Your guide to endowment giving

Can you tell us about your background?

I’m Group Finance Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers and previously held numerous executive and non-executive roles in major organisations – everything from infrastructure and utilities to telecoms. I raised over £4 billion in finance from the bank and capital markets, before moving into the not-for-profit sector in health, social care and housing. What really inspires me is how you can use your skills to help make a real impact in people’s lives, and the University is a great place to do that.

What does your role as University Treasurer involve?

I’m a member of Council, which is the governing body of the University, made up of staff, students and lay members. As Treasurer, I chair the Finance Committee, which is responsible to Council for the University’s finances, including budget setting, strategy and so on. I also chair the Investment Sub-Committee, made up of alumni and donors, who bring their expertise and commitment to the University to support us in making sure we’re getting the best value from our assets.

What are the benefits of making an endowed gift?

There are different ways of donating. You can give smaller amounts on a regular basis to the Alumni Fund, as I do, and that regularity means there’s a consistent income to commit to supporting students and research projects. Others wish to endow their gift, either in their Will or during their lifetime, and the income generated makes a long-lasting impact. That could be establishing an endowed chair or academic post, scholarships, research or buildings. There’s so much that can be done.

For us, endowments enable us to attract other matched funding and leading academics. It means we’re not dependent on fluctuations, such as student numbers and research grants. That security gives people the confidence that this is the place you want to be involved with.

What can an endowment gift benefit?

A lot of thought goes into what kinds of activities make a difference and align with the donor’s interests. It’s a two-way process and starting that conversation [with the Advancement Office] can help bring out those ideas of what can be done. Similarly, if people are looking to leave a gift in their Will, it’s worth having a discussion to ensure how it’s described will make the most impact, even though it will hopefully be years down the line. It means people can leave something in the world that will benefit generations.