Why is the College fundraising?

Clare's income derives from the interest on its endowment, together with academic fees and other sources such as conferences and catering. Year on year, the costs of sustaining the supervision and tutorial systems, providing student bursaries, and maintaining the College's historic buildings are increasing. Hence, if Clare is to remain a centre of excellence, welcoming students of ability irrespective of background, it needs to increase its income. Clare is also prudently planning for the possibility that the College fee (funding received from government as a contribution towards the cost of teaching undergraduates) will be abolished. The College has therefore set financial independence as its medium-term goal.

Excellence comes at a cost. Currently the College subsidises the education of each undergraduate student to the tune of £1,500 per year (see Financial Statements). Moreover, with the introduction of higher tuition fees in October 2006, the College is determined to remain accessible to students of ability, whatever their financial means; it is therefore building up a comprehensive bursary programme. Finally, Old Court is the centre of College life, a place of beauty and immense historical value; because of its Grade 1 listing, maintenance work must be undertaken by specialists, yet the College receives no financial help towards these significant and ongoing costs.

There are many important charitable causes which you may wish to support, but please consider making Clare a priority. The College exists to educate the most talented students from Britain and overseas, many of whom go on to be leaders in the fields of medicine, law, the arts, politics, charitable work, and numerous other sectors. Clare graduates contribute immensely to national and international life, to Britain 's economic and cultural strengths and to the advancement of knowledge. The College is raising money because it is essential; please help.