Alton College
Alton College is a nationally renowned 6th form college in Hampshire, with more than 2,100 full-time sixth form students and around 1,400 adult learners. Over 1,000 of their students study the core subjects of Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.
What we did for them
In 2008, the college received approval from the Learning and Skills Council for funding for a new Engineering and Design Centre and work began. However, the programme was cancelled in 2010 by the new coalition government, leaving the college with foundations in the ground and no hope of government funding for completion.
They contacted us that same year asking if it was possible to find private sector funding to meet the need. We carried out a through feasibility study, including writing, designing and developing a strong and compelling case for support (below), and identified potential from trusts and foundations as well as locally based entrepreneurs in the engineering space.
Over the next 3 years, we worked with them to help hire their first ever fundraiser and build links with potential funders, including running a cultivation event at Ironmongers Hall in London and a number of smaller scale dinners. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the full sum needed was secured and the new building opened by Lord Robert Winston in November 2013.
