How you change lives through the ENcourage Fund.
To date, ENcourage scholarships have already helped over 400 students, while small grants from the fund have helped around 500 students.
As alumni, you make a positive and profound difference for many students by opening doors to increased opportunity through our ENcourage Fund. Together, we enable students to access and complete higher education, as well as pursue extra-curricular opportunities that enhance their studies and career prospects. Small sums add up, so whatever the level of your support, through the ENcourage Fund it makes a real impact. Flexible and responsive, we apply ENcourage funding where it’s needed most, moulding it to each student that we help.
The ENcourage Fund is entirely created through philanthropic support and we are immensely grateful to all donors, past and present, who have contributed to it. Helping students to sustain their education and supporting activities that enhance their academic and extracurricular experience – such as travel, placements, research projects, and involvement in clubs and societies – it opens doors to opportunity.
ENSA and ENcourage – a new partnership for wellbeing
At Edinburgh Napier we don’t want financial circumstances to be a barrier for students to participate or excel in extra-curricular activities, so we recently expanded the ENcourage Fund to include support for student clubs and societies.
“This initiative is vital in supporting our aim to make participation in sports and societies accessible and as affordable as possible,” comments Austen Brunton, Sabbatical Officer with responsibility for Sport at Edinburgh Napier Students' Association (ENSA).
"Alumni support is making a real difference, contributing to the unprecedented growth in our clubs. I believe our alumni recognise the value these activities brought to their own student experience and want others to enjoy those benefits too.”
This year the ENcourage Fund helped to fund training goals for Futsal and Archery, goalkeeper equipment for Hockey and Rugby, and supported the launch of new clubs, including Swimming and Surf.
The impact you make
Securing my lifelong ambition to be a nurse
Faith, BN Nursing (Adult)
I am the first person in my family to go to university. I came very close to leaving my studies as a result of my hardship, but I was determined not to give up. Your support meant I could continue to support my patients to the best of my ability; and having been estranged from my parents since the age of 17, to become the person I aspired to be when I was young and homeless. There are no words to describe how life-changing this is for me. Now, I hope to help within the health system and to be the best nurse possible. I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.
Supporting me to succeed in the face of financial hardship
Holly, BA (Hons) Business Management
The support I received allowed me to navigate through unforeseen financial difficulties and provided me with much-needed relief regarding accommodation payments. I am extremely thankful to benefit from this kindness. It meant I could focus more fully on my studies, and have some time for extracurricular activities, without the burden of financial stress weighing heavily on my mind. It has made a significant difference to my life and for that, I will be forever filled with gratitude.
Building valuable expertise and connecting me with sports industry leaders
James, MSc Creative Advertising
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity – it has made a meaningful difference in my life, and I am deeply grateful for the belief in my potential. It meant I could engage in a learning experience where I was immersed in the cutting-edge developments and innovations in the sports industry at the Sports Innovation Bootcamp in Munich. Participating in this event aligned perfectly with my career aspirations, but it also served as a significant milestone in my personal development and broadened my perspectives. This support has inspired me to strive for excellence and to pay it forward by making a positive impact in my community and beyond.
Investing in essential equipment vital to my development as a vocalist
Courage, BA (Hons) Music
Being an estranged student from a care experienced background, in times of need there is really no one to turn to. Having struggled financially after Covid, the support I received certainly helped me to get all the necessary equipment I needed, such as microphone equipment as I’m a vocalist, and a laptop compatible with Pro Tools and other music software I needed to use. This support definitely enabled me to progress further in my course. Thank you so much.