The University of Westminster has raised over £83,000 in its annual Telephone Campaign to support the Ignite Fund which is a cornerstone of the University’s mission to help students thrive beyond the classroom. The campaign saw a team of 40 dedicated student callers reach out to alumni to make connections, share updates and raise essential funds.
Since its creation in 2016, the Ignite Fund has supported more than 1000 students, offering grants between £150 and £1,500 for equipment, training, research, enterprise and professional development opportunities. In the last academic year, demand for the fund reached new heights, with 378 students applying and 167 students receiving the fund totalling nearly £90,000.
The fund enables students to seize opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, whether that be launching a start-up, attending international conferences or gaining additional qualifications.
The Ignite Fund is a key part of Zone29, the University’s new home for careers and enterprise, providing students and graduates with access to work-related programmes, opportunities and experiences. The Zone29 building is due to open in Spring 2026. The Ignite Fund is central to Zone29’s mission of unlocking talent, breaking down barriers and championing social mobility.
Iman Khalid, second year Business Management (Entrepreneurship) BA Honours course, said: "Working on the telephone campaign gave me incredible insight into the experiences of our alumni. From career advice to stories about their time on campus, each conversation made me feel more connected to the University community and made supporting the Ignite Fund feel even more meaningful.”
Amar Kataora, Regular Giving and Legacy Officer at the University of Westminster, added: "This telephone campaign has been a brilliant reminder of the strength of our Westminster community. Our alumni have demonstrated incredible generosity and a profound belief in today’s students, and I’m so proud of our student callers who brought such care, professionalism and warmth to every conversation. Their efforts, along with the support of our alumni, will help ensure more students can access the Ignite Fund when they need it most, supporting them to take up opportunities that build confidence, skills and brighter futures."
Jordan Scammell, Head of Development and Fundraising at the University of Westminster, said: “Donations to the Ignite Fund are crucial because they provide essential seed funding for students to pursue opportunities that enhance their employability and professional development. The fund helps alleviate financial stress, allowing students to focus on their studies and achieve high academic performance through extra-curricular opportunities which support their career ambitions.”
The Ignite Fund’s mission directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education, 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.
Learn more about the Ignite Fund at the University of Westminster.
Learn about how to support the range of programmes running as part of Zone29.
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