charitable foundations — University philanthropy and giving blog

A decade of data: What UK charitable trusts tell us about global university fundraising

This ten-year review of UK charitable trusts established by non-UK universities reveals how institutions, particularly from the US and Israel, have raised over £685 million via UK-based fundraising vehicles. The report highlights strategic patterns in alumni giving, governance, and global philanthropy, offering insight for universities seeking to expand their international donor engagement.

Andrew WigleyJune 29, 2025Charitable trusts, charitable foundations, UK fundraising, universities, institutional advancement, MIT, University of Cape Town, University of Pennsylvania, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, University of Melbourne, University of the Witwatersrand

Are we on the cusp of a golden era in British philanthropy?

Who are the new philanthropists to emerge in 2020? What are the new grant-making charitable trusts and foundations established in 2020? Over 1,700 foundations and trusts were established during the pandemic with the primary purpose of serving as a grant-making institution according to our UK Grant Makers 2020 study. The conclusions of this research provide an important indication of philanthropic intention during last year’s Covid pandemic.

Andrew WigleyApril 6, 2021philanthropy, university philanthropy, higher education, new grant-makers, Charitable trusts, charitable foundations, Association of Charitable Foundations, Charity Commission, Matt Moulding, Zandra Rhodes, Penelope Keith, High Net Worth Individual, High Net Worth wealth, Economic recession