University of Westminster’s alumni community has raised £90,000 for the Ignite Fund during the University’s annual Telephone Campaign run by Westminster students.
The three-week campaign took place between the 26 October and 17 November and saw 40 enthusiastic Westminster students reaching out to over 1,000 alumni. During these heartwarming conversations the alumni and students shared stories, valuable career advice and exciting updates about the University, all while raising essential funds for the Ignite Fund. With colleagues also donating, it was a true testament to the strength of the Westminster community.
The Ignite Fund empowers Westminster students by providing grants between £150 and £1,500, supporting them to develop new skills, test out business ideas and seize career-building opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. This year’s campaign, led by the University’s Development team, highlighted the ongoing commitment of Westminster alumni to invest in the future of our students.
About the experience one of the student callers, Karla Isabel Hernandez Corcino, an Economic Policy and Analysis MSc student, said: "Working as a student caller for the Ignite Fund was a challenging but rewarding job. Speaking to alumni about their positive experiences at Westminster, along with gaining useful advice on the current UK job market, was very valuable as a new international student. I feel really proud to have contributed to an initiative as powerful as the Ignite Fund and I hope this project continues for many years."
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, shared his excitement. He said: “I’m absolutely thrilled with the success of this year’s campaign! The incredible generosity from our alumni means that even more students will benefit from Ignite Fund grants, boosting their employability and giving them a head start in their careers. The fund has grown tremendously and this continued support ensures we can keep making a positive impact for years to come. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who spoke with our students and donated!”
Over 800 students have already benefited from the Ignite Fund, and with its continual growth, it continues to enhance Westminster students' career prospects. The Ignite Fund has also been featured in modules across the University, showing just how far-reaching its impact really is.
Amar Kataora, Regular Giving and Legacy Officer at the University of Westminster, added: “This year's success shows the value of the Ignite Fund and the difference it makes in the lives of Westminster students. It has been wonderful to see our alumni get behind this campaign. I am genuinely proud of our student callers for their hard work in reaching out to alumni, bringing together different generations of the Westminster community. Their efforts, combined with the generosity of our alumni, clearly demonstrate the value of the Ignite Fund and the tangible opportunities it creates for our students.”
He added: “We also want to extend a huge thank you to the Quintin Hogg Trust for their continuous support and matched funding, helping to create a transformative fund that is making a real difference for Westminster students.”
This initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and 10: Reduced Inequalities. 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.
Find out more about the Ignite Fund and how to be a part of this journey.
