Our mission
Challenge Accepted is The University of Manchester's ambitious fundraising and volunteering campaign. We're uniting alumni, donors, staff, students and civic, industry and community partners to tackle the world's toughest challenges and transform lives locally and globally.
Why this campaign, why now?
The world is facing urgent challenges, from inequality and climate change to geopolitical instability and global health crises, putting at risk the future opportunities available to the next generation.
At The University of Manchester our world-leading research, teaching and local and global partnerships are fuelling solutions. But to create change at the scale the world demands, we must harness the collective power of our community across the globe.
Through Challenge Accepted our ambition is to raise £400 million, while also highlighting the ways students, staff, alumni and local community members can make a difference through volunteering their time. This dual commitment strengthens our ability to fund our leading research, widen access to education and strengthen our response to global challenges.
Our strategy to 2035
The campaign is rooted in the University’s strategy to 2035. From Manchester for the world will define what it means to be a great civic university and create knowledge for the public good, locally and globally – this time, for the 21st century. Challenge accepted accelerates this vision and focuses in on four areas where philanthropy can make the biggest difference.
- Student inclusion and success – ensuring all talented students can thrive.
- Research with impact – pioneering discoveries that change lives worldwide.
- Innovation and enterprise – turning bold ideas into solutions for global challenges.
- Culture and community – enriching lives through creativity and connection.
How your support makes a difference
Philanthropy has always shaped our university. From the foundation of the John Rylands Library to life-saving cancer research.
Your support today can:
- Fund scholarships so that financial barriers never hold back talent.
- Advance research in health, sustainability and social justice.
- Support innovations that accelerate ideas into global solutions.
- Build connections through culture, heritage and community partnerships.
Every gift large or small helps write the next chapter of Manchester’s story.
A campaign for everyone
Challenge Accepted is more than fundraising. It’s a movement that connects alumni, students, staff and partners across the globe. Whether you give your time, expertise or philanthropic support, you are part of the Manchester community making a difference.
Choose how and when to give
Donate, volunteer, leave a gift in your will or discuss a transformational gift to empower bright minds and support breakthroughs for a healthier, fairer and more sustainable future.
