The 2025 Telethon was a tremendous success. Thanks to the generosity of our alumni community, we raised over £600,000 (including match funding) and spoke to 640 Johnians. These conversations strengthened connections across the Johnian community and supported initiatives that continue to make a lasting impact on the College.
During the campaign, Johnians contributed to a range of funds that enhance student life and ensure St John’s continues to thrive for generations to come.
Thanks to the generosity of Johnians, we are one step closer to fully funding the Dobson Free Places, our bold initiative to provide free university places for undergraduates from the lowest-income households in the UK.
Every gift made to the Dobson Free Places Fund was matched pound for pound by an anonymous foundation, doubling the impact of donor support. Together, we are ensuring that the brightest young people, regardless of background, can experience a truly Johnian education, defined by academic excellence, rich co-curricular opportunities, and the confidence to embrace a future full of possibility.
We are continuing our efforts to reach our goal of £25 million by March 2027.
Learn more about the Dobson Free Places and how your support can transform lives
This year’s Telethon marked a very special milestone: the 200th anniversary of the Lady Margaret Boat Club (LMBC). For two centuries, LMBC has been at the heart of St John’s and rowing on the River Cam.
Through the LMBC Bicentenary Campaign, Johnians came together to honour this legacy and support the next generation of rowers. Funds raised will help transform the boathouse by expanding the erg space, improving lighting and ventilation, and modernising training facilities, ensuring LMBC continues to thrive for the next 200 years.
Read more about the Boat Club
Since its launch in 2014, the Annual Fund has supported projects that enrich the academic, social, and cultural life of the College, made possible solely through the generosity of Johnians.
This year, the Telethon strengthened the Fund once again, enabling students, Fellows, and staff to bring new and innovative ideas to life. To date, 118 projects have been supported by more than 2,050 Johnians, helping St John’s provide opportunities that would not otherwise be available and continuing to shape the College community for future generations
Read more
Watch our thank-you video from the student callers who made Telethon 2025 such a success
Find out what your support achieved during Telethon 2025
Stories made possible by you
Meet Mustafa Sayfi (2024), a recipient of the Dobson Free Places Scheme. In this video he shares how the generosity of alumni like you has opened the door to a truly Johnian education.
Why does St John’s need to fundraise? Read more about College finances.