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.

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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His Majesty The King visited the University of Cambridge today, in his first public engagement following the Coronation.
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Introducing the next cohort of Gates Cambridge scholars.
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Like many alumni, Peter Quinn (Selwyn, 1966) was moved by the tragic deaths of alumnus Jack Merritt (Hughes Hall, 2016) and Saskia Jones at a Learning Together programme celebration at Fishmongers’ Hall, London Bridge, on 29 November 2019.
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Sannah Zaman (Homerton, 2022) has been reaping the rewards of being part of the University of Cambridge Athlete Performance Programme (UCAPP).
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Running, cycling and a bit of swimming for good measure, there would appear to be no stopping Phoebe Barker (Robinson, 2018).

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.

Honored guests at the dedication of the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Heart and Lung Research Institute
A newly-opened institute dedicated to improving cardiovascular and lung health has received a £16 million gift from Canadian entrepreneur and philanthropist Dr Victor Dahdaleh.
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An anonymous legacy gift will help the Early Cancer Institute invest in state-of-the-art equipment.
Student vloggers from the Get In Cambridge campaign
New philanthropic support ensures the future of the Get In Cambridge programme.
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A new project with partners in Indonesia will identify best practices for restoring landscapes, focussing on riverside areas around oil palm crops.
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The University of Cambridge is partnering with the Mastercard Foundation, under its Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program, to address one of the most pressing challenges in Africa: climate resilience and sustainability.

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.

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I couldn’t be prouder of the difference Gates Cambridge scholars are making, and the leaders they have become.
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Volunteer Siobhan Cassidy (Homerton 1994) reflects on giving back, organising the 2021 Boat Race and the power of sport.
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University volunteer and philanthropist Eashwar Krishnan’s (Trinity 1996) time at Cambridge was supported with a Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund scholarship. Today, he supports postgraduate students “trying to give back and replicate the structure of incredible generosity” shown to him.
Christina Dawson
Philanthropists Christina and Peter Dawson have been long-term supporters of St Catharine’s College, Selwyn College, and the University of Cambridge. They are based in California. Christina spoke with us about what motivates her to give back and how philanthropy can help disadvantaged students fulfill their potential.
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University volunteer and philanthropist Tzo Tze Ang (Trinity 1997) is passionate about the contribution Cambridge can make to society and the power of philanthropy to help facilitate world-changing research.