Why Give

Exeter needs the support of its Old Members and Friends more than ever in order to be at the forefront of student support, educational excellence, current research, and to provide 21st century facilities. It is a place that is flourishing because its finances are well managed and its Old Members, Parents and Friends choose to support it on a regular basis. Exeter is a charity to prioritise, as your support will help us to educate future world leaders; to support those who will go on to transform the lives of others; and to lead research that will have a global impact.

Philanthropy at Exeter is not a new concept. The College was founded through generous benefactions and it is only since the 20th century that we have come to expect the government to pay. The College has always been supported by its Old Members and it is incredibly encouraging to see that continue with over 50% of the graduating year of 2009 making a gift before they left. Most of these students don't yet have a job and have benefited personally from the support of those who went before them.

The College's finances are professionally managed and the Finance Bursar is formally advised by a group of Old Members who sit on the Investment and Accounts Committee. The College's endowment, currently valued at £42m, proves an annual income of around £1m which is supplemented by income from conferences, rents, accommodation and catering, and tuition fees. However, this does not fully cover the cost of tuition (even accounting for the small amount received per capita from the government) nor does it provide for any of the wider student support to which the College is committed.

Exeter is therefore as dependent on Old Members, Parents and Friends for financial support as it always has been. It has always thrived as a result of generosity and it will continue to do so. Over 1,000 Old Members (23%) give regularly to the Annual Fund. Others make provision for the College in their will or make a gift in their lifetime to help achieve a specific project. This generosity is what sets Exeter apart from other Colleges. Only Univ has a higher participation rate and in 2007/8 Exeter received the greatest level of philanthropic support of all Colleges*.

Exeter is a College to be proud of and to give back to. There is a social contract that binds us all and a future that we have been prepared for and for which we want to see the next generation prepared.

I hope that you will choose to make a gift to Exeter and Give Now.

*(excluding Christ Church and its one off £25m gift from Michael Moritz)