Life-Changing Experiences.
Unleashing Exponential Potential
For more than a century, the Rhodes Trust has connected brilliant students, sparked world-changing conversations and fostered a community ready to put their potent ideas into action as they fight the world's fight.
Every element of the Rhodes Scholar experience is strengthened by The Scholars Fund. Your generosity and financial support create valuable opportunities and provide immediate impact for Scholars in Oxford and beyond.
Today, we need you to add your voice and your potential.
What is the Scholars Fund?
The Scholars Fund is a vital source of regular income that seeks £1 million each year to finance a portion of current Scholar costs and ensure every Scholar has the resources they need to thrive.
The Scholars Fund is your primary vehicle for giving in support of the Scholarships. Gifts provide high-quality experience to every Scholar in Residence, giving them access to the hardship, travel, and research resources. By providing this funding, the Scholars Fund ensures a margin of excellence needed to maintain the Scholarships at the forefront of leadership development programmes.
Annual gifts have immediate impact, making them an essential complement to the Trust’s endowment, which is invested for the long term.
Every gift to the Scholars Fund-no matter the size-unleashes the Exponential Potential of Scholars.
The community of Scholars was the most transformative aspect of my experience at Oxford. Scholars’ intellects, character, hearts and souls inspired me to strive every day to become a better person. That journey continues today. Members of that community continue to play important roles in my life. I am grateful for the opportunity to invest in the experience of today’s Scholars in Residence with the confidence of knowing that I am investing in a lifetime asset for these talented folks.
Maurice Jones (Virginia & St John's 1986)
What Does My Gift Support?
Scholar Wellbeing
Scholar Wellbeing
Your donation will provide critical extra support to Scholars who are facing hardship or encounter unexpected needs including medical emergencies and mental health issues.
“This support helped me through one of the lowest points in my life, where challenging medical events were directly impacting on my wellbeing. The ease with which therapy was found and the support has been lifechanging, and I am so grateful that Rhodes was able to support me through this.”
Academic Advancement
Academic Advancement
Your donation will help us meet the growing demand for 4th year DPhil stipends and provide grants for essential fieldwork or research for Scholars to finish strong.
“I was provided with a dataset for my dissertation, but the required software was not available through university or college. Accessing this software and receiving training have been instrumental in initiating my research and acquiring valuable new skillsets.”
Scholar Programming
Scholar Programming
Your donation will support the Character, Service and Leadership Programme which nurtures and facilitates Scholars in Residence lifelong commitment to lead and serve others, whatever their chosen field.
“Bringing together these Scholars who may not have previously interacted much and fostering spaces for them to grapple with profound questions about their roles and responsibilities in their communities and the broader world, created deep connections where none would have existed before. Witnessing their passion, curiosity and commitment has filled me with immense hope.” [CSLP Facilitator]
Warden's Discretionary Funding
Warden's Discretionary Funding
Your donation will also ensure the Warden has the flexibility to respond with immediate support for unforeseen urgent needs, unexpected opportunities and fresh new ideas.
“The Warden Discretionary Fund has played a vital role in facilitating my academic and professional development. The medical practice license has enabled me to conduct clinical examinations within the Oxford Vascular Study, enhancing my medical skills and contributing to ongoing research efforts.”
Thank you to all the donors who have contributed and continue to contribute to this fund. Having experiences like is a gentle reminder that the Rhodes community is always looking out for the wellbeing of their scholars.
Anonymous Quote from a Scholar
Annual Giving: Scholars Fund 2023-2024 Report
Questions about the Scholars Fund?
If you have any questions or are interested in donation to the Scholars Fund and want to learn more, please get in touch with Celia Tezel, our Development and Engagement Manager.
