Your recent editorial addressing the challenges faced by universities highlights that a few prestigious institutions receive the majority of philanthropic contributions (The Guardian view on Cambridge\u2019s \u00a3190m gift: billionaires won\u2019t fix universities\u2019 problems, 6 April). You suggest a Matthew effect, whereby those who already possess resources continue to receive more, resulting in greater abundance for them (Matthew 25:29).<\/p>\n
However, what we may actually be witnessing is a governance effect. A select group of universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, operate outside the conventional governance model characterized by boards of external, non-executive trustees. Instead, these institutions are managed by their own staff and alumni, which significantly enhances their fundraising capabilities.<\/p>\n
The case of the University of Buckingham serves as a pertinent example. Under a democratic structure led by faculty, the university excelled in attracting donations, including a notable \u00a35.5 million contribution from Lord Vinson, which is substantial for such a small institution. It also received numerous gifts exceeding \u00a31 million from various donors and foundations.<\/p>\n
However, in 2017 and 2019, the council of external trustees amended the royal charter to diminish the authority of the academics and increase their own power. As a result, the university’s fundraising efforts have dwindled to the extent that the position of fundraiser has been eliminated.<\/p>\n
Instead of illustrating the Matthew effect, universities might better exemplify the Samuel effect, where, as noted in 1 Samuel 8:5\u201320, divine guidance suggests that democratic governance yields the best outcomes. Too frequently, donations are directed toward already affluent and selective institutions, thereby exacerbating inequalities that the educational sector must urgently confront. For donors seeking to make a significant impact, the crucial consideration should not be the amount given but rather the potential for meaningful change.<\/p>\n
The financial challenges facing UK universities are substantial and may deter some donors who worry that their philanthropy will merely cover existing deficits. Nonetheless, this is precisely the moment when focused donations can have the most substantial effect.<\/p>\n
Universities continue to rank among the UK’s most trusted organizations and are vital to health, opportunity, and economic advancement. Many, including the University of East London (UEL), are innovating educational practices to cater to diverse populations and address contemporary social and economic challenges.<\/p>\n
UEL stands out as the UK\u2019s most socially inclusive university, contributing over \u00a31.1 billion to the national economy each year. It is also one of only ten universities without debt, and initiatives like its Neighbourhood Health Hub provide essential services to local communities in need.<\/p>\n
There are numerous misconceptions surrounding universities, often resulting in the same elite institutions reaping the benefits of philanthropic contributions. However, when UEL achieves comparable success to Oxford and Cambridge in the Graduate Outcomes Survey, it becomes evident that the most significant opportunities for transformative giving lie not solely within privileged institutions, but also in those that can utilize every donation to enhance access, bolster communities, and promote inclusive growth.<\/p>\n
For philanthropy to effectively respond to current needs, it must transition from a focus on prestige to one centered on purpose.<\/p>\n
Prof Amanda Broderick
Vice-chancellor and president, UEL<\/p>\n
Do you have thoughts on what you’ve read in The Guardian today? We invite you to email us your letter for consideration in our letters section.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Your recent editorial addressing the challenges faced by universities highlights that a few prestigious institutions receive the majority of philanthropic contributions (The Guardian view on Cambridge\u2019s \u00a3190m gift: billionaires won\u2019t fix universities\u2019 problems, 6 April). You suggest a Matthew effect, whereby those who already possess resources continue to receive more, resulting in greater abundance for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8839,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[2043,761,762,553,88,758,757],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8840","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uk-academics","category-uk-education","category-uk-higher-education","category-uk-money","category-uk","category-uk-universities","category-uk-university-funding"],"yoast_head":"\n