Giving to the Union

The Cambridge Union Society is a registered charity (charity number 1136030) and this allows UK, US and Canadian tax-payers to make tax efficient gifts to the Society’s Campaign. Our section on gift aid explains the benefits of tax-efficient giving to both the (UK) donor and the charity.

There are a variety of ways in which you can support the Society. Single gifts can be made quickly and easily via secure online giving through Paypal or through our secure Debit/Credit Card payments facility. Single gifts can also be made by cheque, bank transfer, CAF vouchers or via a transfer of stocks and shares. A standing order or direct debit can be set up to give to the Society on a regular basis. Some employers operate a give as you earn (GAYE) scheme, which would allow you to donate to the Society regularly and many employers operate a matching gift scheme whereby the company also makes a contribution to your chosen charity.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more then please contact the Development Director. We are grateful for your interest and support.

Hear how we bring debating to hundreds of schools around the country as part of our charitable mission to promote free speech and the art of debating.




We'd love to tell you more about what the Society is up to! Enter your email below to stay in touch.

Are you a Union Society member? Fill out our alumni update form to receive members-only news!

Did you know?

  • The Society is a registered charity, our status derived in considerable measure from our continuing educational work amongst young people.
  • One-half of all freshers continue to join the Society each year making it the single largest and most popular society in the University.
  • We have more than 65,000 members worldwide.
  • We host at least 20 debates and 40 high-profile speaker events each year.
  • Our schools debating competition reaches over 600 schools throughout Great Britain and Ireland and the Society offers significant bursaries to encourage the participation of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
  • Membership fees are the single most important source of revenue for the Society which receives no University or public monies.