Donor Recognition

We deeply appreciate every gift, no matter the size. Since its founding, Magdalene College has relied on the generosity of alumni and friends to support teaching, research, and student life. To recognise this, we offer a range of giving circles with associated benefits.

The Donors' List

All donors who have given during the previous financial year (1 July – 30 June) are listed in the annual Impact Report, unless they choose to remain anonymous. Members of the Pepys’ Circle (£25,000+), the Master’s Guild (£100,000+), or the Buckingham Society (legators) are specially acknowledged.

Donors who have given over £100 in the past year are invited to the annual Benefactors’ Drinks with the Master. We also honour principal benefactors from the past six centuries at the Commemoration of Benefactors service in Lent Term.

The 1542 Society (£1,000 + or continuous giving for 5 years)

The 1542 Society acknowledges donors who have given over £1,000 to College (including Gift Aid), or those who have chosen to support Magdalene on a regular basis for 5 years or more. Upon admission into the society Members receive a certificate, a 1542 Society pin badge and are listed in the annual Impact Report.

The Pepys Circle (£25,000+)

The Pepys Circle recognises donors who have given in excess of £25,000 (including Gift Aid). Members receive a Pepys Circle pin badge, which is based on the historic bookplate Pepys' added to the items in his library collection (image on left), are invited to the annual Pepys Dinner, the annual Benefactors’ Drinks, and are listed in the annual Impact Report.

The Master’s Guild (£100,000+)

Membership of The Master’s Guild is conferred on donors who have given more than £100,000 (including Gift Aid). Members receive a Master’s Guild cut glass paperweight, are invited to attend the annual Master’s Guild Dinner, the annual Pepys Dinner, the annual Benefactors’ Drinks, and are listed in the annual Impact Report.

Pepys Benefactor Fellows (£1,000,000+)

The Governing Body may elect individuals who have made transformational gifts to Magdalene as Pepys Benefactor Fellows to recognise their exceptional philanthropy and positive impact on the College. Pepys Benefactor Fellows have Honorary Fellow status, and as full members of the Senior Combination Room may dine in College, attend College Feasts, and are entitled to stay in Fellows’ Guest Rooms free of charge for three nights a year.

The Buckingham Society (Legators)

Membership of the Buckingham Society, named in honour of the Buckingham family who were the College’s principal benefactors in the 15th century, is open to Members who have generously pledged a legacy to Magdalene. Buckingham Society Members are invited to the biennial Buckingham Society Lunch, to the  Benefactors drinks in alternate years, and are listed in the annual Impact Report.

University Recognition

Donors to Magdalene College are also donors to Collegiate Cambridge, and as such may be nominated for membership in the University's Guild of Benefactors (for individuals donating in excess of £1 million), and the Vice-Chancellor's Circle (for individuals donating £250,000 or more).