I have long believed that colleges are far too dependent on Government funds, so I was pleased to see you covering colleges’ money- making initiatives (“From restaurants to recruitment”, December 17).

Another source of income almost entirely neglected by colleges is philanthropic donations. Once a very modest source of income for British universities, they now bring in big money. We can do that, too.

Some colleges are already active, and FE Focus has covered some of their work. Adult education colleges have bursary funds, but Bournemouth and Poole College has raised over pound;1 million for its foundation since incorporation. The rest of us can do that, too.

I have set up a discussion group at http:uk.groups.yahoo.comgroupcollege fundraising

Iain Mackinnon, Chair, West London Student Trust; Governor, Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College.