Fundraising priorities

Help us deliver a world-class, research-led education to the best and brightest students, irrespective of background.

Your support allows us to sustain our commitment to excellence and expand our offering to talented students, whatever their means. We deliver a first-rate education in a stimulating and supportive environment, and provide a wide range of opportunities for all students during their time here.

While unrestricted donations give us the greatest flexibility and resilience, there are several strategic priorities for our fundraising at the moment.

• Student Support
• Academic Excellence
• Buildings and Facilities
• Outreach and Widening Participation
• Choir
   

Student Support

“Without my bursary, I would have really struggled with my living costs; I would love to be in a position someday to help Jesus students, like me, to pursue their academic dreams within the University of Cambridge.”

Emma Kavanagh, Music (2013)

Over 500 students at Jesus receive some form of financial support from the College. In these days of anxiety over higher education costs, it's important that the College has funds available to help those in genuine financial need, whether for a core bursary, scholarship or a grant for course essentials such as textbooks or field trips.

With your continued help we can ensure that the best minds from all backgrounds will be encouraged to apply to Jesus College and to thrive here.

The Fortieth Bursary - a new bursary being established for students who will benefit the most from financial support, backed by latest research.

Academic Excellence

“If Jesus is to remain among the best, we cannot compromise on the quality of the educational experience we offer; maintaining that quality relies on the dedication of an exceptional Fellowship, fully supported by the College.”

Dr Geoff Parks, Senior Tutor

Teaching and learning is the reason we exist. We provide a world-class education underpinned by the supervision and postgraduate tutorial systems, the cornerstones of a Cambridge education.

The cost to College of offering this personalised system is high, as income from fees does not cover the cost of the education we provide. Closing this funding gap through donations ensures we can safeguard our unique educational system well into the future.

We pay at least £20,000 per year for each teaching fellow; this is essential to maintain our high academic standards.

Buildings and Facilities

We have always aimed to provide a well-rounded and contemporary educational experience. Our historic buildings and beautiful grounds play an important role in this, creating an inspiring setting for study, music, drama, sport, debate, and conversation.

The quality of our learning environment has a direct effect on our ability to attract students and academics. Thanks to the efforts of successive generations, our built heritage is exceptional.

As with all old buildings, however, a rolling programme of repair, renovation, and modernisation is necessary if they are to serve today’s needs and those of future generations.

Outreach and Widening Participation

“I thought it was posh, strict and unreachable… it turned out to be the opposite.”

Year 10 student from London

We are committed to widening access, and we do this through our outreach programmes. These aim to encourage young people with the academic potential and enthusiasm to apply to the College, regardless of school or background.

More widely, we hope to raise aspirations in relation to university choice and education after age 16.

On average it costs £500 for us to host an outreach day, giving 40 students the chance to visit the College and learn about studying at Cambridge. 

Choir

"Jesus College has a unique musical heritage, and today embodies the highest standards of choral singing and organ playing. I am proud to have been an Organ Scholar there and would encourage all who are able to lend their support to this valuable tradition."

James O'Donnell (1979), Organist and Master of the Choristers, Westminster Abbey

By becoming a Friend or Patron of Jesus College Choir, you can help us to continue striving for musical excellence and sharing the gift of music both now and in the future.

For more information about supporting our choirs, please visit the Choir website.