Rachel Thomas and Gideon Calder
from Swansea University discuss some of the most valuable fundraising lessons they have learnt.
At Swansea University our journey to achieving University of Sanctuary status has been rich and inspiring. We keep finding more and more aspects of the work of students and staff which contributes to the Sanctuary agenda, in a wide range of fruitful ways. So we have picked up a good deal of learning along the way. And while money is only part of the story, some of the most valuable lessons have been to do with fundraising – and specifically, what makes it work.
Tips for a top Sanctuary fundraising event
Utilise your relationships with well-known people
Using a public figure to draw other philanthropic interest to the dinner worked really well for us at Swansea. One of our Honorary Fellows is Secretary Hillary Clinton. Building on two previous successful events with her, she confirmed that she was returning to Swansea with her husband, President Bill Clinton, and they agreed to host a fundraising dinner. The high profile of the US presidential couple generated significant interest from a number of our major fundraising prospects, including some not previously engaged with the University. We also drew support from the Welsh Government for bringing such a high-profile event to Wales.
Ensure clarity of purpose
The purpose of the dinner was clear and defined. Everyone who was invited to the dinner
knew that it was a fundraising event. All our materials and correspondence included a basic fundraising message: Swansea University Sanctuary Appeal is raising funds for those fleeing conflict to find a safe space to study in Swansea. All donations, no matter how big or small, can help students like these to find some stability, and to learn and grow, so that when the time comes to return, they can take their new skills, knowledge and resilience with them to rebuild their homes bigger and better than before.
Create a short video
We created a video featuring current Ukrainian visiting students, to highlight the devastating effects of the war on them and their home. We interviewed each of them, using the same questions (shared in advance to allow them to prepare) and asked them about the impact on their lives of coming to Swansea. YouTube: Swansea University Sanctuary Appeal.
Bring people together with donation recipients
Before the main event, we brought together some of our major donors, with Secretary and President Clinton, in a more intimate setting to give thanks for their support so far. At the main dinner, Secretary Clinton addressed the room, speaking about conflict and how donations can change lives. The Vice Chancellor followed, then introduced the video. It was a powerful moment. When the film ended, the Vice-Chancellor asked the sanctuary students sat at each table to stand, which prompted a round of applause. Some of them were crying, which of course raised emotions in the room and really brought home the value of the Sanctuary agenda.
Don’t be afraid to ask for donations
Prior to the event, we had invited one of our major donors and told him about our campaign. He wasn’t able to attend but pledged to match fund the donations on the night, up to $100,000.
The guests all knew why they were there, and what the purpose of the event was. They’d got to see, hear from and in some cases speak to our VIP guests, and watch an emotive campaign film, as well as speak to sanctuary students. On the tables, we had pledge cards for each guest. They detailed the amounts that we needed to support: a semester in the UK, a full postgraduate degree, an undergraduate degree, or a travel bursary. There was also space for them to suggest their own amount. Secretary Clinton appealed to the attendees to fill these in and leave them in the envelopes provided to maintain their privacy. Almost £100,000 was pledged in the room that night, bringing the overall total to £180,000.
Other notable results
After joining us at the Clinton dinner, one of our alumni was deeply moved by the sanctuary programme and has generously offered to organise a fundraising concert. Songs for Sanctuary, a night of musical theatre, will take place in Middle Temple Hall, London, on Saturday 29 November 2025. You can buy tickets here.
Rachel Thomas is Head of Development and Engagement at Swansea University
Dr Gideon Calder is Chair of Swansea’s University of Sanctuary Steering Group