Charities across the Thames Valley are being encouraged to apply for the University of Reading’s Charity of the Year Scheme, which has officially opened for applications for the 2026/27 academic year.
Now in its third consecutive year, the initiative will see the University select one charity to partner with and support over the course of a full academic year. The chosen organisation will benefit from a range of activities designed to deliver measurable impact for both the charity and the wider local community.
Eligible applicants must be actively supporting people within the Thames Valley region, defined as Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
The scheme aims to create meaningful outcomes while also supporting the University’s broader charitable objectives, including advancing education, learning and research for public benefit.
Applications for the programme will close at 11.00pm on Wednesday 20 May, with a selection process taking place over the summer. Following an initial panel review to create a shortlist, the final decision will be made through a staff vote. The successful charity will begin its partnership in September 2026, marking the start of the new academic year.
The current Charity of the Year is Daisy’s Dream, a Reading-based organisation that supports children, young people and families experiencing bereavement or preparing for loss. The University will continue working with the charity until July 2026.
Over the past year, a range of fundraising and awareness initiatives have been delivered as part of the partnership. These include the introduction of community bookshelves across campus, where visitors can purchase second-hand books for a suggested donation, as well as staff-led fundraising events and volunteering activities.
Donations of arts and crafts materials have supported bereavement sessions, while seasonal initiatives such as Easter egg collections have contributed to fundraising efforts.
In addition, Daisy’s Dream has provided bereavement awareness sessions for University staff, offering practical guidance on supporting students dealing with grief. Fundraising efforts have also included participation in events such as the Reading Half Marathon, raising more than £2,500 for the charity.
Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor, 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.”
Further details on how to apply are available via the University’s website.
