Where the need is greatest

An unrestricted donation provides Imperial with the resources to respond flexibly to a changing world and to respond to emerging priorities – whether that’s supporting early-stage research, providing emergency support to students, or adapting to the changing landscape of university funding.

At a time when government funding for universities is declining, we rely ever more on our global community of alumni and friends, not just to safeguard the College’s future, but to ensure that Imperial continues to thrive in the years ahead.

If we are to ensure that Imperial maintains its reputation for educational excellence we must be flexible to the changing needs of our students and staff.

Many donors choose to help us in this course by supporting our Unrestricted Fund. Through this fund we can provide support to wherever the need is greatest and respond quickly to our most urgent requirements, allowing us to address our strategic priorities, plan ahead financially and respond to the emerging needs of the College. 

Gifts to the area of greatest need last year are being used to take advantage of opportunities to support deserving students with a scholarship to cover tuition fees and living costs in partnership with The Beacon Scholarship and the Bseisu Scholarship. The support of alumni and friends means we can provide bright students with the means to attend Imperial who may otherwise struggle with the financial burden.

“Being recognised with a scholarship that acknowledges all the hard work during my undergraduate studies feels like a huge achievement for me as a woman from Lebanon and as an aspiring entrepreneur. It affirmed to me that I was on the right track and gave me even more motivation to do my best not only in my degree at Imperial but also after it. Being a female recipient this year, I hope it will encourage more girls from my region to consider higher education, work hard for it and know that they all have what it takes to succeed.”
Christina, recipient of The Bseisu Scholarship

Unrestricted gifts can be used to support a wide range of activities. These change over time, but may include:

•  Support for ‘blue skies’ research projects – exciting ideas that need funds to get off the ground and to develop the early results needed to apply for larger grants from other funders
• Support for new priority areas for student support, from emergency hardship grants to providing new opportunities for international collaborations
• Purchase of vital research and teaching equipment to sustain the lively research culture characteristic of Imperial.

Your unrestricted gift allows us to make bold decisions, to explore new avenues that have the potential to change the world, and to create a culture that rewards innovation and risk-taking research. Thank you for investing with us in Imperial’s future.