"Dear World...Yours, Cambridge"

The University of Cambridge has launched the public phase of a £2 billion fundraising campaign that has already raised more than £530 million.

Announced on October 17, the campaign, “Dear World…Yours, Cambridge: the Campaign for the University and Colleges of Cambridge” will focus on the University’s impact on the world. Cambridge will be working with philanthropists to address major global problems in healthcare, the environment, and governance and human rights in Africa. Already-secured major investments through the campaign include:

• research into the causes of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease
• support for the next generation of engineers to lead the Cambridge technology cluster, helping to drive innovation and entrepreneurship
• economics research and teaching
• development of African research capacity in areas such as infectious disease and governance and human rights
• support for global public health leadership in partnership with Institut Pasteur

“My experience at Cambridge has shaped my entire life since–it has been the main driver of my professional development–and for good reason. Cambridge taught me not just what, but how, to think–as it has done so for countless others for over 800 years.”  –Mohamed A. El-Erian

Five-thousand donors have already given to the campaign, many of whom are Cambridge alumni, motivated to give back to their college in recognition of the education they received as students.

Co-Chairs of the campaign are Dr. Mohamed A. El-Erian, one of the world’s most successful investors who currently chairs President Obama’s Global Development Council; and Harvey McGrath, Chairman of Big Society Capital. Both Dr. El-Erian and Mr. McGrath have been closely involved with preparations for the campaign over the last two years.

“Philanthropy is vital to the future of Cambridge,” noted University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Leszek Borysiewicz. “It underpins our ambition by allowing us the space to innovate, free from the constraints of political and economic change.

“Philanthropy is uniquely placed to enable the new ways of working and partnerships with NGOs and industry that can see us make a powerful contribution in these critical areas.”

Read the full press release.

Visit the campaign website.