Common Good Campaign

Make a difference to students’ lives

The significance of the work of the GCU Foundation has heightened in recent years, with those from challenging backgrounds being most harshly impacted and many more being pushed into hardship.

At Glasgow Caledonian, 22.1% of our undergraduate students join us from disadvantaged areas - well above the sector average of 16.5% - meaning that the need for additional financial support within our student community is incredibly high.

The ongoing cost of living crisis is forcing students to work longer hours, leaving less time to study which has a knock-on effect on their mental health and wellbeing. It is estimated that over 70% of students have considered dropping out because of their financial situation (Save the Student, 2023), and some are choosing not to apply in the first instance. With one quarter of students now diagnosed with a mental health issue (Student Minds, 2023) and finances cited as a contributing factor, more support is needed to enable students to maximise their university experience and go on to establish rewarding careers.

Through our Common Good Fund we support talented students who join us from incredibly challenging circumstances, including those who are care-experienced or estranged from their family.  Inspired by the support of our Founding Donor, Sir Alex Ferguson CBE, the GCU Foundation raises funds to help transform lives through education.

All funds raised, through the support of generous donors, are directed to where the need is greatest providing vital scholarships and bursaries to students facing financial hardship, providing the help they need to reach their full potential.