Philanthropic Difference

In today's economy, government funding and tuition fees only allow universities to provide the most nominal levels of research and teaching.  Universities which rely solely on these sources of funding are, as a result, limited in terms of the quality of their academic staff and students. 

Durham University does not subscribe to the idea that there are limits to excellence and never shall.  This is due solely to the passion and generosity of our friends and alumni who ensure, through their philanthropic gifts, that Durham perpetually produces contributions to knowledge in science, arts and intelligence.

Through philanthropy, Durham University's alumni and friends invest in one of the most dynamic research universities in the world that is marked by the following:

• A University that exemplifies the best in British higher education.  Durham is one of the UK's pre-eminent teaching and research institutions which meets the challenges and opportunities of an ever-changing world.
• A University that continues to attract outstanding students who share a passion for acquiring knowledge and seeking its application in their lives.
• A University that is home to stellar academic staff - true teacher-scholars, dedicated to generating new knowledge and sharing it in the classroom.
• A University that serves as a model for national leadership by increasing the quality of life through the discovery of new technologies, by stimulating economic development and by educating a talented workforce.

Philanthropy is the collective responsibility of our alumni and friends.  It is Durham's lifeblood.  Without it, we could not sustain the tradition of excellence that has defined who and what we are since our founding in 1832.