Oxford University is increasing its fundraising target from £1.25bn to £3bn, having met its previous target ahead of schedule.

Professor Andrew Hamilton, the University’s Vice-Chancellor, has announced that after the Oxford Thinking Campaign reached its initial £1.25bn target in the middle of March, aspirations have now expanded to more than double that sum.

Money raised will support three main areas: students, academic programmes, and improving buildings and infrastructure. The campaign, which was launched in May 2004, seeks support from individuals, organisations and corporate bodies.

Oxford's achievement in raising the £1.25bn is the fastest campaign result of its size for any European university.

Nottingham University on target

The University of Nottingham has also announced success in its fundraising drive.

The first anniversary of ‘Impact: The Nottingham Campaign’, the institution’s largest-ever fundraising endeavour, has seen £81m raised – more than half of its £150m target. Changing lives, tackling global challenges and shaping the future are the three aspirations of the campaign.

It has five strategic themes: the Nottingham experience; health and wellbeing; nurturing talent; ingenuity; and sustainable futures.