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Building a Legacy: St Anne’s £5 Million Fundraising Campaign

The Client

St Anne’s College, Oxford, is one of the largest colleges within the university, housing over 400 undergraduates. With a rich history and a commitment to providing a nurturing environment for its students, St Anne’s College approached The Graphic Design House after being impressed by the successful campaign completed for Exeter College. The college’s aim was ambitious but crucial: to raise £5 million for the regeneration of the Bevington Road Houses Accommodation, which has housed thousands of alumni but now required urgent repairs.

The Opportunity

There was a clear need for international students and their families to feel reassured that St Anne’s College offers a comfortable and secure environment. The opportunity lay in developing a compelling fundraising campaign that not only resonated with alumni and potential donors but also reinforced the college’s commitment to its students’ well-being. This campaign needed to communicate the urgency of the repairs while evoking a sense of home and community that St Anne’s is known for.

“The Graphic Design House worked closely with us to produce a brochure for a major fundraising campaign. They were attentive and friendly, and we were thrilled with their innovative design, and the quality of the brochures and service provided.”

Jay Gilbert
Communications Manager
St Anne’s College Oxford

Our Approach

Immersive Research and Concept Development: We began our process with an on-site visit to St Anne’s College to meet with the client and explore the Bevington Road houses firsthand. Why does this matter? This visit allowed us to truly understand the college’s needs, the significance of the Bevington Road houses, and the emotional connection that many alumni have to these spaces.

Choosing the Theme of “Home”: In our brainstorming sessions, we focused on the concept of “home” to create a campaign that would evoke feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging. The theme of home was chosen deliberately to reflect St Anne’s core values—“forward-looking and outward-facing”—while also resonating on a personal level with potential donors. The familiar shape of St Anne’s windows was incorporated into the design, symbolising these values and creating a visual link between the college’s past and its future.

Comprehensive Campaign Materials: The campaign we developed included a major donor brochure, a campaign microsite, and a direct mail campaign. These materials were designed to work together seamlessly, ensuring that the campaign message was consistent and impactful across all touchpoints. We also introduced personalised ‘Recognition Opportunity Cards’ to add a special touch, making potential donors feel valued and connected to the cause.

Results

The initial response to the campaign has been positive, setting the stage for a successful fundraising effort. The campaign has already started to create a sense of community and urgency among potential donors, highlighting the importance of this project for the future of the college. We’re excited to continue building this campaign, refining our approach, and working closely with St Anne’s College to reach the £5 million goal.

Next Steps

Our focus will be on expanding the reach of the campaign and continuing to engage with alumni and donors. By maintaining the momentum we’ve built, we aim to help St Anne’s secure the necessary funds to regenerate the Bevington Road Houses, ensuring that the College remains a comfortable and secure home for future generations of students to come.