Queen's Annual Fund
Celebrating 25 years
Philanthropy plays an important role at Queen’s, supporting strategic priorities at the University within capital development, medical research and a transformative student experience and that’s where the Queen’s Annual Fund comes in. Since 1999 The Queen’s Annual Fund has been helping to enhance the student experience, supporting over 600 student-led projects, which have benefitted hundreds of thousands of students over the last 25 years. The projects are made possible through philanthropic gifts from graduates and friends of the University. From improving mental health and wellbeing to supporting sporting activity, from making a positive impact on local communities to launching business start-ups, there are a diverse range of projects and events across the University which depend on Annual Fund support. Find out about some of the projects our students are taking forward.
Current Projects
Wellbeing Ambassadors
Mental health nursing student Ciara Devine explains how the Annual Fund supports her role as a Wellbeing Ambassador, helping students and staff to learn coping strategies and techniques to improve mental health.
The Mood Matters programme is a way for students and staff to learn about skills, techniques and coping strategies to improve their mental health. The Queen’s Annual Fund has helped us gain funding for Aware NI to come and teach students about mental health." Ciara Devine
Mental Health Nursing, Third Year
Teddy Bear Hospital Society
Medical student Hazel McMorrow discusses the benefits of engaging with primary schools in local communities and teaching young children all about healthcare with the backup of a cuddly teddy.
This is a lovely project where Queen’s medical students go out to local primary schools and they teach them about healthcare. In an interactive way they teach them about healthcare in the context of a teddy bear. It’s a great way to ensure the kids aren't afraid of going to the doctor.” Hazel McMorrow
Medical Student, Third Year
Literific Society
While studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics, student Ella Griffiths spends her spare time supporting school students with their public speaking and debating skills. The Society revived the Northern Ireland Schools Debating Competition this year, working with secondary schools across NI and staged the finals in Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
“The Queen’s annual fund provided us with a sum of money which has allowed us to purchase better equipment for our debate competitions. I feel like this really shows you that debating isn’t something for the elite or for the top of your class – it's something that anybody can do and it’s accessible to all.” Ella Griffiths
Philosophy, Politics & Economics Development Student, First Year
Celebrating 25 years of the Annual Fund
The Queen’s Annual Fund student experience celebration event was an opportunity to recognise 25 years of the fund and a showcase for the student clubs, societies and projects being supported by the fund this academic year at Queen’s, which were made possible by philanthropic support. It was also an opportunity to bring together donors, students, staff and alumni to get a flavour for the projects being taken forward this academic year and share stories about why they chose to get involved.
I’m a firm believer that education changes lives and consequently, societies. As a long-term supporter of the fund, that’s a key motivator for me. When the students get involved with projects, they can continue to connect with each other and keep trying to make a difference. Supporting the fund can truly make a difference in people's lives." Marlene Morrissey (pictured left)
(Queen's graduate and supporter of the Annual Fund).