Browne and the CSR: it is time for Plan B (part 6)

As we look to the future of higher education funding post-Browne and in light of the implications of the Comprehensive Spending Review, it is worth recognising that there is one area of innovation and growth that is delivering tangible benefits to students, businesses and society.

That area is philanthropic giving to universities. It has experienced an £80 million rise in cash income and a 12 per cent increase in the number of donors since the introduction in 2008 of the matched funding scheme for voluntary giving, in which 143 higher education institutions are participating.

This scheme, with its government-funded pot of £200 million, is on target to deliver £400 million in non-governmental donations and is helping to forge a new culture of philanthropy, highlighted as essential by Lord Browne.

It is right that universities face up to the modern challenges of ensuring new streams of funding; increasing the capacity of institutions to fundraise from alumni and others is key to this.

We hope that David Willetts, universities and science minister, recognises this and helps universities to continue to grow philanthropy as an income stream in a post-cuts environment.

Joanna Motion, Vice-president of international operations, Case Europe.