A NUMBER of charities around Thames Valley are set to see a boost in support as the University of Reading announces a new community scheme.
Its new University For Reading initiative will bring together a number of community projects already run by the institution as part of its aim to work more closely with organisations in the region.
It is now taking applications on two separate schemes, the new Charity of the Year scheme and University Community Fund.
The new Charity of the Year initiative will see a single charity selected with which the university will work, as well as providing support, through the academic year.
This includes staff raising awareness about the charity and taking part in fundraising, volunteering opportunities for students and staff, and collaborative research in mutual areas of interest.
The University Community Fund allows university staff to apply for one-off funding grants for community projects they’re involved with either as part of their job or on a voluntary basis, now in its fourth year.
Up to £30,000 is available for the 2024/25 academic year, during which small, one-off awards of around £1,000 will be given, as well as larger awards of up to £10,000, on either a one-off or multi-year basis.
Projects must further at least one of the university’s charitable objectives, which are advancing education, learning, and research for public benefit.
Local charities and University staff members are urged to apply for the Charity of the Year and 2024/25 Community Fund schemes respectively.
The university has also launched a new staff volunteering scheme which is encouraging the 4,500 professional and academic staff to take paid leave to volunteer in the community.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “As a University, we are rooted in our local community.
“We exist because of the people of Reading, and as we approach our second century we want to strengthen and build new links across our region.
“I am looking forward to taking days away from campus myself to volunteer for good causes, helping to raise funds and the profile of our new Charity of the Year, and supporting colleagues to do more good work through our Community Fund.”
The Charity of the Year will be selected over the summer after an initial panel meeting and a subsequent staff vote.
Charities in Thames Valley can apply for the Charity of the Year scheme via: reading.ac.uk/about.
Applications close on Monday, June 3.
University staff members are invited to apply for the community fund through the university before the closing date of Sunday, June 30.
