700th Anniversary of Oriel • 40 Years of Women at Oriel
Endowment Appeal
Securing the future of Oriel Rowing
A Tradition Worth Preserving
Every Oriel rower remembers the intensity of the Bumps, the early mornings on the Isis, and the friendships forged through shared commitment.
You are one of over 3,000 Oriel men and women who have competed in Torpids or Summer Eights. Whether in the traditional ‘rugby’ eight, a crew that won its oars, or alongside lifelong friends, you’ll look back on the challenges and excitement as one of the defining experiences of your time at Oriel.
The Club Today
Today, the Club remains one of the strongest in Oxford:
- Fielding 7–8 Men’s and Women’s crews
- Competing consistently for Headships and Divisional Heads
- Introducing new generations of students to the sport
Remarkably, many of our strongest rowers first learned to row at Oriel. In the past three years, half of our 1st VIII athletes joined the boat club as novices.
Equally distinctive is Oriel’s commitment that rowing remains free for all students—ensuring that talent and enthusiasm, not financial means, determine who can participate. This principle lies at the heart of the Boat Club’s ethos, and we are determined to protect it.
The Case for an Endowment
Oriel College provides core support to the Boat Club—covering boathouse rent, maintenance, the Boatman’s salary, and insurance. However, boats, equipment, and coaching depend on annual appeals and sponsorship, limiting long-term planning and the stability the Club needs to develop future crews.
A dedicated Endowment Fund will change this.
Our 2026 Goal: £1 Million
Invested alongside the College’s investments, this endowment will generate annual income sufficient to:
- 1.Maintain free rowing for all students
- 2.Support permanent professional coaching to train and develop our crews
- 3.Provide long-term financial stability for the Club
This will allow Oriel rowing to plan confidently for the future, ensuring tomorrow’s students share the opportunities that shaped your own.
Our aim: secure a donation—of any size—from each of the 3,000+ Oriel rowers, renewing everyone’s participation in the success of the Boat Club.
How to Contribute
Every donation makes a difference. The goal is for as many Oriel rowers as possible to participate—3,000+ people, each playing their part in securing the future of OCBC.
Donations of all sizes are appreciated. As a steer, alumni might consider starting at £200 if they can. With contributions at this level, together with major donors, the Endowment can reach its £1 million target.
Donations can be made as:
- A single gift
- Pledges spread over one to three years
- Gifts of publicly listed shares
- Tax-efficient donations through Gift Aid (UK)
Tax-efficient giving mechanisms are also available for donors in the United States, Canada, and other jurisdictions.
Gifts of £5,000 or more: For larger donations, more efficient systems of giving or pledging directly to the College are available. Please contact tortoise-president@orielrowing.org to coordinate with the College.
All donations contribute directly to the Oriel College Boat Club Endowment. The College has committed to continue its existing support, ensuring that all funds raised will strengthen the Boat Club’s long-term future.
Link to Oriel College donation portal
The Oriel Channel Crossing
The Endowment Appeal has already captured the imagination of Orielenses.
This April and May, more than 50 men and women—matriculating between 1968 and 2024—will row the 35 miles in eight hours from Ramsgate to Gravelines in seven Cornish racing gigs.
A Cornish racing gig training for the Channel crossing
Their dedication to training, and their excitement to return to the water, will launch the Appeal with this dramatic Channel Crossing.
Be Part of It
Every contribution—large or small—helps keep Oriel rowing open to all and competing for Head of the River.
Donate NowFor more information about the Appeal, please contact us.