125 years of philanthropy
Philanthropy is embedded into the University’s buildings, its educational opportunities, and its world-leading research.
Like many civic institutions, the University is built on philanthropy and continues to offer inspiring opportunities for partnerships with benefactors.
It starts with Joseph Chamberlain. At the start of the twentieth century Chamberlain, a Liberal politician as well as a Birmingham businessman and former Mayor of the city, used his extensive contacts in a vigorous fundraising campaign to raise money for both buildings and academic staff.
Iconic buildings
At the heart of the Edgbaston campus is Old Joe, tallest freestanding clocktower in the world, and made possible by a donation from local colliery owner, Sir Charles Holcroft. The tower became part of Joseph Chamberlain’s vision for the campus after a trip to Italy during which he was inspired by a similar architecture that he saw in Siena. Although some benefactors were critical of the spending on the tower, Chamberlain wanted a focal point for the campus that could be seen for miles around.
Many other philanthropists of the Victorian era, including the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, donated funds to build Sir Aston Webb’s design for the University incorporating the linked domed pavilions that make up the semi-circle of Chancellor’s Court.
The Great Hall and Chancellor's Court as it looked before the Bramall Music Building was added.
Most of the Aston Webb buildings were completed by 1909, when the University was officially opened by King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. One single pavilion had yet to be built, however, and was left out of future University estate planning until more than 100 years later.
A donation by the Liz and Terry Bramall Charitable Trust for a new concert hall finally enabled the semi-circle to be completed and the Bramall Music Building was opened in 2012.
Students and education
Joseph Chamberlain’s vision in establishing the University of Birmingham was to provide a place where students from all backgrounds would be accepted on an equal basis. The University’s commitment to that principle remains, and particularly through initiatives such as Access to Birmingham (A2B). Supported by more than 1,000 donors, A2B aims to ensure that challenging personal circumstances are not a barrier to a university education.
Thousands of students have benefited from A2B. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the scheme helps to ensure that the University continues to open doors for talented students, regardless of their background.
From mining and brewing to cancer breakthroughs
Before the iconic buildings on the Edgbaston campus were planned, Chamberlain’s vision for a university in the West Midlands depended on building the expertise and learning that would support industries that were already important to the region. That’s why early donations supported courses in Mining, Engineering and Brewing set up by the University's predecessor institution, Mason College.
More recently, partnerships with benefactors from individuals, charitable trusts and other organisations have supported the University to become leaders in medicine, climate change research, engineering and more.
Here are some examples:
Climate change
The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research is leading a huge outdoor experiment to explore how increased CO2 – at levels expected to be commonplace in the future – will affect trees in a mature woodland. The whole experiment was made possible by a transformational £15 million gift.
Brain tumour research
Many donations support PhD research, such as the gift from Robert Spier, which enabled doctoral student Himani Rana to investigate cancer cell metabolism. Dr Rana has since secured further funding worth around £1 million to continue her research through a post-doctoral fellowship here at Birmingham.
Childhood cancer
The Little Princess Trust funds research into paediatric cancer, as well as providing real hair wigs to children and young people who have lost their hair while undergoing treatment. At the University of Birmingham, LPT supports research into making chemotherapy and other cancer treatments safer for children.
Social science research in a troubled world
Philanthropic gifts have supported vital research into the challenges displaced people face when seeking refuge. The SEREDA project has been successful in informing policy at national and international level, helping to shape the Victims Bill in UK parliament and contributing to a toolkit for agencies working with Ukrainians.
Fundraising for the future
You can be part of the University's philanthropic story too. On 19 and 20 June this year, the University of Birmingham will hold its first ever giving day; a 36 hour around-the-clock event to fund life-changing initiatives.
We are asking our global community to come together and collectively help to raise awareness and funds for our vital causes. Whether you’re a Birmingham graduate, student, staff member or a friend of the University, there is a part for you to play in Birmingham Gives.