Receiving a phone call from a Birmingham student
Our Student Fundraisers engage with thousands of alumni every year, raising essential funds for scholarships, bursaries, innovative research, and more.
The University of Birmingham's Telethon is our annual fundraising campaign that brings together current students and alumni to raise money for Bright Minds in Birmingham. Every year, our student fundraisers look forward to picking up the phone and speaking with Birmingham graduates to learn about their experiences and interests, and gain valuable insights into life after graduation. Many of our student fundraisers have benefited from life-changing scholarships.
One in five students at Birmingham comes from a disadvantaged background, and we know that the cost-of-living crisis has made existing inequalities much worse. As a result, applications for scholarships have increased three-fold, and there is more pressure than ever on bespoke awards, such as Young Carer and Care Leavers Scholarships.
It has never been more important to promote the advantages of a University education, and to ensure that Birmingham is accessible to all.
If you have already spoken with one of our student fundraisers, thank you; we sincerely hope you enjoyed the conversation. If you would like to update your contact details so one of our students can reach you, please email our team.
FAQs
When and where does calling take place?
This year, our annual Telethon will run from 14 October to 15 December 2024. All calls are made by current students, and they are calling from campus in the Development and Alumni Relations Office and remotely from home on the weekends. You can usually expect to be called at the following times of the week:
- Monday – 6 to 9pm
- Tuesday – 6 to 9pm
- Wednesday – 6 to 9pm
- Thursday – 6 to 9pm
- Friday – 6 to 9pm
- Saturday – 11am to 5pm
- Sunday – 5 to 8pm
What might I receive a call about?
We are currently fundraising for Bright Minds in Birmingham, which seeks to give everyone with talent the opportunity to learn. A programme of scholarships, mentoring and bursaries will give extra support to those with the potential and desire to succeed.
How can I tell if this call is really from the University?
Our Student Fundraisers will call you from 0121 271 0996, but please note that this number is outgoing only. If you receive a call from a Student Fundraiser, they will be able to send you a verification email while you are on the phone to them. This email will come from giving@contacts.bham.ac.uk – a University domain email account.
Is the University a charity?
Yes. The University is registered with the Fundraising Regulator and is an exempt charity under Schedule 3 of the Charities Act 2011. We also receive funding raised by other charities to undertake life-saving research, such as for our cancer research.
Do my fellow alumni make gifts when they speak to a student caller?
Each year, as many as 1,000 alumni make a gift after speaking to a student caller. We understand that not everyone may wish to or be able to make a gift, but if you do, 100% of your donation goes to your specified cause.
I want to make a gift, but I prefer not to give over the phone. What are my other options?
Student Fundraisers can arrange to send you a link via email to our online giving page, where you can set up your gift. Alternatively, you can request a donation form by post and we will include a pre-paid envelope for you to return your gift to us.
Contact details
The Student Fundraising team is managed by Mia Rawlinson, Regular and Digital Giving Officer within the Development and Alumni Relations Office. If you would like more information about our Telethon Campaign, the easiest way to get in touch with Mia is to email.
Please note: our student callers can only make outgoing calls.