Frequently asked questions

What is Hughes Hall Giving Day?

Our Giving Day is a 36-hour celebration of the collective power of our incredible community of alumni and friends and a challenge to see what impact we can make, together. With thousands of pounds to unlock in matched and challenge funding, it’s a day like no other, and your gift will go even further than usual.

The digital nature of Giving Day allows us to bring together our whole community, wherever they are in the world. This year’s Giving Day will take place on 14-15 May 2025.

Why should I make a gift on Giving Day?

All gifts made on Giving Day will have their impact increased, thanks to our generous match and challenge donors. Throughout Giving Day, challenge funding can be unlocked in each of our funds, and match funding will double the value of certain gifts – all details will be clear on our fund descriptions over the 36 hours.

Whether this is your first gift to Hughes Hall or if you are an existing donor, Giving Day is a chance to make your gift go even further, as we celebrate our College’s 140 years of pioneering history and shape our future. This is our first ever Giving Day, and we’d love for you to take part – gifts of all sizes are truly appreciated.

What can I donate to?

We have three different areas you can donate to:

  • Areas of greatest student need ensures every student, regardless of financial or personal circumstances, can thrive at Hughes Hall and unlock their full potential.
  • Student experience and skills enables students to make the most of what Cambridge has to offer outside of academics by strengthening our ability to offer excellent opportunities in music, theatre, travel, career development, and more.
  • Hughes Hall Boat Club wishes to transform their equipment and coaching provision to continue to make rowing accessible to all those who want to try it at Hughes and bolster our reputation as one of the most successful clubs on the River Cam.

How can I make my gift?

Between 8 am 14 May and 8 pm 15 May, you can donate online through this Giving Day website or via any of the ways listed below. If you cannot join us on the day, you can also donate before 14 May – early support is essential for creating momentum and encouraging others to get involved. Click the ‘Donate Early’ button on the main Giving Day page.

Ways of Giving

  • Online: Through the Hughes Hall Giving Day platform (the site you’re currently on).
  • By Phone: +44 (0)1223 334895 (9am – 5:30pm BST Monday-Friday).
  • By Post: Cheques made out to Hughes Hall College can be sent to:
    The Development Office, Hughes Hall, Cambridge, CB1 2EW.

Is my payment secure?

Yes – all payments through the givingday.hughes.cam.ac.uk website will be securely processed by Stripe (Privacy Policy - UK, Privacy Policy - US).

I’m having trouble making my gift on this site. What should I do?

We’re sorry that you are having problems.

  • Please check that you have included your postcode in both the address field and the card details field of the gift form.
  • Please also check you have input the correct card details.
  • You may have to contact your card provider and inform them the payment is valid.

If you continue to have problems, please email us at development@hughes.cam.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1223 334895 (9am-5:30pm GMT Mon-Fri).

If the issue cannot be resolved, you can donate through the Hughes Hall website (Ways of Giving - Hughes Hall). Please email us to let us know if you have donated in this way so we can count it in our Giving Day total!

Can I see my gift on this website?

Yes! If you’ve chosen not to make your gift anonymous, you can take a look at the donor wall and see your name.

Is there a minimum donation?

The minimum donation is £1 or $1. On the donation page, we have a number of suggested donations, but you can make your gift at any level that you feel comfortable with—it's your participation that counts!

Can I claim Gift Aid on this donation?

Yes! If you are a UK taxpayer and have paid as much Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax as the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all your donations in that tax year, Hughes Hall can reclaim the basic tax rate (25%) of your gift, with no extra cost to you.

For example, your donation of £100 will be worth £125.

For more information on Gift Aid, please visit the HM Revenue and Customs website.

Can I donate tax-efficiently?

Gifts from the USA

Tax-deductible contributions can be made via Cambridge in America, which is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organisation. If you make your gift via the Hughes Hall Giving Day platform and select ‘Donate in USD’, you will be redirected to our US donation form.

Gifts from Canadian taxpayers

The University of Cambridge is recognised by the Canadian Revenue Agency as a prescribed institution under Section 3503 of the Canadian Income Tax Regulations. Please email development@hughes.cam.ac.uk if you would like to request a receipt for Canadian tax purposes.

Gifts from European taxpayers

If you are in Italy, France, Germany, Spain, or Greece, you may be able to maximise your gift through Transnational Giving Europe (TGE). If you’d like to make a tax-effective gift in support of our Giving Day, the best option is to give early and let us know.

Gifts from Hong Kong, Singapore, and India

For more details on tax-efficient giving from these regions, please email development@hughes.cam.ac.uk.

I still have questions. How can I get in touch?

You can contact us at development@hughes.cam.ac.uk or call +44 (0)1223 334895 (9am-5:30pm GMT Monday-Friday).

I missed the Giving Day. Can I still donate?

Yes! This Giving Day platform will continue to take donations until 23 May, so your donation can still make a difference.