St John’s Telethon

Since its launch in 2009, the St John’s Telethon has been a powerful way for Johnians to give back. It connects generations of alumni with today’s students and helps shape the future of the College. Every conversation is a chance to share stories, build community, and make a real difference. The 2026 Telethon will take place between the 9 and 21 September.

Support students at St John’s

By supporting the Telethon, you are helping students from all backgrounds thrive at St John’s. This year, we invite you to join us in supporting the Dobson Free Places Fund, our bold initiative to provide free university places to undergraduates from the lowest-income households in the country who secure a place at St John’s, and the Annual Fund, which helps bring new ideas to life across the College, and the LMBC Bicentenary Campaign, which will modernise the boathouse while celebrating 200 years of rowing tradition on the River Cam.

The Dobson Free Places

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

The Annual Fund

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

Stories made possible by you

Every year, Johnians donate through the Telethon, helping to transform the lives of current and future students.

Meet Mustafa Sayfi (2024)

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.

Watch video

Hear from our bursary recipients

Students, staff and the Master, Heather Hancock, talk about why the Dobson Free Places scheme matters and how your support can transform students’ lives.

Watch video