26 January 2026
‘Small contributions make a big difference’, Tim (23), youngest Supporter of the UEF
At the age of 23, Tim decided to donate part of his income to the Ubbo Emmius Fund on a regular basis. ‘I want to continue doing this,’ he says. ‘And when I start earning more, I will increase the amount.’ This made him the youngest Supporter of the fund.
That decision did not come out of the blue. While studying Tax Law at the University of Groningen, which he completed in 2024, Tim worked as a volunteer at the Belastingwinkel (Tax Shop). There, he saw first-hand what collective support can mean. ‘Thanks to contributions from various offices, we were able to help people fill in their tax returns free of charge. The amounts weren't huge, but the impact was enormous.’
From student in the time of COVID-19 to tax specialist
Tim started his studies during the COVID-19 pandemic. He didn't live in student accommodation and missed out on the usual student life in his first years. It was only later that he attended physical lectures, went on study trips, joined associations and did volunteer work. ‘What I did alongside my studies was what I cherished most,’ he says. ‘But my education did give me the opportunity to find a job that suits me. That may seem obvious, but it's not. I want others to have that opportunity too.’
After completing his bachelor's degree in Groningen, Tim continued his education with a master's degree in European and International Tax Law at Lund University in Sweden, which he completed in 2025. He now works as a tax specialist.
A conscious choice to give to the university
When Tim got his first job, he thought carefully about what he wanted to contribute to. ‘Many people donate to well-known charities, but I don't have a personal connection to those. I do have a connection to the university. Education and research are the building blocks of progress, but they receive relatively little private support.’
He prefers to choose something that he feels good about and to which he can donate on a regular basis. As a tax specialist, he is also aware of the tax benefits of making regular donations. ‘For £500 a year, you can become a Supporter. Thanks to the tax deduction, you pay around £300 net. That amounts to £25 per month. If you do that for a longer period of time, you can really build something together.’
What he identifies with
Within the Ubbo Emmius Fund, he is particularly attracted to the social scope of projects. For example, he read about international students who are able to pursue their master's degree in Groningen through the Eric Bleumink Fellowship, and about research in which scientists look beyond the boundaries of their own field. Technological projects, such as research into energy-efficient computers, also fit in with his interest in the future of education and technology. ‘I strongly believe in what these projects can mean for society.’
Maintaining the connection
His motivation comes mainly from within, but he appreciates the contact with the fund. ‘A newsletter, a card or a meeting for donors helps to feel that connection. You see where your contribution goes.’
His main message to other alumni is: ‘Don't underestimate your impact. Even a relatively small amount can make a difference, especially when you do it together. Think about what your education has given you. Maybe this is a way to give something back.’
Want to know more about becoming a Supporter? Visit uef.nl/schenken/vrienden or contact Elise Kamphuis.
Thanks to Tim for his openness and commitment.