‌The University of Bristol has 376 Endowments totalling c£70m. These Endowment Funds have been established by external donations to support specified educational and research purposes. The funds have been received from generous benefactors over the years and is held in trust. The funds are invested and the income then used for specific purposes, including scholarships, prizes and research.

The Endowment Funds are held by the University on a pooled basis under the University of Bristol Acts 1960 and 1974.

In January 2017 the University of Bristol approved a new investment policy, which governs how the endowment funds are invested. This ensures that the University’s investment policy is consistent with its status as a charitable organisation and an institution working for the public good.

The University appointed Rathbone Greenbank as investment managers for the Endowment Funds in August 2017. Rathbone Greenbank Investments is a firm with a track record of managing ethical and sustainable investments.

In March 2018 the University pledged to divest completely from all investments in fossil fuel companies by Spring 2020. 

On this page you can find links to important documents relating to the University’s Endowment Investment Policy and investment portfolio. It will be updated quarterly for the most recent portfolio and carbon metric reports.

‌The University’s current endowment investment policy: Endowment Investment Policy (PDF, 583kB)‌

‌‌Quarterly reports showing the investments held by the Endowment Fund: Portfolio Investment Report - as at 31st December 2023 (PDF, 809kB)‌

This report gives details on the carbon footprint of the Endowment Fund updated quarterly: Portfolio Climate Metrics Report - as at 31 December 2023 (PDF, 502kB)‌

This report provides guidance to help users understand the metrics used in the Climate Metrics Report: Guidance on understanding the Climate Metrics Report (PDF, 101kB)