Looking to the future

2023 was an eventful year. There were many national and international developments that also affected us at the UvA and AUF. At times, connection, dialogue, and solutions seemed to give way to differences, polarisation, and problems. In times like these, it is all the more important to reflect on what does unite us and what common opportunities lie ahead. Hence, the theme of this annual review: Looking to the future. With a spirit of curiosity and inquiry, we look ahead to the opportunities, ambitions, and dreams of and with future generations.  

Scientific practice and student life at the UvA  

It is with this attitude that the AUF continued to contribute to science and society last year. And, true to our mission to promote the growth and flourishing of scientific practice and student life at the UvA, we will continue to do so. Thanks to donations and gifts from our growing community of patrons, including many UvA alumni, in 2023 we helped hundreds of students with scholarships and travel grants. We awarded grants, gave out prizes, and supported scientists with pioneering research projects. We did so across the full range of research, from heritage to medicine, and from sustainability to equality of opportunity. Finally, we organised a plethora of activities for our AUF community. You can read more about them in this annual review.  

We also took steps behind the scenes, such as a strategic review, to ensure the fund remains relevant, reliable, and financially sound in the future. The result has been a sharpening of our focus: creating impact with and for future generations. The common thread is building a better world for today’s youth and future generations.  

Thriving UvA community  

On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all our patrons and all those who care about the university and the AUF. Only by joining forces will we be able to continue supporting our thriving UvA community, now and in the future. I would like to thank two people in particular for their work on behalf of the AUF. Jan Six and James Kennedy stepped down from the AUF board in 2023 after more than eight years of service. Many thanks to both!  

Finally, I would like to thank our former college president, Geert ten Dam, who stepped down on 1 June 2024, for her personal and constructive dedication to the fund. Her enthusiastic contribution to this annual review accurately reflects our mutual and inspiring partnership. We look forward to a continued partnership in supporting great projects and promoting the vibrancy and curiosity of the UvA community. Together with our dedicated patrons, we will continue to focus on nurturing current and future generations of talent, moving forward with an eye to the future!

Adriaan Krans
Chair of the Amsterdam University Fund 

The year in figures 

• Income from fundraising: €1.5 million 

• Received from bequests: €140,250 

• Net return on invested assets: €2.1 million 

Spent on objectives: €3.1 million. Including: 

• €900,000 on project grants  

• €530,000 on scholarships 

• €360,000 on travel grants for students and PhD students 

• €115,000 on student projects and study trips for student associations 

• €11,500 in prizes 

2023 highlights 

• 2,130 donors  

• 3 new named endowment funds  

• 4 donor events  

• 9.3% return on invested assets  

• 467 students and PhD students received travel grants