Over the past 20 years, since we were established in 2004, we’ve given over £40 million to projects that share our values – helping women and girls pursue their dreams, breaking down the barriers that hold them back and creating lasting positive change. We do this by working with carefully chosen partners across education (especially STEM), healthcare, the arts, sport, heritage and culture. All those who share our ambitions to give women and girls opportunities and inspire the next generation to follow in their footsteps.
Easy metrics for philanthropic giving are the numbers involved, the millions donated or the total number of people who have benefited. But behind the headline figures we want to know the difference our support has made. How have we helped the students, clinicians, patients, scientists, players, coaches, athletes, artists, curators, and communities along the way? What has changed? What can they do now they couldn’t do before? What is the impact?
Discover more from some of our project partners.
Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge
Maria Semerkina is one of the first recipients of The Parasol Foundation Scholarship to study a master’s degree in astrophysics. This is what she has to say:
“Thank you for your incredible generosity in providing this scholarship. The opportunity to study at the University of Cambridge has opened numerous doors that would have been out of reach otherwise. I believe this scholarship program played a part in my receiving multiple interviews for PhD progams. This support has had a LIFE-CHANGING impact and has helped me in fulfilling my lifelong ambition of pursuing learning as a career path.”
Almudena Visser Velez, University of Cambridge
Almudena Visser Velez, the first recipient of The Parasol Foundation Scholarship to study the new MPhil in Planetary Science and Life in the Universe says:
“The financial security of having a master’s funding and a living stipend has been a game changer and meant I can focus on my studies and passions.
I am passionate about physics so definitely want to continue that in some form. I am currently waiting to hear back from job applications, so while it is a slightly nerve-wracking time it is also exciting because a new adventure is on the horizon, and it will definitely be physics-related. Whatever is next my time at Cambridge studying planets, stars and life in the universe will be a cherished memory for life that will open doors to fascinating places.”
