Support Us

West Dean College of Arts and Conservation was founded thanks to the vision of an extraordinary man, Edward James, who was passionate about teaching traditional heritage and craft skills. Today we run a world class education programme thanks to the continuing vision of many extraordinary and talented tutors, crafts people and supporters of our work.

If you share our passion for historic conservation and the arts, and for our tranquil and inspiring gardens and grounds, please become more involved.

Make a donation, offer a scholarship or bursary to a promising student, or pledge a gift in your will. Your support will make a vital and lasting difference.

Ways to Give

Your gift enables us to provide education in conservation and creative arts and preserve the rich heritage of West Dean. Find out about how you can make your gift tax-efficient.

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Appeals

Read more about the projects we are most urgently seeking funds for. Whatever the value, your support will make a difference.

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A Gift in Your Will

Help to preserve this unique and special place by remembering us in your will. Your gift secures the future of West Dean College and Gardens.

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Scholarships and Bursaries

In a challenging economic climate with limited funding for postgraduate studies, providing financial support for our students through Scholarships and Bursaries is more important than ever.

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Our Fundraising Promise

So many of the wonderful things that happen at West Dean College and Gardens are made possible thanks to your support and generosity. 

We are a proud member of The Fundraising Regulator which is how you know that when you make a donation to us you can be confident that our fundraising is legal, open, honest and respectful.

This is our fundraising promise to you.

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We commit to high standards

  • We adhere to the Fundraising Code of Practice
  • We monitor fundraisers, volunteers and third parties working with us to raise funds, to ensure that they comply with the Code of Fundraising Practice and with this Promise
  • We comply with the law as it applies to charities and fundraising
  • We display the Fundraising Regulator badge on our fundraising material to show we are committed to good practice

We are clear, honest and open

  • We tell the truth and we do not exaggerate
  • We do what we say we are going to do with donations we receive
  • We are clear about who we are and what we do
  • We give a clear explanation of how you can make a gift and change a regular donation
  • If we ask a third party to fundraise on our behalf, we will make this relationship and the financial arrangement transparent
  • We can explain our fundraising costs and show how they are in the best interests of our cause if challenged
  • We ensure our complaints process is clear and easily accessible
  • We provide clear and evidence-based reasons for our decisions on complaints

We are respectful

  • We respect your rights and privacy
  • We will not put undue pressure on you to make a gift. If you do not want to give or wish to cease giving, we will respect your decision
  • We have a procedure for dealing with people in vulnerable circumstances and it is available on request
  • Where the law requires, we will gain your consent before we contact you to fundraise
  • If you tell us that you don’t want us to contact you in a particular way we will not do so. 

We are fair and reasonable

  • We treat donors and the public fairly, showing sensitivity and adapting our approach depending on your needs
  • We take care not to use any images or words that intentionally cause distress or anxiety
  • We take care not to cause nuisance or disruption to the public

We are accountable and responsible

  • We manage our resources responsibly and consider the impact of our fundraising on our donors, supporters and the wider public
  • If for any reason, you are unhappy with anything we’ve done whilst fundraising, we hope you’ll contact us and tell us. We will listen to your feedback and respond appropriately to any compliments or criticism we receive
  • We have a complaints procedure, a copy of which is available on request.  This also explains how to contact the Fundraising Regulator in the event that you feel our response is unsatisfactory
  • We monitor and record the number of complaints we receive each year and share this data with the Fundraising Regulator on request

If you have any questions or would like to speak to us about our fundraising promise then you can email us at fundraising@westdean.org.uk or call us on 01243 818300 (option 5).

Students attending the awards day ceremony at West Dean College
Student collection award at West Dean College Easels at West Dean College

Help preserve our future

West Dean College and Gardens are part of a registered charity and relies on the support of generous donors, friends, legacies to help us deliver world-class education in conservation and the creative arts and maintain our award-winning gardens.

Find out how you can help support us