In response to the growing cost-of-living crisis, the University of Westminster has announced a new Match Funding initiative to help students struggling with financial hardship. For every donation made to the University’s Hardship Fund, Westminster will now match the amount with up to £50,000 per year over the next 3 years, doubling the impact of gifts and providing vital support to students in need.
The cost-of-living continues to place significant pressure on students, with the University’s Scholarships Team reporting a sharp rise in applications to the Hardship Fund, reflecting the urgency of the situation. In response, 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 generous £10,000 donation from alumnus and long-standing supporter, Rehan Latif. With Match Funding and Gift Aid, Rehan’s donation has grown to £22,500, enough to support around 22 students.
Rehan 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.”
For Rehan, who has previously supported Westminster students through bursaries, the struggles of his peers have shaped his commitment to giving back.
He said: “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, said: “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.”
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 10: Reduced Inequalities and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
To learn more about the Match Funding initiative or to make a donation to the Hardship Fund, please visit the Hardship Fund website.
