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charity of the year scheme

The University of Reading's Charity of the Year Scheme aims to deliver positive impacts for both the chosen charity and the University, whilst also benefitting the local community. It will also support the University's charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research for public benefit.

The University will select a single charity to work with and support, in a variety of ways, throughout an academic year. To qualify, the charity must be active and supporting local people in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire or Oxfordshire. 

Charities could be supported in a number of ways, including:

  • awareness-raising among the large University staff community about the charity and its services
  • staff fundraising opportunities
  • staff and student volunteering opportunities
  • collaborative research in areas of mutual interest. 

If you have any questions, please email charityoftheyear@reading.ac.uk.

Charity of the Year for 2025/26

Daisy’s Dream has been selected as the University of Reading’s next Charity of the Year for 2025/26, following a vote by University staff.

Daisy's Dream provides vital support to children, young people and their families in Berkshire who have experienced bereavement or are preparing for loss. Dedicated teams ensure that each family receives individually tailored support through the toughest of times.

Please see Daisys Dream selected as University's Charity of the Year - University of Reading.

Other information

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity was the University’s inaugural Charity of the Year for 2024/25, after the scheme launched in March 2024.

Across the year, a series of activities helped to raise awareness of the Thames Valley Care Team and raised funds to help Rainbow Trust support families caring for a seriously ill child.

The Scheme for 26/27 is expected to open in April 2026 and more information will be shared on this page nearer the time.

If you have any questions, please email charityoftheyear@reading.ac.uk. 

We have been part of the Thames Valley for over a century now, supporting the communities that surround us. We already work with local charities in a variety of ways, through our Community Fund initiative, our community-based research projects, and more. This scheme offers our University community the chance to come together and get involved in supporting our chosen charity, and hopefully have some fun at the same time.

Professor Robert Van de Noort
Vice-Chancellor , University of Reading
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