On 28 January 2018, Lund University completed its fundraising campaign “For a better world”. The initiative highlighted the role of the private sector as a funder and partner, and has broadened the University’s donor base in Sweden and internationally. The fundraising goal of SEK 3 billion was achieved and then some.
“The campaign helped showcase all of Lund University’s research and education to the general public. Many are prepared to support our activities with knowledge, donations and ambassadorship, not least when seeing the benefits we can contribute to society”, says Pia Siljeklint, head of the Development Office, which has been in charge of the campaign.
“We are particularly pleased that so many private individuals have chosen to contribute with anything from small sums to millions. This proves that we have succeeded in our quest to plant a seed for a culture of giving.”
In addition to private individuals, a large number of organisations have chosen to support the University-wide campaign.
“Our initiative has shown how significant and supportive external funding is to a university, and what we can accomplish with the help of both large and small donations. Universities are becoming increasingly dependent on external funding, and fundraising is a part of that”, says Vice-Chancellor Torbjörn von Schantz.
The entire University – that is, its researchers, management and support functions – have all contributed to achieving the campaign’s overall goal of raising SEK 3 billion.
Thanks to our donors, a number of initiatives, which otherwise could not have been implemented, have become a reality.
A few examples:
- The renovation and extension of Skissernas Museum with new restaurant, reception area and museum shop.
- The digitisation of the Ravensbrück Archive, which makes all material freely accessible to the public and to researchers though a web portal. Here, the experiences and sufferings of those who survived the Nazi concentration camps are documented for future generations in a unique archive at the University Library in Lund. The project has attracted a large number of donations of different amounts.
- The Lund University Scholarship Fund, whose financial return enables future scholarships for talented students. The initiator of the foundation is Rolf Abdon, founder of the grain company Finax.
- Research. A number of large donations were made to research in medicine, neuroscience, and other areas.
Facts about the fundraising campaign “Lund University – For a Better World”
• The fundraising campaign began in January 2014 and ended in connection with the grand finale of the University’s 350th anniversary celebrations last Sunday, 28 January.
• The campaign was part of the LU350 celebrations. Throughout the anniversary year, Lund University chose to highlight several selected areas that require additional funding. Each area focused on unique projects that address key challenges – to create a better world.
• The primary aim of the campaign was to enable additional investments in research, education, services, scholarships, equipment, infrastructure and buildings through donations. Other aims of the campaign were to highlight and call attention to the funding already received from these groups and to contribute to a culture of giving.
• The target groups were private foundations, companies, non-profit organisations and individuals.
• More than 1 700 private individuals, most of whom are first-time donors, and more than 500 organisations chose to support the University.
Campaign goes back to regular business
The philanthropic work at Lund University will not end because the fundraising campaign is over. The Development Office continues its work, as do all the regular fundraising initiatives which are currently underway within the organisation. To those of you who are considering supporting the University, your donation is both welcome and appreciated. Please contact us and we will make sure your donation ends up in the right place. You can find contact information here.
You may also donate directly through this website until the portal is closed, which will take place sometime during spring 2018.
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