, John Frederick Fitz Miller (Downing 1978), over 50 Downing medical students have all been awarded a generous grant from the fund.

‘The Thrill of the Will’

Alice Macek, Associate Director of Legacies, reflects on why estate planning is vital — at any stage of life!