Donations to universities in the UK have contributed to long-term and wide-ranging benefits including pioneering research in healthcare and tackling world poverty, a new report from Universities UK says.

Universities have maximised the potential of the three-year matched funding scheme launched by the government in 2008 in England through innovative campaigns, Gifts that grow says. The ‘Double your impact’ drive by the University of Nottingham helped to significantly increase the number of donors and income received.

“I know from our experience with the campaign, and my own personal experience as a donor, just what a significant return there is from donating to a university or college – either as an individual, or as a company.” Roger Holmes, chairman of Bristol University’s Centenary Campaign, and managing director of private equity firm Change Capital Partners said: “Universities are rightly deserving of our philanthropy and support.”

The report acknowledged the current difficult economic climate but also considered government initiatives to promote philanthropy including tax incentives as well as the matched funding programme.

“While it may appear overly optimistic to talk about raising money during a difficult time for the economy, benefactors can have confidence that the UK’s world-class higher education institutions will still be here to put their investment to good use,” said Professor Rick Trainor, president of Universities UK.

Gifts that grow is available for download from the Universities UK website.