Sackler family philanthropy — University philanthropy and giving blog

Philanthropic funding can be a risky game for universities

The University of Oxford’s relationship to the tainted Sackler family’s charitable trusts speaks to the challenge of donor risk management across a complex institution which is both a world-class research university and a treasured United Kingdom institution.

The most recent outcry follows a Financial Times investigation into solicitations made to the Sackler family, former owners of Purdue Pharma, which in 2020 agreed a settlement of more than US$8 billion over its role in fuelling the United States opioid epidemic. Purdue Pharma was owned by members of the Sackler family until it was dissolved in 2021 in the wake of the scandal.

Andrew WigleyMarch 21, 2023University of Oxford, Sackler family, Sackler family philanthropy, US Congress, opioid epidemic, donor risk management, philanthropy, university philanthropy, fundraisign, fundraising