Thames Valley charities can apply for University initiative

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 20 May.

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.

Current Charity of the Year

The University’s Charity of the Year for 2025/26 is Daisy's Dream. The Reading-based charity provides vital support to children, young people and their families in Berkshire who have experienced bereavement or are preparing for loss.

The University will continue to work with Daisy’s Dream until the end of July 2026. Activity undertaken so far includes: 

• Community bookshelves have been placed around campus allowing staff, students and campus visitors to purchase good quality second-hand books for a suggested donation of £2 per book.
• Staff members donated arts and crafts items to help run support sessions for children and young people experiencing bereavement or preparing for loss.
• Easter eggs were also donated to support the charity’s fundraising activities.
• Staff have volunteered their time to help support a variety of Daisy’s Dream fundraising events and activities.
• Daisy’s Dream provided two bereavement awareness sessions for University staff, offering practical advice on how to support students dealing with grief.
• Two staff members ran the Reading Half Marathon in aid of Daisy’s Dream, raising more than £2,500.
• A workshop has been held with students to explore ideas for how the University can support students dealing with bereavement.

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."

Further information about the Charity of the Year Scheme, and how to apply, is available online.