What is Go Forward, Give Back?
GFGB, established in 2014, is the College’s graduating students’ giving campaign, bringing Johnians together to support those who will follow. Through collective participation, final‑year students help ensure that access to a St John’s education is shaped by potential, not finances.
At the heart of the campaign this year is the Dobson Free Places scheme, which provides full financial support to students from low‑income backgrounds by covering tuition fees and living costs. By taking part in Go Forward Give Back, you join hundreds of previous graduands who have chosen to give back and help build on the £135,000 raised by the campaign over the past 11 years.
You can donate now online, or bring your card or phone to the Graduands’ Garden Party on 25 June and use our contactless donation machine. You will join the most successful student-led campaign of its kind in Cambridge. Be part of the story by supporting the Dobson Place Free Places scheme.
What is the Dobson Free Places scheme?
Named after a former Master of College, the Dobson Free Places scheme is a pioneering leap for St John’s and the most generous student support scheme of its kind in the UK. The fund will sustain 40 free places across the College at any one time for talented UK students from low-income backgrounds, covering full tuition fees and maintenance costs. Twelve students have already joined the College through this initiative.
Learn more about the Dobson Free Places scheme
How you can support Dobson Free Places
If every graduand gave just £2.50, together we would raise £1,000 for Dobson Free Places. Your gift will support the next generation of Johnians arriving in October from low-income households, and ensure they benefit from the same experiences that have shaped your time here, and that have prepared you for the adventures and careers you are about to embark on.
It doesn’t matter how much you contribute, it is simply the act of giving that counts. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous foundation, all donations to Dobson Free Places are automatically matched, doubling the value of your gift.
Watch our short video to see the atmosphere at the 2025 GFGB campaign and hear from students about their time at St John’s and what inspired them to give back.
Get involved
Go Forward Give Back is open until 31 July. You may have experienced your own time of financial difficulty, or know someone else who has, meaning you understand what a difference additional support funding can make. We hope you will want to join in with the campaign this year and with your small act of kindness, help other students in years to come.
As a donor, your name will appear in The Eagle 2027 as a supporter of this wonderful initiative (unless you choose to remain anonymous).