University celebrates ‘philanthropy day’

The University of Manchester will be kicked off a month-long celebration of the importance and impact of philanthropy on Tuesday the 3rd of March. It is hoped that the celebrations will encourage both students and staff to recognise the generosity of donors.

Since UMIST and Victoria University merged in 2004, over 9300 individuals have donated over £22 million to support students and research at the University of Manchester. On philanthropy day students could visit stands at University Place and the Students’ Union where thank you cards for donors could be signed.

Donations made to the university go towards projects such as helping students from low-income backgrounds and developing countries, battling cancer and climate change, and enriching the Manchester experience for students.

Students can get involved on social media. The best selfie explaining what they love about UoM will win a University of Manchester hoodie. Enter by using #ILoveUoM on Facebook or Twitter for your chance to win.

You can also be in with a chance of winning a Summer Term Unirider Bus Pass (worth £60) or a Key to the City Card Manchester discount card (RRP £35) by sharing your views on charitable giving. The survey closes on the 13th of March. Follow this link to enter: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/studentphilanthropy2015.

Throughout the month the University of Manchester Alumni Association will be posting a lot of interesting facts and stories about the impact of philanthropy at UoM via their Facebook page and Twitter account. Follow @alumniUoM to keep updated about events such as Celebration of Philanthropy day for donors on the 26th of March.

When asked by The Mancunion why philanthropy day is important, Emma Brownlow, a Regular Giving Officer from the Division of Development and Alumni Relations, said:  “The idea behind the day is both to raise awareness and to express thanks. Students often go through their whole university careers without realising that each day they are supported, in one way or another, by many generous people—most often people who were once Manchester students themselves, who love Manchester and choose to give something back by making donations.”

She added further that, “for the most part, there is a lack of understanding among students and staff members about why the University fundraises and asks for donations—hopefully this day will go some way in changing that. For those students who receive donor funded scholarships, these donations are life changing. Yet, other students may not realise that many of the activities they do, or facilities they use, have been made possible by our donors.”