CHARITIES across the Thames Valley are invited to apply for the University of Reading’s Charity of the Year Scheme, which is now open for applications.
The scheme, which is now in its third consecutive year, will see the University select a single charity to work with and support, in a variety of ways, throughout an academic year.
The charity must be active and supporting local people in the Thames Valley (defined as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire).
The scheme aims to create positive impact for the selected charity, with clear outcomes and benefits for the local community, at the same time as supporting the university’s charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research for public benefit.
Applications for the Charity of the Year Scheme will close at 11pm on Wednesday, May 20.
A charity will be selected over the summer. An initial panel judging process will create a shortlist of charities, which will then be put to a staff vote.
Official activity with the new Charity of the Year will begin in September, the start of the new 2026/27 academic year.
The university’s Charity of the Year for 2025/26 is Daisy’s Dream, a Reading-based charity which provides vital support to children, young people and their families in Berkshire who have experienced bereavement or are preparing for loss.
The university has already worked with the charity on donating arts and craft items to run support sessions, and Easter eggs for seasonal activities, as well as helping staff volunteer their time to support the charity directly.
It has also seen the two organisations collaborate on community bookshelves which were placed around campus; bereavement awareness sessions for University staff; and two staff members ran the Reading Half Marathon in aid of the charity, raising more than £2,500.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Daisy’s Dream does incredible work supporting children and families at some of the hardest moments of their lives, and I am proud that the University has been able to play a part in that this year.
“The enthusiasm and generosity my colleagues have shown throughout our Charity of the Year Scheme has been truly heartwarming.
“We are now looking forward to welcoming a new charity partner for the coming academic year and continuing to make a real difference in the Thames Valley community.”
