Strengthening support for student wellbeing

Donations helped enhance Robinson’s wellbeing provision, with particular emphasis on accessibility, neuro-inclusivity and early intervention. This year saw the launch of a new Wellbeing & Learning Strategy, helping the College take a more joined-up approach to supporting students’ wellbeing alongside their academic development.

Donor support also contributed to training for Tutors, Directors of Studies and supervisors, helping staff better recognise and respond to student needs. Alongside formal provision, 1,140 student interactions at Robinson Wings events reflected the value of activities such as Robinson Rambles, Yoga, the Flight Paths mentoring scheme and practical workshops, offering opportunities to connect, decompress, build confidence and develop life skills.

Together, these initiatives are strengthening the care available to students as they navigate academic, personal and social challenges.

Inspiring the next generation

Donations supported Robinson’s outreach activities, events and residentials, helping talented young people experience Cambridge life first-hand. Across this year, there were over 2,800 student engagements across College-hosted outreach events, school and college visits, online sessions and collaborative activity. Programmes included the Women in Science Festival, Arts & Humanities Residential and BME Residential, alongside engagement with Robinson’s link areas of Swindon, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and the London Borough of Wandsworth.

These opportunities help demystify Cambridge, build confidence and create a sense of belonging for students who may not otherwise imagine themselves applying. Following the Arts & Humanities Residential, 60% of participants applied to Cambridge, demonstrating the powerful role these experiences can play in encouraging applications.

Philanthropy is helping to widen participation and encourage future generations to realise their potential.

Enhancing academic opportunity

Through the Quantum Fund, donations enhanced academic initiatives, including the expanded Take the Next STEP programme and a funded residential for Mathematics offer holders from UK state schools. These opportunities helped incoming students build confidence, strengthen preparation and develop a deeper sense of belonging before arriving at Cambridge.

This year also saw a 31.7% increase in direct Mathematics applications, reflecting the growing profile of the subject at Robinson. Philanthropy also helps the College attract and support outstanding academics, including Dr Tom Crawford and Dr Orsolya Petőcz, enriching the academic experience available to students.

By supporting teaching, academic innovation and subject expertise, donations help strengthen Robinson’s intellectual community.

Investing in Robinson's future

The College continues to invest significantly in its estate, while donations help enhance sustainability, resilience and the student experience. During this year, the estate works programme totalled over £2.1m, including water ingress works, electrical and mechanical upgrades, preventative maintenance, surveys and condition reporting, as well as preparation for major summer 2026 projects.

A significant focus of the year’s waterproofing work was Herschel Court. The College also invested in computer-aided design drawings, providing accurate records to support future maintenance, planning and repair work. Robinson’s solar panels generated 31,461 kWh of renewable electricity, contributing towards lower energy costs and the College’s sustainability ambitions.

Summer 2026 is seeing further substantial works, including waterproofing, refurbishment of the main kitchen and dining hall terrace, electrical upgrades and other essential improvements. Donor support helps sustain improvements across the estate, safeguarding Robinson’s distinctive environment and ensuring these spaces continue to benefit students and the wider College community.

Bringing the community together

In March 2026, Binson Gives Month brought alumni, Fellows and friends together to support three areas at the heart of student life: the Anniversary Garden, Music and Sport.

The campaign raised £40,565 from 145 donors, helping to enhance everyday student life and strengthen the Robinson community as the College looks ahead to its 50th anniversary in 2027. Archie, RCSA President, explained that these spaces and activities “help us find balance, connect, and take a breather alongside academic life”.

Progress is already underway: enhanced support for sport societies will begin in Michaelmas Term, music purchases and improvements are moving forward, and foundation work on the Anniversary Garden has commenced. These projects show the power of collective giving: many gifts, given together, helping students reflect, perform, compete, collaborate and build community beyond their academic work.

Responding where support is needed most

Many donors choose to support Robinson through unrestricted giving, allowing the College to direct resources where they can have the greatest impact. During this year, discretionary gifts enhanced work across student support, wellbeing, outreach, teaching, the College estate, and more.

This flexibility matters because Robinson supports a community of around 680 undergraduate and postgraduate students, alongside around 100 Fellows, all of whom benefit from a thriving College environment. Unrestricted giving helps respond to emerging needs, support new opportunities and invest in priorities that may not fit neatly within a specific fund.

Whether helping students access support, strengthening academic provision, improving the College environment or enabling new initiatives, this fund remains one of the most valuable forms of philanthropic support.

Sustaining support across College life

Regular donations provide Robinson with predictable and reliable income. This steady support helps the College plan ahead, invest in long-term priorities and respond flexibly to unexpected needs. For students, it contributes to the resources, services and opportunities that enrich their time here.

More than 550 alumni and friends provide ongoing support monthly, quarterly or annually. Together, these gifts contributed over £220,000 to the College during this year.

Regular giving is one of the most powerful ways donors can support Robinson because modest gifts, combined with many others, create continuity, resilience and lasting impact across College life.