Philanthropic Foundations and the Purple Pig Challenge on Foundation Day
20 Oct 2014
Wednesday, 22 October marks the tenth anniversary of the foundation of The University of Manchester, and the Division of Development and Alumni Relations are encouraging current students and staff to reflect upon, and celebrate, the philanthropic foundations of the University
The story of The University of Manchester has been shaped by the generosity of its supporters. In 1824, the University was founded upon philanthropy when visionary Manchester business leaders and industrialists established the Manchester Mechanics Institute.
This tradition of giving continued with the considerable gifts of John Owens, Joseph Whitworth, Richard Copley Christie, and Charles Beyer, to support education in Manchester. Many of the University’s buildings are named in honour of these philanthropists and our other supporters.
We are proud that so many of our students, staff, alumni and friends of The University of Manchester continue this tradition of philanthropy.
Since UMIST and the Victoria University merged on 22 October 2004 to create the largest single-site university in the UK, over 9,300 individuals have donated a total of £22,930,467 to The University of Manchester’s priorities.
Philanthropic gifts support causes all over campus and beyond: helping students from low-income backgrounds and developing countries study here, battling cancer and climate change, and enriching the Manchester learning experience.
On Foundation Day students will be offered the opportunity to be a part of this philanthropic tradition by taking part in the Purple Pig Challenge.
300 mini purple piggy banks will be available at our stall in University Place for students to take away, keep for six months, and fill with regular, small gifts. Our suggestion is just £3 (that’s just the price of one coffee per month!)
Participants will then return their full Purple Pigs to us on 3 March 2015 and see that, when combined with others, those small donations can make a significant difference. Participants will get their say about which of the University’s priorities the Purple Pig Challenge supports.
How you can get involved
Come along to the stall in University Place on 22 October to find out more about philanthropy at The University of Manchester.
We are looking for a few staff ambassadors to take part in the Purple Pig Challenge. If you are interested in taking part, please contact:
You can also be part of the tradition of philanthropy at Manchester by supporting students and research with a donation at:
Get involved on Twitter: #ILoveUoM