Rise in donations from graduates is helping to transform student life
The generosity of a growing number of Northumbria alumni is helping to provide our students with opportunities and resources that would not otherwise be possible. |
Set up in 2006, the Northumbria University Alumni Fund aims to help students to realise their ambitions. It exists thanks to the financial donations and support of our former students. Some £80,000 has been pledged so far, every penny of which is directly benefiting Northumbria students. This is fantastic news, but there is still much to achieve.
Each year, more and more graduates are choosing to make a donation to the Alumni Fund and their generosity has helped more students to participate in sports clubs, Students’ Union societies and extra-curricular activities, enabling them to gain valuable new skills, enhance their university experience and get the most out of their time at Northumbria. The Fund has also been used to provide extra scholarships and student prizes, funds for those facing financial hardship as well as grants for new and improved learning resources.
What’s more, the value of many gifts to the Alumni Fund is worth even more to Northumbria – thanks to Gift Aid and a government matched giving scheme. For example, a £100 gift to Northumbria is actually worth nearly £190 once Gift Aid and matched giving has been applied – all at no extra cost to the donor. This means that every donation – large or small – will go even further and provide extra investment for education facilities, learning resources and student support at Northumbria.
When asked what motivated him to donate to Northumbria, one donor told us, ‘I had a fantastic time at Northumbria and am grateful for the foundation it has given me in my subsequent career and life. Supporting the Alumni Fund is my way of helping to ensure that today’s students have as good an educational experience as I did.”
Later this month, we start our fourth telephone fundraising appeal and are hoping to raise more than ever before. If you get a phone call from one of our current students about the Alumni Fund, do please consider a making a gift. If you would like more information about the Alumni Fund or to make a donation, please contact Natalie Heath, Alumni Relations & Fundraising Manager on +44 (0)191 227 4839 or email: natalie.heath@northumbria.ac.uk
Date posted: October 7, 2009
