More than £12.7 million was raised in philanthropic support in the 2025/2026 financial year, an extraordinary contribution from Johnians and friends that is helping to shape life at St John’s today and strengthen its future. This remarkable total reflects a shared belief in the value of the College and the opportunities it creates. At a time when universities and students face increasing financial pressures, such generosity enables St John’s to respond to immediate needs while planning confidently for the years ahead. It shows what can be achieved when the wider College community comes together to ensure that talent is nurtured, ideas can flourish and people are given the support they need to thrive.
Behind this figure are thousands of individual acts of generosity. Every gift represents a personal decision to support the College and its people, whether by helping a student to fulfil their potential, sustaining excellence in teaching, advancing research or caring for the buildings and collections that generations of Johnians have known. Gifts of every size play a part: some meet pressing needs, while others establish secure foundations for the future.
Student support was at the heart of giving. Nearly £1 in every £2 donated, 43% of the total, was directed towards undergraduate and postgraduate support. Together, these gifts amounted to more than £5.47 million and provided philanthropic support to over 150 students. This investment gives students greater freedom to focus on their studies, participate in College life and pursue opportunities that might otherwise be beyond their reach. It can offer reassurance at a difficult moment, open the door to an academic or personal opportunity, or provide the stability needed to concentrate fully. Its effects extend across the College: when students from different backgrounds and with different perspectives are able to contribute fully, the intellectual and social life of St John’s becomes richer for everyone.
Philanthropy also sustained the wider intellectual and physical life of St John’s. More than £1.12 million was directed towards academics and teaching, helping to create the conditions in which excellent teaching, ambitious scholarship and the exchange of ideas can continue. Almost £989,000 was given to the College’s buildings and collections, safeguarding the historic spaces and resources that remain central to everyday life as places to study, teach, work, gather and celebrate. Further gifts supported research and other areas of College life.
More than £4 million was donated for specific restricted purposes, reflecting the causes and projects that matter most to individual supporters, from student support and teaching to heritage and other priorities. Just over £1 million was given for general purposes, providing the flexibility to address emerging needs and seize unforeseen opportunities. Both forms of giving are vital: restricted gifts translate personal passions into focused action, while unrestricted funding gives St John’s the resilience to direct resources wherever they can have the greatest effect.
Giving forms part of a wider story of connection. More than 3,500 alumni, supporters and guests registered for 44 events, renewing friendships, sharing experiences and remaining involved in College life. These occasions demonstrate that the ties formed at St John’s reach far beyond Cambridge and a person’s years as a student. The Class of 1985 led alumni giving during the financial year, a wonderful example of how the bond between a year group and the College can grow over time and inspire support for those who follow.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave, attended an event or supported the College in another way. These contributions create opportunities, sustain excellence and protect what makes St John’s special. They also show current students that they belong to a community that cares about their progress. Most importantly, your involvement makes a direct and lasting difference to the people who live, learn and work here. Thank you for being part of this shared endeavour and for helping the next generation of Johnians to flourish.