The University of Warwick announces today (12th March) that it has received a £1 million unrestricted donation as part of its Set the Pace philanthropic campaign from The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust.
Set the Pace aims to raise an initial £250 million and inspire 20,000 acts of volunteering, shaping the Warwick student experience and supporting researchers in tackling major global challenges.
The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust has supported the University of Warwick since its inception sixty years ago, creating one of the longest and most significant records of private philanthropic giving to any British university.
Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said: "From Warwick's founding just over sixty years ago right up to today, we embody a unique vision of education - harnessing local partnerships to drive global change.
"Warwick is deeply grateful for the continued support of The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust. In making this £1m donation unrestricted to any one project, we recognise the faith and confidence that is placed in Warwick - further cementing the mutual respect and admiration that has built over many decades between our two organisations.
"With the generous support of The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust and the wider Martin family, we have shared a vision across six decades that has embraced our partnership, encouraged our bold ambitions, and enabled us to thrive on the global stage."
From funding building projects including the Warwick Arts Centre and the Modern Records Centre, to establishing high‑quality accommodation like the Benefactors Hall and the Jack Martin Residences, the Trust's transformative contributions have helped shape Warwick's distinctive identity at vital moments in its development.
Its ongoing support for the Warwick Arts Centre has enabled numerous music scholarships for students, fostered an ambitious visual and performing arts programme, and facilitated a vibrant creative learning strategy that has strengthened the Centre's civic role within the region.
It has also supported the University to grow as a proud international institution by establishing the USA Travel Fund, supporting student exchanges with leading American institutions, including Berkeley, Chicago, Georgetown, and Columbia.
In support of the University's status as a University of Sanctuary, the Trust has also donated towards Sanctuary Scholarships, enabling students seeking sanctuary to pursue higher education, rebuild their lives, and make positive contributions to their new communities.
Andrew Jones, Trustee, The 29th May 1961 Charitable Trust, said: "Our association with Warwick goes back to the days of its foundation in the early 1960s and we are pleased to see how every aspect of the University has flourished since then. The founder of our charity, Helen Martin, would be amazed to see how the campus has grown since then and the breadth of its skills increased.
"By joining the Set the Pace philanthropic campaign we hope to see Warwick have a major impact on the lives of its students and the local community as well as facilitating scholarships for overseas students."
Set the Pace is now live, bringing together partners, alumni, and supporters to help Warwick deliver solutions with global reach. To learn more or get involved, visit our dedicated website.
