What's going on in Development

The Oxford Union Society Development Department is focussed on four key projects for 2025.  They offer an opportunity for alumni to reconnect with the Union they knew as students and also to give back so that future generations can continue to benefit from all it has to offer.  

State Schools Outreach – Extend our footprint in state schools giving more children access to all the skills debating brings.  We are passionate about the benefits debating can bring to state school children and want to see much greater access available to state schools across the country. To do this we have formulated a pilot programme for three Oxford state schools which will form the basis for what we hope will be a nationwide programme.  We are looking for both partners and supporters.  Please get in touch with development@oxford-union.org if you share our heart for debating in state schools.  

Secure the Foundations – Secure the Old Library and other Union buildings from water damage to its foundations.  Drains are perhaps not the most glamourous of funding programmes but water penetration in our cellars is a serious problem and an important part of the capital works programmes necessary to preserve the Union for the future.  

Restoration Fund – Preserve our historic Grade II* listed buildings and historic rooms by donating to the maintenance and restoration programme.  The Oxford Union rooms, furniture and fittings all form the historic character of the Society and are enjoyed by all who come here.  Please help us with the refurbishment programme.  Perhaps we can acknowledge your gift with a small plaque or name plate?  Let us know if an idea springs to mind and contact us at: development@oxford-union.org

Past Presidents Film Series – Explore the history of the Union through the personal testimony of past Presidents and Officers.  Award-winning documentary filmmaker Ben Whalley has commenced a series of interviews starting with Michael Heseltine.  The first phase of this series has been generously funded by the Homestead Foundation.  Help us document more of this oral history by supporting or even appearing in the Past Presidents & Officers film series. Here is a preview of Victoria Schofiled President Trinity 1977 https://youtu.be/8linRtzwW9Q and also Izzy Wetbury, so far the youngest of all the past Presidents interviewed https://youtu.be/kskhoncyvWA 

Perhaps you are a past President or officer and have an interesting story to tell.  Consider contacting development@oxford-union.org if you would like to donate and take part.

Every donation, however small, makes an important difference to the future of the Union.