Overview of fundraising
The BSA has a rich tradition of philanthropy going back over 130 years. It was founded in 1886 thanks to the foresight, energy and generosity of individuals who had a passionate belief in the importance of studying all aspects of Hellenic culture. That philanthropic spirit to support studies of Greece, in their widest possible form, continues today through the donations we receive from generous supporters and foundations.
As we look to the future, we recognise the vital role that charitable giving can play in providing financial stability, agility and impact. If the BSA is special to you, please do make a gift. Donations and legacies, of any size, are immensely valuable and very gratefully received. As has always been the case, the BSA will recognise transformative generosity through the naming of studentships, staff positions and other aspects of life at the School.
The BSA is a charity registered in England and Wales (No. 208673) and can take advantage of Gift Aid, thus increasing the value of any donation by a UK tax payer by 25% at no extra cost to the donor. Any legacy left to the BSA is free of inheritance tax. We also have a 501 (c) (3) organization in the United States – the BSA Foundation – which enables US-based supporters to donate in a tax efficient way.
Current fundraising priorities
Donations enable us to maintain and develop all aspects of the BSA’s work. Unrestricted donations are hugely valuable ensuring that the BSA can prioritise urgent projects which have the greatest need. By making an unrestricted gift you can ensure an immediate impact. The Director of the BSA has prepared a document setting out the BSA’s current fundraising priorities.
The renowned Fitch Laboratory celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. We are planning a campaign to expand its activities and to make it the leading centre for the study of Ancient Technology and Crafts.
“Sustainable BSA” is our environmental initiative to improve the energy efficiency for all our buildings in Athens including investment in the original BSA building, the Upper House, some 137 years old, and still the focus for conferences, lectures and receptions.
We have a range of specific small-scale capital projects for the Library, Archives and BSA buildings. We want to raise long term funding to endow named staff positions in the Library and Archives. We also wish to raise funds for additional Scholarships, Studentships and Fellowships.
We have created the Harrison-Jebb Memorial Fund as a flexible fund to receive donations or legacies from supporters who want to provide valuable, long-lasting financial support to all aspects of the BSA’s work.
The Pendlebury, Lamb and Director’s Circles
As we seek to reduce our dependence on government funding, the importance of unrestricted philanthropic contributions is increasing. Members of our three Giving Circles are a central part of our community and enjoy a range of benefits including: a tailored programme of lectures, exhibition previews, museum visits, and special events in the UK and Greece with its Director. Annual donations to these circles range from £200 p.a. to £1,000+ p.a.
If you share a deep fascination for the history, archaeology and culture of the Greek world, and are dedicated to supporting the BSA’s wide-ranging activities to ensure their quality continues at the highest level, please consider joining one of our Giving Circles. Informal visits to our Athens or Knossos premises can always be arranged, with reasonable notice, and as a member you will gain a deeper understanding of our mission. Further information can be found in this brochure.
The Harrison-Jebb Memorial Fund
The Harrison-Jebb Memorial Fund is an important part of the overall funding strategy of the British School at Athens to provide valuable, long-lasting financial support to all aspects of its work.
Named in memory of Jane Ellen Harrison (1850-1928) and Sir Richard Jebb (1841-1905), two outstanding British classical scholars and both central in raising the funds to establish the BSA in 1886, the BSA was proud to launch this fund in 200th anniversary year of the foundation of the modern Greek state. The Harrison-Jebb Memorial Fund is an unrestricted fund which gives the BSA the flexibility to apply donations where need is greatest and to respond with agility to changing external circumstances.
Information about the Fund – and about Jane Ellen Harrison and Sir Richard Jebb – can be found here.
The impact of donations: what we have achieved together
We have compiled many fascinating stories of individuals who have given generously to the BSA, creating and sustaining an institute of advanced research with global significance, and ensuring its success. We hope that these examples will be a source of inspiration to our supporters and encourage them to make a donation or leave a legacy.
Donations have already improved our Athens premises to meet the needs and expectations of 21st century researchers, artists and students; the ‘1821 Fellowship’ in Modern Greek Studies is funded by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation; we have the A.G. Leventis Fellowship in Hellenic Studies and the Williams Fellowship in Ceramic Petrology; our recent campaign raised over £2.6 million to build a new 21st century research centre and Stratigraphical Museum at Knossos.
Every year close to 500 researchers and almost 1,000 students use our facilities. The BSA collaborates with over 100 institutions in the UK, Greece, throughout Europe, North America, the Middle East and Australia. This includes the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the Fitzwilliam Museum at Cambridge, the American School of Classical Studies at Athens, and universities throughout Greece.
All gifts, of whatever size, have an impact on the BSA’s mission and our Stewardship Reports will provide you with examples of recent projects which have benefited from donations.
Ways of donating and who to contact
- You can give via our secure online donations page.
- By Bank Transfer – please contact bsa@thebritishacademy.ac.uk for this method of donating
- By cheque – please make cheques payable to “The British School at Athens” and send, with your name and address, to The BSA, 10 Carlton House Terrace, London, SW1Y 5AH.
- With a legacy – to help supporters who may be thinking of this form of planned giving, the BSA has prepared a brochure which provides more information and suggested wordings for you to discuss with your solicitor.
- If you have a specific question about donating, please do contact our Development Team – bsa@thebritishacademy.ac.uk
- If you are a supporter in Greece wishing to make a donation in Euros, please do contact our Accountant at the BSA in Athens – accounts@bsa.ac.uk