Why give to the University of Edinburgh

When the world is changing, universities are a force for a good. 

The University of Edinburgh opportunities for people to broaden their horizons and reach their full potential, developing the skills and knowledge needed to make meaningful contributions to society.

We enable the discovery of new knowledge, generating neutral evidence-based information to help us better understand our world and the challenges within it. We facilitate innovation, encouraging the development of new ideas and technologies to help us address those challenges.

Society benefits from strong universities.

Supporting a vision for a better world

The University of Edinburgh seeks to address the world’s greatest challenges through a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation.

Our University community already makes an important contribution locally, nationally and globally, from the impact of our research to the achievements of our people. With philanthropy we can do more.

We live in increasingly challenging times and in order to develop viable solutions to the manifold problems we are facing today, such as climate change, lack of resources and continuing conflicts, we need to support centres of excellence such as Edinburgh. This is why I am leaving a legacy to the University so that it may help Edinburgh to continue its valuable research and to enable gifted students from all walks of life to fulfil their potential and ambitions to make a positive contribution to our society.

Sonja Mes

Do you want to make a difference?

Donations of all sizes have helped open doors to education, pave the way for new innovations, and created opportunities for our students to achieve.

Whether you feel strongly about finding solutions for the climate crisis, discovering new treatments for disease, widening access to education, or something personal to you, you’ll find many opportunities to make an important difference if you choose to donate to the University of Edinburgh.

Donate to the Edinburgh Fund

You can support the University with a gift to the Edinburgh Fund.

Your donation to the Edinburgh Fund provides critical support for scholarships, enhance the student experience, support research and community impact, and more.

When circumstances change, this flexible fund helps us respond in the most effective way at the right time.

Gifts made to the Edinburgh Fund are looked after by the board of the University of Edinburgh Development Trust charity (Charity number: SC004307). The board identifies the areas that would most benefit from support to ensure your gift can make a timely impact.

Donate to the Edinburgh Fund.

Making an impact

Thanks to donors:

• Talented students who might otherwise face financial hardship while at university are being supported through scholarships.
• Students are leading projects, making an impact in the community, and bringing innovative ideas to life with the support of Student Experience Grants.
• New teaching methods and tools are being developed, creating new ways for students to learn.

Find out how your donations can change lives

Choosing an area to support

The University conducts teaching and research across a huge diversity of societally beneficial areas, from sustainability to medical research to AI ethics.

If you would like to make a significant difference in a specific area, we would love to have a conversation with you about how to make that happen.

Browse areas you can support.