Telethon Campaign
Our Student Fundraisers engage with thousands of alumni every year, raising essential funds for scholarships and bursaries that help students achieve their ambitions at Birmingham.
The University of Birmingham’s Telethon is our annual fundraising campaign that brings together current students and alumni to raise money for Bright Minds in Birmingham. Every year, our student fundraisers look forward to picking up the phone and speaking with Birmingham graduates to learn about their experiences and interests, and to gain valuable insights into life after graduation.
As one fundraiser explained: 'I loved hearing the stories from alumni. It made me feel really connected to the University’s history, and I’ve learned so much about how to build rapport and adapt to different people.'
Many of our fundraisers have themselves benefited from life-changing scholarships, which makes being a student fundraiser even more meaningful for them.
One alumnus shared: 'It was a pleasure to speak to a student caller and I’m looking forward to hearing about the impact this fund is having on students from different backgrounds. As a first-generation university student myself and one who studied in the 70s, plus having worked at the University of Birmingham for a large part of my professional career, I am keen to help in this area.'
By supporting our Telethon campaign, you can help open the door to life-changing opportunities through mentoring, scholarships, and financial support, enabling talented students to achieve their ambitions of studying at Birmingham.
If you have already spoken with one of our student fundraisers, thank you; we hope you enjoyed the conversation. If you would like to update your contact details so one of our students can reach you, please email our team.
FAQs
When and where does calling take place?
When and where does calling take place?
This year, our annual Telethon will run from 20 October to 7 December 2025. All calls are made by current Birmingham students from campus in the Development and Alumni Relations Office and remotely from home on the weekends. You can usually expect to be called at the following times of the week:
- Monday – 18:00-21:00
- Tuesday – 18:00-21:00
- Wednesday – 18:00-21:00
- Thursday – 18:00-21:00
- Friday – 18:00-21:00
- Saturday – 11:00-17:00
- Sunday – 17:00-20:00
What might I receive a call about?
What might I receive a call about?
Our Telethon campaign is currently fundraising for Bright Minds in Birmingham, which seeks to give everyone with talent the opportunity to learn. A programme of scholarships, mentoring and bursaries will give extra support to those with the potential and desire to succeed.
How can I tell if this call is really from the University?
How can I tell if this call is really from the University?
Our Student Fundraisers will call you from 0121 271 0996, but please note that this number is outgoing only. If you receive a call from a Student Fundraiser, they will be able to send you a verification email while you are on the phone to them. This email will come from giving@contacts.bham.ac.uk – a University domain email account.
Is the University a charity?
Is the University a charity?
Yes. The University is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011. We also receive funding raised by other charities to undertake life-saving research, such as for our cancer research.
Do my fellow alumni make gifts when they speak to a student caller?
Do my fellow alumni make gifts when they speak to a student caller?
Each year, as many as 1,000 alumni make a gift after speaking to a student caller. We understand that not everyone may wish to or be able to make a gift, but if you do, 100% of your donation goes to your specified cause.
I want to make a gift, but I prefer not to give over the phone. What are my other options?
I want to make a gift, but I prefer not to give over the phone. What are my other options?
Student Fundraisers can arrange to send you a link via email to our online giving page, where you can set up your gift. Alternatively, you can request a donation form by post and we will include a pre-paid envelope for you to return your gift to us.
Contact details
The Student Fundraising team is managed by Mia Rawlinson, Regular and Digital Giving Officer within the Development and Alumni Relations Office. If you would like more information about our Telethon Campaign, the easiest way to get in touch with Mia is to email.
Please note: our student callers can only make outgoing calls.