Magdalen College Development Trust

The Magdalen College Development Trust, established in 1977, is a dedicated fundraising and philanthropic body exclusively supporting Magdalen College, Oxford's long-term ambitions, academic excellence, and accessibility. Its core mission centers on strategic resource development to sustain transformative education, widen participation regardless of background, preserve historic assets, and enhance teaching, research, student life, and outreach. Embodying values of inclusivity, opportunity, and heritage stewardship, the Trust integrates closely with College leadership to direct funds toward priorities like graduate and undergraduate scholarships (e.g., Treitel Scholarship for BCL students), hardship and access funds, extracurricular enrichment (arts, sports, societies, Boat Club), specialist academic posts, research, and maintenance of buildings, Chapel, Choir, Library, and Archives. Beneficiaries include current and prospective students—especially those in financial need—academic staff, and the wider College community, with outreach targeting underrepresented groups.

Eligibility is highly restrictive: the Trust does not accept unsolicited applications from external charities, individuals, or organizations. Funding is allocated internally via strategic planning by Trustees and College leadership, with no open processes, forms, or income/size/geographic thresholds for outsiders—all support benefits Magdalen College directly in Oxfordshire, though projects may have global reach.

Grants, both unrestricted and designated, range from thousands to hundreds of thousands of pounds annually for approved priorities, determined ad hoc without published deadlines or external rounds. Notably, it excludes any non-College activities, general charitable causes, or external entities, distinguishing itself through laser-focused, sustained stewardship for one iconic Oxford institution's educational and cultural advancement.