What is Development at Cranleigh?
The Development Office at Cranleigh works across the Prep and Senior School with alumni, parents and friends to raise funds in support of building projects, exceptional resources to enrich the student experience and to widen access to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Like many schools, Cranleigh does not enjoy the benefits of a capital endowment, so donations are extremely valuable to the School which is a Registered Charity (No:1070856). Development at Cranleigh is led by Pippa Carte, Director of Development.
Cranleigh was founded on philanthropy with a gift in 1863 of 200 acres of land from George Cubitt MP. Worth £3,500 then it would have an equivalent value today of £207,000. Cranleigh's Chapel, its first Science Laboratories, the Devonport Speech Hall, the Library and Reading Room were all made possible by 1930 thanks to the generosity of individuals who believed education was the most powerful way to change the world.
This tradition of giving has continued, the Prep School Chapel, welcoming orchard and the Townsend science and arts building exist thanks to the generosity of the community. And in the Senior School, the Vivian Cox Theatre, Bluett's Rugby Pitches and the Trevor Abbott Sports Centre are all facilities accelerated thanks to charitable gifts and bequests both from individuals and the power of collective community support. Generations of Cranleighans benefit from the gifts of those who have come before them.
The power of philanthropy
We are immensely grateful to those who choose to give the gift of education by supporting Cranleigh. Both individual and collective philanthropy has shaped Cranleigh's past, benefits all pupils here today and is a powerful way to shape the School's long-term future.
How can I support Cranleigh?
Cranleigh warmly welcomes support of all kinds, whether time, expertise or charitable gifts. All donors are recognised in our online Donor Roll (named or anonymous) and in our annual Impact of Giving Report. Significant philanthropy may also be acknowledged through plaques in new facilities, celebrating generosity and encouraging others across the community to get involved.
The Board of Governors welcomes donations of all sizes, whether directed to the Foundation, to specific capital campaigns or to School projects. All gifts must be freely given, with no expectation of benefit beyond thanks and recognition. Cranleigh values its autonomy and integrity, so donations are only accepted when they align with the School’s aims, values and strategic objectives. Our Acceptance of Donations Policy is available from our policies page
What is the Cranleigh Foundation?
Cranleigh is committed to fundraising to widen access to our exceptional community. We raise funds for The Cranleigh Foundation (Registered Charity No: 1122918) to allow bright children who have experienced extreme hardship in their early lives, to join and benefit from the Cranleigh community. We know that Foundationer places change an individual child's life path and that the diversity that inclusion brings enriches the whole School community.
We ask alumni and all parents to consider their support of the Cranleigh Foundation as we know the programme is transformative.
In the words of a past Foundationer: ‘My time at Cranleigh is simple to quantify: it has given me a future.”
More information can be found below.
How we fundraise
Our Fundraising Promise
We fundraise openly and respectfully, and as members of the Chartered Institute of Fundraising and the Fundraising Regulator, you can feel confident in how we work. Our Ethical Fundraising S
Your data, your privacy and being in control
We take your privacy seriously and have a Cranleigh School Development/Fundraising Privacy Notice which you can find here. You remain in control: if you prefer not to be contacted about Development Fundraising, simply let us know at giving@cranleigh.org.