Are you a new charity looking to establish a brand identity but lacking the resources to do so? Or are you a not-for-profit in need of a brand refresh or re-positioning and would welcome some input from students at The University of Reading?
The Department of Typography at the University of Reading will be holding a structured eight-week ‘design-thinking brand jam’ with Part 3 Typography and design students in February – March 2027, working exclusively with not-for-profits and social enterprises. Students take on briefs and develop a visual identity and any other marketing collateral they feel is appropriate over four weeks – and it’s completely FREE! The students took on four causes last year, and produced some very good results. Three of the clients used the work after the project was over.
If you are interested in participating, we will need someone from your organisation, to act as a ‘client’ for us and attend:
• A Briefing Day at 10am on *Monday 15 February 2027*, where you will need to talk about what you do for 30 minutes to a small group of students who have chosen to work on your project (usually 4 students), and then be available for questions. Meeting is face to face, and local clients are preferred.
• A Presentation Day on *Thursday 18 March 2027*, to listen to your students’ ideas and give instant feedback. Meeting is face to face.
• NB: these two dates are not flexible. If you cannot attend them we will not be able to take your project on.
• If you are interested, please contact Sara Chapman: s.k.chapman@reading.ac.uk for more details.
• Your charity brief will need to be submitted for consideration, ideally during October 2026. Places on the project will be finalised in the first week of January 2027.