University of Exeter launches £175m fundraising campaign

THE University of Exeter has launched the largest philanthropic campaign in its history to support life-changing research and student opportunities.

The campaign – Greener, Healthier, Fairer – aims to raise £175 million and secure 150,000 volunteering hours by 2030 – the year that marks the 175th anniversary of the University’s founding institution, the Exeter School of Art.

Chaired by alumnus and former Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Sajid Javid, Greener, Healthier, Fairer will be invested in vital research into some of the most pressing societal issues.

It will also provide scholarships to support the next generation of students, who will be integral to these scholarly ambitions.

“A university is shaped over generations, by people and ideas, and by a shared belief in what education and research can make possible,” said Professor Lisa Roberts, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University.

“Our founders set out to create a university for the South West, and their generosity shaped the institution we know today.

“As the University expands its footprint globally, our philanthropic ambitions today are international in scale.

“By driving research towards a greener future, helping people and communities live healthier lives, and making education more accessible and fair, our global campaign will support the students, research and ideas of tomorrow.”

The campaign focuses on expanding Exeter’s research across three key interdisciplinary areas and will seek donations of time and money to support all aspects of University life.

This includes support for research that will help conserve and protect the world’s oceans and mitigate the impact of climate change; investment into better diagnosis and treatments for dementia, cancer and diabetes; and support for academic subjects that enhance cultural life, from Archaeology to Classics.

“Universities are where people collaborate to solve some of the most critical challenges we face,” said Sir Sajid, who graduated with a degree in Economics and Politics from Exeter.

“But perhaps their greatest strength is empowerment; a belief that where you start in life does not have to define where you finish. I know that because the University of Exeter changed my life.”

Greener, Healthier, Fairer far exceeds the University’s previous biggest philanthropic campaign, ‘Making the Exceptional Happen’, which exceeded its £60m target in 2020.

This funded vital medical research, including the founding of the Mireille Gillings Neuroimaging Centre, and several global conservation and engineering projects.

It also supported societies, sports and employability activities across all campuses, and helped students from less advantaged backgrounds to attend Exeter University.

This latest campaign is part of a proud tradition of philanthropy dating back to the School of Art, which was funded by public subscription in 1855.

Over successive generations, the generosity of donors has helped shape the University’s evolution into the global top 150 institution it is today.

Many of its buildings are named in tribute to these benefactors, including former Mayor of Exeter William Reed, Sir Henry Lopes – Lord Roborough, Washington Singer and Helen Hope.

Dr Shaun Curtis, Director of Advancement, said: “Our efforts to secure £175m by our 175th anniversary can only be made possible by the generosity of alumni and supporters around the world.

“I would like to thank the many donors who have helped support the University in the private phase of the campaign and those who will help us secure this transformational endeavour.”

The University of Exeter is a Russell Group university that combines world-class research with high levels of student satisfaction.

It has more than 30,000 students and sits within the top 15 universities in Complete University Guide 2026 and The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026, in which it was also named runner-up for sustainability.

It was within the top 20 universities in the Guardian University Guide 2026 and ranked in the top 200 globally in the QS World Rankings 2026 and THE World University Rankings 2026. It was also University of the Year at the Social Mobility Awards 2026.