Give a helping hand to a talented person from a disadvantaged background
26 Jun 2025
Supporting Manchester students is one of three good causes supported by The University of Manchester’s Purple Pennies pot.
My scholarship made everything possible. I’ve had opportunities I never thought I’d be able to take – and I’m so excited for what comes next - Will, BSc Management (Accounting and Finance), Year 4
Every year, a new generation of students arrive at Manchester – ambitious, determined, and ready to make their mark on the world. But for many, getting here isn’t easy.
Some will be the first in their family to go to university. Some will come from low-income households. They will arrive with the odds already stacked against them.
It’s not a lack of talent holding them back. It’s a lack of opportunity. Right now, rising wealth inequality threatens to put university further out of reach for disadvantaged students. More students than ever are at risk of missing out – not just on their studies, but on the experiences that help them thrive at university, and beyond.
Your support today will give students the helping hand they need to get here – and to thrive once they do.
Will's story
Will grew up in a low-income household and dreamed of becoming an accountant. But being the first in his family to go to university, the path ahead was uncertain.
When his offer came, Will’s family was thrilled – but worried about how he’d manage financially. Fortunately, thanks to a donor-funded scholarship, he was able to accept his place at Manchester to study Management (Accounting and Finance). The financial support he received meant he could make the most of his time here.
And he hasn’t looked back since.
Receiving this extra support also enabled Will to secure an internship over the summer. It meant he could buy a suit and tie to wear and helped him cover the cost of travel to interviews. Meeting Manchester alumni in the workplace showed Will the power a degree from Manchester can have.
Now, Will has already secured a highly competitive graduate job as an Audit Associate. Having secured a graduate role before his final year meant he could dedicate more time to his studies and he is on track for a first-class degree.
Will is one of more than 1,000 students at Manchester receiving a donor-funded scholarship. This summer, you can make sure more students are able to follow in his footsteps.
Your gift will ensure that students from all backgrounds arrive on campus this September, safe in the knowledge that they’ll be supported throughout their time here, and beyond.
I’ll give a helping hand
Want to give even more Manchester students a helping hand?
Donate the pennies from your pay slip by signing up for Purple Pennies. Supporting Manchester students is one of three good causes supported by The University of Manchester’s Purple Pennies pot.
If you’d like to support Manchester students with a regular gift, the easiest and most tax effective way to make your donation is with a payroll gift via Purple Pounds - the University’s very own payroll giving scheme.
Take on your own fundraising challenge to support students at Manchester. Colleagues have previously organised bake sales sponsored walks, and participated in the Purplewave. Set up a JustGiving page to start fundraising.