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Competitive debating at the Oxford Union embodies its commitment to intellectual exchange, diverse viewpoints, and developing articulate leaders. For generations, it has built confidence, critical thinking, and clarity of expression—often helping students find their voice for the first time.
Today, we aim to keep these opportunities accessible by expanding our debating programme with alumni support. At the schools level, Oxford Schools—the UK’s largest secondary school debating tournament—introduces hundreds of students each year to structured debate and critical thinking. At the university level, donations enable students to represent Oxford at prestigious international competitions such as WUDC and EUDC.
Participation costs are significant, but alumni contributions make a tangible difference—broadening access and allowing more students to compete on the world stage. For many, this is a defining experience that would not otherwise be possible.
By supporting the programme, you help ensure future generations benefit from the same opportunities. If you would like to fund a student, support a team, or contribute to Oxford Schools, please follow the link below or contact development-admin@oxford-union.org for larger contributions or sponsorship.
Thank you for considering supporting The Oxford Union. Your generosity at any level will have an impact.
Primary Use of Funds
Funds will primarily be directed to pay for registration and travel fees for student debaters and for the running costs of debate competitions.
Secondary Use of Funds
Any unused funds will collected into a fund used exclusively for future competitive debate and school outreach activities.
We will comply with the law as it applies to charities and fundraising.
We will do what we say we are going to do with donations we receive.
We will be clear about who we are and what we do.
We will give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift.
We will not put pressure on you to make a gift. If you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision.
Where the law requires, we will obtain your consent before we contact you to fundraise.
If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way, we will not do so.
We will respect your rights and privacy.
We will treat donors and the public fairly, showing sensitivity and adapting our approach depending on your needs.
We will take care not to use any images or words that intentionally cause distress or anxiety.
We will take care not to cause nuisance or disruption to the public.
If you are unhappy with anything we’ve done whilst fundraising, you can contact us to make a complaint. We will listen to feedback and respond appropriately to compliments and criticism we receive.
You can also visit our 'Rules and Policies' page to read our Anti Money Laundering Policy, Anti-Bribery and Corruption Policy, Fundraising Policy, Data Privacy Policy and Data Protection Policy, and other policies.
We believe that donating should be a positive experience. We work hard to ensure that we live up to our fundraising promise. Despite our best efforts, we recognise that there may be occasions when you wish to register a complaint. We take complaints seriously and seek to address them appropriately.
You can read our fundraising complaints procedure here
St Michael's Street
