Recognition for Donors

Magnolia outside the SCRThose giving money to the College are recognised in different ways, according to how much they give. For example, specific funds and facilities may be named for or by donors and the College may list donors' names on a Benefactors Board and on general donors' lists. However, donors may remain anonymous, if they wish.

Based on the amount they have donated during the year, Downing College recognises its donors in the following ways.

  • For a gift of over £100 in a financial year, the donor's name is included in the College List of Donors and the donor is invited to the Donors' Garden Party in the year of the gift.
  • For a gift of over £1,800 in a financial year, the donor is invited to join The 1800 Circle, invited to The 1800 Circle Lunch and mentioned in a special section in the College List of Donors (click here to download a brochure about The 1800 Circle).
  • For a gift of over £10,000, Supporters, as these donors are described, are named in the College List of Donors and receive annual invitations to the Donors' Garden Party.
  • For a gift of over £50,000, Benefactors, as these donors are described, are named on the Benefactors Board and receive annual invitations to the Catalysis Conference.
  • For a gift of over £250,000, Major Benefactors, as these donors are described, are named on the Benefactors Board, on the Benefactors' page on the website and in the Commemoration of Benefactors Service. They are also admitted by the University to the Vice-Chancellor's Circle.
  • For a gift of over £500,000, donors are elected as Wilkins Fellows of Downing College.
  • For a gift of over £1,000,000, donors are elected as Foundation Fellows of Downing College and are admitted to the University Guild of Benefactors.

Cumulative gifts in excess of £5 million are recognised by the award of a University Campaign Medal. Bequests left to Downing College are recognised by membership of the 1749 Society and annual invitations to the 1749 Society Garden Party (please see the Legacies pages for more information.)

Please contact us for more details.

Alumni & Development, Downing College, Cambridge CB2 1DQ. Telephone 01223 334850· Email development@dow.cam.ac.uk