Your donations help sustain excellence in teaching and research for future generations of students and encourage the brightest and best women, regardless of background or means, to come to Newnham.
Why I give
Newnham alumnae tell us, in their own words, why they give.
- Ruth Shin (NC 2007)
Giving to Newnham is my way of saying thank you. My time at the College was extremely special and gave me the confidence to navigate post-university life. I donate to support existing students, to ensure that they too are free to pursue their passions without the worry of financial difficulty. I encourage other alumnae to consider giving; even a small amount will go a long way, and donating is a tangible means of keeping a connection long after graduation.
- Liz Coupe (NC 1986)
I was inspired to endow The Stuart Coupe bursary fund, in memory of my father, to help students in need of financial support. Support, however modest, can have an impact on an individual level as is clear from the heartening letters and cards I have received from students. Receiving these, and knowing that my contributions have made a real difference to a student going through a difficult time, or who might otherwise not have had access to a particular educational opportunity, gives me pleasure and satisfaction.
- Joanna Buckenham (NC 1980)
After graduating I gave a small regular donation to the College as I went straight in to a job and I knew that by pooling small gifts the College could do some interesting projects. Over time I’ve increased this as I am keen Newnham holds its own among the other Colleges. By this I don’t just mean the financial support we can offer to students (which is vital, of course) but I also think we should have the ability – and flexibility – in our funding to look at ways to improve what we already have and what we can offer in the future.
- Alex Barker (NC 2002)
Newnham taught me that every opportunity is there for the taking. Now working in some of the most deprived communities in the UK, I meet young people devoid of aspiration and without any belief further education or employment would be right for them. Cambridge is beyond their imagination. I give to the Access Fund because Newnham is working to break down these barriers. The hard work in promoting the College as an accessible place for women of all backgrounds to study, is close to my heart.
Contact us
Roll & Development Office
Newnham College
Sidgwick Avenue
Cambridge
CB3 9DF
Tel. 01223 335757
Newnham has always taught me how to be trouble - in the most constructive way! - Dame Mary Beard (NC 1973)
"…outstanding support network of young women from all sorts of subjects and all different ages" Zahra Haider (NC 2010)
“The hard work in promoting the College as an accessible place for women of all backgrounds to study, is close to my heart.”
I was a dreamer who wanted to change the world - Clare Balding (NC 1990)
Why your gift matters
Hear from a selection of students who have directly benefitted from the generosity of Newnham's alumnae.
- Srishti Krishnamoorthy (NC 2013)
When I got my Cambridge acceptance I was deliriously happy but I knew I could never afford to study here without funding. Winning a research scholarship was one of the best moments of my life! I now teach the politics of Virginia Woolf to undergraduates and explore the gendered poetics of gardens in my thesis. At Newnham the intellectual climate is ferocious, passionate, path-breaking. There is nowhere else I would rather be.
- Katie Ruthven (NC 2011), Schools Liaison Officer 2014
I’ve seen first-hand the difference your donations are making for students who didn’t think Cambridge (or Newnham!) was for them. Visiting our beautiful College and meeting our friendly students has raised the aspirations of so many, and it never fails to bring a smile to my face when they go away full of self belief and determined to be coming back one day – as an undergraduate.
- Ella Griffiths (NC 2011)
Valerie Eliot Fellow*, Alex da Costa, made a huge difference to my English degree at Newnham. Alex gave insights into texts that were entirely strange to us with such a unique, charismatic slant that they became central to the rest of my studies. Her jam-packed lectures are proof of her fresh and engaging ideas! I was lucky to have Alex, not just as a supervisor but as a trusted mentor and guide.
*The Valerie Eliot Fellowship was funded by a donation from the Old Possum’s Practical Trust.- Asia Lambert (NC 2013)
Receiving a Newnham Bursary took the weight off my shoulders. Without it I would have struggled to afford my rent and the other day to day living costs of being a student. Having wonderfully generous alumnae like yourselves is so important. It enriches my whole university experience and allows me to become a more diverse student. One day I hope to give back and to help future students, as I have been helped.
- Katie Akers (NC 2012)
For me, a working-class comprehensive school student from Edmonton, the idea of going to university, let alone Cambridge, was not on my radar. If it were not for the great work of Access initiatives, many exceedingly bright, yet disadvantaged students would not have the courage to apply to Newnham. But there are still many more who haven’t been reached and that’s why continued Access work is so important. Everyone should have the right to achieve their potential.
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