Introduction – overview of the funding
The Community Engagement Fund forms part of the University’s commitment to working with and supporting the local community. Over the past few years, the scheme has funded different projects supporting sports, education settings, and charities.
Who is eligible to apply?
This Fund is open to employees of the University of Reading. This includes anyone with a substantive employment contract at the University of Reading, regardless of grade or role, as of the date of the application deadline. It includes those on fixed term contracts.
It is preferable for applications to be made by a minimum of two University employees jointly, to allow for the continuation of the project should one employee be unable to continue with it (temporarily or permanently) or cease to be an employee of the University.
What are the funder priorities?
The aim of the Fund is to support projects that:
- Add value to new or existing partnerships between the University and the Thames Valley community
- Have the potential to create a positive social impact for the Thames Valley community
- Will further at least one of the University’s charitable objectives of advancing education, learning or research
Projects should demonstrate clear and achievable goals.
Projects should also have a clear budget breakdown of the amount of money required to deliver a project and demonstrate that there is value for money.
How much can organisations apply for?
The Community Engagement Fund provides one-off, small awards (usually around £1,000 per year), as well as larger awards (up to a maximum of £10,000 per year) on a one-off or multi-year basis, depending on the project.
A total sum of £30,000 is available to award for the academic year 2024/25.
Levels of funding for future years will be announced once confirmed.
What the funding can be used for
The aim of the scheme is to fund projects and activities which work with and for the benefit of Thames Valley community groups.
Is there a deadline?
The deadline for submitting an application form is midnight, 30 June 2024
Find out more/how to apply
Guidance notes, as well as an online application form, can be found on the University’s website .
Applications can be submitted by email to vc@reading.ac.uk or, if this is not possible, please post it to:
University of Reading
Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Whiteknights House
Shinfield Road
Whiteknights
Reading
RG6 6UR
Applicants will only be considered if the application form is completed in full and submitted by the deadline.
Further support
For further support from RVA with preparing your application or the policies and procedures required for this funding, contact Herjeet Randhawa at herjeet.randhawa@rva.org.uk