University of Westminster launches Match Funding initiative
For every donation made to the University’s Hardship Fund, the university will now match the amount with up to £50,000 per year over the next three years
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The University of Westminster has launched a new Match Funding initiative to help students struggling with financial hardship amid the cost-of-living crisis.For every donation made to the university’s Hardship Fund, the university will now match the amount with up to £50,000 per year over the next three years.
It comes as the university’s Scholarships Team has reported a “sharp” rise in applications to the Hardship Fund as the cost-of-living crisis continues.
In response, the University of Westminster will now match every donation pound for pound, for example, transforming a £1,000 donation into £2,000, or up to £2,500 with Gift Aid.
This initiative has already “inspired generous support” from the Westminster alumni community, including a £10,000 donation from alumnus Rehan Latif. With Match Funding and Gift Aid, Latif’s donation has grown to £22,500, enough to support around 22 students.
He said: “This has been an on-going focus for me with the students from the University through the bursary. These are very uncertain economic times; so the ability to help and provide some relief is an absolute privilege.
“I had many friends who had to juggle professional commitments with their academic studies. I saw how stressful that was for them. They’ve all gone on to great careers, but it inspired me to think about how I could help if I ever had the opportunity.”
He added: “Giving back helps create a virtuous cycle. Students who benefit today will pay it forward when they can. Even a small gesture can make a struggling student feel supported and motivated.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Westminster Development manager for Fundraising, added: “The University hopes that the new Match Funding scheme will encourage more alumni and supporters to contribute to the Hardship Fund, amplifying the impact of their generosity at a time when students need it most. Thanks to alumni like Rehan, we are able to extend our support to even more students. Their generosity is not only life-changing – it’s also deeply inspiring.”