Exeter College Oxford

Write the next chapter: £11.3m initiative to restore historic library

Take a look at the campaign we built to support Exeter College Oxford in meeting their significant fundraising goal to restore
their historic library and preserve the learning environment for future generations of students.

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The brief

Exeter College is one of Oxford’s oldest and most respected colleges, with a rich heritage dating back to 1314. Their historic library, a cornerstone of college life, was in need of restoration and modernisation, with a bold £11.3 million fundraising goal.

Exeter asked us to create a standout campaign that reflected their traditions, inspired alumni, and made a clear case for preserving this essential part of college life for future generations.

£0

Raised from first mailing campaign

Out of home billboard design

Exeter College 'Write the next chapter' Donation leaflet

Billboard design

Client Testimonial

“The important thing to say is this, we trust TGDH. We trust them to support us in achieving our goals, to help us create the materials and communications we need – and to make sure they are beautiful and in budget… If you’re looking for an agency to support your college campaigns, or mailings, then we could not recommend TGDH more highly

Adale Bennett
Deputy Director of Development and Alumni Relations
Exeter College, Oxford

Our approach

This was about more than raising funds, it was about celebrating Exeter’s story while inviting alumni to shape its next chapter. We worked closely with the team to capture that sentiment across every touchpoint, hover your mouse over the tiles below to learn more.

Our approach

This was about more than raising funds, it was about celebrating Exeter’s story while inviting alumni to shape its next chapter. We worked closely with the team to capture that sentiment across every touchpoint, tap the tiles below to learn more.

Exeter College Oxford library building exterior.

Strategic planning

We took a story-led approached that was rooted in Exeter's identity. We worked together with Exeter's team to understand their heritage, values, and vision, ensuring every element of the campaign felt authentic and meaningful to their alumni.

Exeter College Oxford library building exterior.

Strategic planning

We took a story-led approached that was rooted in Exeter's identity. We worked together with Exeter's team to understand their heritage, values, and vision, ensuring every element of the campaign felt authentic and meaningful to their alumni.

A macbook pro laptop that is viewing Exeter College's Write the next chapter microsite which was designed by The Graphic Design House.

Seamless digital experience

We extended the campaign online with a dedicated microsite that mirrored the campaign's visuals. This digital extension was crucial for reaching a wider audience, providing supporters an easy way to contribute to the campaign.

A Mock-up showing the postcard design for Exeter College's fundraising campaign 'Write the next chapter'

Direct mail with impact

We designed a print pack to inspire action. From carefully crafted copy to standout visuals, the direct mail pack was designed to emotionally connect with recipients and encourage immediate engagement. Which it did, generating £250,000 from the first mailout.

Exeter College Write the next chapter campaign

Major donor materials

We collaborated closely with Exeter College to develop a dedicated brochure aimed at engaging major donors. The goal was to create a polished and professional piece that would support meaningful conversations with prospective major donors and showcase the vision in a meaningful way.

St Anne's College Major Donor Brochure Spread

Range of campaign materials from bookmarks, mailouts and leaflets

Donation leaflet

Results & next steps

The Write the Next Chapter campaign was a resounding success. The direct mail pack alone raised nearly £250,000 from the first mailing — a fantastic start towards Exeter’s ambitious goal. The dedicated microsite extended the reach, driving further engagement and online donations. Meanwhile, the major donor brochure provided Exeter’s team with a polished tool to help secure significant pledges through in-person conversations.

By combining engaging storytelling with multi-channel delivery, the campaign not only raised vital funds but deepened connections within Exeter’s alumni community.

We’re continuing to support Exeter College on future campaigns where we’re needed and helping them connect meaningfully with their community and meet their fundraising goals.

 

Start your next campaign
Exeter College 'Write the next chapter' Donation leaflet

Donation leaflet

Results & next steps

The Write the Next Chapter campaign was a resounding success. The direct mail pack alone raised nearly £250,000 from the first mailing — a fantastic start towards Exeter’s ambitious goal. The dedicated microsite extended the reach, driving further engagement and online donations. Meanwhile, the major donor brochure provided Exeter’s team with a polished tool to help secure significant pledges through in-person conversations.

By combining engaging storytelling with multi-channel delivery, the campaign not only raised vital funds but deepened connections within Exeter’s alumni community.

We’re continuing to support Exeter College on future campaigns where we’re needed and helping them connect meaningfully with their community and meet their fundraising goals.

 

Exeter College Write the next chapter campaign

Campaign materials

Start your next campaign

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