The University of Pretoria (UP) has successfully rallied staff, alumni, donors and friends of the university behind its mission to raise R100 million to make education accessible for students in the ‘missing middle’. These are students who do not qualify for National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) funding.

UP’s Giving Matters campaign was launched in 2022, with the goal of raising R100 million over three years to positively impact the lives of its community members. This initiative aligns with UP’s mission to cultivate a culture where individuals are inspired by the motto ‘Make today matter’ and strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others every day.

“While we will always need this kind of funding due to the ongoing socio-economic challenges in our country, we are proud to have changed the lives of more than 407 students and supported various projects at UP through this campaign,” said interim UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Themba Mosia. “None of this would have been possible without the support of our donors, including staff, students and alumni, who understand the struggles faced by students striving to transform their lives through education.”

In 2022 the Giving Matters campaign raised R31 million from 504 donors. Of this amount, approximately R9 million was donated by 461 donors (55 organisations and 406 individuals) and was allocated to bursaries and scholarships. The remaining R22 million, from 63 donor organisations, was allocated to various non-bursary projects.

During the campaign's second year in 2023, around R36 million was raised from 834 donors (110 organisations and 724 individuals). Approximately R16 million was earmarked for student bursaries and scholarships, and nearly R20 million from 63 donor organisations was allocated to various non-bursary projects.

“Compared to 2022, 2023 showed a significant 77% increase in fundraising,” Prof Mosia said. “Notably, there was a 110 % increase in alumni participation, an 8.3% increase in staff participation, a 68% increase in corporate participation, and a remarkable 374% increase in student participation. This growth in donor participation is a testament to the increasing support for our cause and should serve as a source of encouragement for all of us.”

So far in 2024 the Giving Matters campaign has raised approximately R15 million from 38 donor organisations, including a major gift from an individual donor. Of this amount, more than R6 million has been allocated to bursaries, with the remaining amount going to various non-bursary projects.

“In summary, the Giving Matters campaign has achieved a remarkable milestone, raising about R82 million, and we are calling on all members of society, locally and internationally, to extend a helping hand this Mandela Month and help us reach our R100 million goal by 22 July, which is UP’s annual Giving Day. We say you can donate as little as R10 because, indeed, ‘Your Giving Matters. Make a Difference. Make an Impact!’”

You can help the Giving Matters campaign reach its target and boost the UP community by donating here: https://givingday.up.ac.za/coming-soon/