Centenary boost for Thames Valley community projects

Sixteen community projects across the Thames Valley will receive a share of £50,000 from the University of Reading’s Community Engagement Fund this year.

The fund, now in its sixth year, lets University colleagues apply for grants for community projects they are involved in, either as part of their job or as volunteers. The University sets aside £30,000 a year for the scheme.

This year, in the University’s centenary year, Reading-based telecommunications company Cellnex has given an extra £20,000 to the fund. The money will support projects focused on digital inclusion and environmental sustainability.

All projects must benefit community groups or individuals in the Thames Valley (Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire). They must also support the University’s charitable aims of advancing education, learning and research for public benefit.

Some of the projects that have received funding for the 2026/27 academic year include:

• Reading Community Learning Centre’s IT for Beginners, three 10-week courses teaching basic computer skills to refugee, asylum-seeking and migrant women in Reading.
• The Eco-shelter Project, a new secure bike and scooter shelter at Micklands Primary School in Caversham to encourage families to travel to school sustainably.
• The Financial Wellbeing Toolkit, a printed and digital guide to help young adults and underrepresented communities across the Thames Valley build their money management skills.
• Reading Men Walking and Talking, which will set up more weekly walking groups for men across the Thames Valley.
• Monitoring of the Newbury Nature Corridors, training volunteers to record how wildlife is using new habitats across the town.
• New training and match kits for the Shinfield Rangers Under 10 Girls football team.

Professor Robert Van de Noort, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Reading, said: “Every year, the applications to this fund show how much our colleagues give to the communities around them. I’m proud that the University can support their efforts, and I’m confident these 16 projects will help people across the Thames Valley for years to come.

“I’d also like to thank Cellnex for its generous donation, which has allowed us to fund even more projects this year. Its support will help people get online and look after their local environment.”

Steve Cray, Cellnex UK Managing Director, said: “We are proud to provide additional support to the University of Reading’s Community Engagement Fund. Not only do we keep the UK connected, but we are also committed to investing in the communities that host our infrastructure. These projects show what can be achieved through local collaboration, resulting in strengthening communities by advancing digital inclusion, and supporting environmental sustainability.”

The University of Reading Community Engagement Fund gives small awards, usually between £1,000 and £10,000, either one-off or over several years. More than 30 applications were received this year, requesting in excess of £100,000. The winning bids were selected by a panel on 25 September.

More information about the Community Engagement Fund, including case studies of previous projects, is available online.