As voted by you: Your chosen causes for Purple Pennies
27 Feb 2026
Find out which two meaningful causes will receive the pennies from your payslip
A huge thank you to all colleagues who took the time to vote in this year’s Purple Pennies selection. Your voices have shaped the next cycle of our micro‑donation programme, the easiest way for colleagues to make a big difference through small action as part of our Challenge Accepted campaign. For colleagues who’ve signed up to Purple Pennies, we’re delighted to announce that your donated pennies each month will be received by:
Student Inclusion and Success
A core challenge of Challenge Accepted: Student Inclusion and Success aims to remove financial, social and structural barriers that prevent talented students from accessing – and thriving at – our University. The pennies you donate will help unlock potential and fuel ambitions for students facing real obstacles, providing
- financial assistance to ease pressure during their studies
- tailored support that helps students feel a sense of belonging
- opportunities that enrich their academic and personal development
Manchester Women’s Aid
Manchester Women’s Aid supports women, children and young people affected by domestic abuse. This local charity provides refuge accommodation, community‑based services, specialist advocacy, safety planning and emotional support.Through Purple Pennies, colleagues will help:
- fund safe spaces for families
- provide essential items for women fleeing abuse
- support programmes that rebuild lives and restore independence
Manchester Women's Aid said: "We feel incredibly grateful to everyone at Manchester University who chose us to be a part of the Purple Pennies scheme! Every micro‑donation helps us deliver practical support and emotional care to families who need it most, in refuge and the community. Your generosity helps create safer futures for women and children in Manchester."
Make your pennies powerful – sign up today
If you’re not already part of Purple Pennies, now is a perfect time to start. With almost 13,000 colleagues at the University, even a small monthly contribution adds up. You’ll never donate more than 99p per month, but together, these contributions create significant change.
Are you ready to take on the challenge? Join your colleagues in supporting our newly elected causes: