The University of Cambridge has launched a major global fundraising campaign, aiming to raise £1 billion by 2012. The Cambridge 800th Anniversary Campaign will seek to secure the excellence of Cambridge in the 21st century.

Launching the Campaign in London yesterday (22 September), Professor Alison Richard, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Cambridge is one of the world’s greatest universities. Our commitment to sustain this pre-eminent position and our outstanding contribution to education, scholarship and research is reflected in our ambitious Campaign target of £1 billion.

“Our 800th anniversary in 2009 is a cause for great celebration. But it is also a time for reflection on the challenges we face and the opportunities that we must grasp if we are to remain a beacon of excellence internationally.”

The Campaign has four investment priorities:

  • Our students;
  • Our staff;
  • Discovery and creativity;
  • Our collections and architectural heritage.

The University and Colleges are working closely together on the Campaign and gifts to any of the institutions that make up Cambridge will be counted against the target.

“The 800th Anniversary Campaign is a landmark fundraising programme for Cambridge,” said Professor William Brown, Master of Darwin College and Chairman of the Colleges Committee. “The Colleges and the University have an over-riding commitment to secure the future excellence of education and research at Cambridge in a vibrant collegiate setting.”

Led by the Vice-Chancellor, the Campaign is also supported by the Campaign Board, an international group of alumni and friends who have provided high-level financial support and leadership to the Campaign. Sir David Walker, Chairman of Morgan Stanley International, and Dr William Janeway, Vice-Chairman of Warburg Pincus, are chairing the Board.

“The Campaign will enhance collegiate Cambridge’s extraordinary creative capability, transforming so much of what we think and do,” said Sir David. “Now is the time for alumni and friends to support the continuing development of Cambridge for future generations.”

“Some 40 years ago, I found in Cambridge the values that have guided me since. It is a privilege as well as an obligation to serve and support this great Campaign,” said Dr Janeway.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Licence. If you use this content on your site please link back to this page.