Wits Foundation UK

Wits Foundation UK, established in 2001 as an independent UK charity, serves as the official philanthropic bridge channeling donations from UK individuals, alumni, and organizations to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg, South Africa. Rooted in advancing higher education's transformative power, its mission emphasizes academic excellence, freedom, social progress through scholarship, research, and innovation, guided by values of transparency, integrity, and partnership with Wits leadership. Distinctively, it enables tax-effective giving for lasting impact on Wits' strategic priorities, including student access and global research contributions.

The Foundation funds scholarships, bursaries for underprivileged students, research initiatives, infrastructure projects, and capital developments exclusively at Wits across all disciplines. Support includes unrestricted funds at the Vice-Chancellor's discretion or donor-designated purposes like hardship relief, specific research areas, or facilities, benefiting thousands of students and academic departments while aligning with Wits' goals of teaching excellence and societal transformation. Over recent years, it has facilitated over R1.4 billion (£60-65 million) in global disbursements for high-impact educational access and institutional projects.

Unsolicited applications are not accepted; funding goes solely to Wits University and its initiatives—no external charities qualify. Eligible entities are strictly Wits as an academic institution in Johannesburg, with no income, size, or religious restrictions, but geographic focus is non-negotiable. Grants are allocated adhoc by the board of trustees based on internal proposals from Wits leadership, with no published deadlines, typical ranges, or open calls. Uniquely, it excludes all UK or non-Wits causes, positioning itself as the singular UK gateway for targeted South African higher education philanthropy.