What we’ve Funded
Here we highlight some of the projects we funded in 2025 including those supported through our Building for the Future Capital Grants Programme.
To see a full list of all the organisations supported in 2025 click here.
Crescent Under Fives Pre-School
£3,000
Crescent Under Fives Pre-School applied for a grant to replace the wigwams and canopies of their two parasols in the outdoor play area. Both were very old and not functioning correctly making them dangerous to use. Our grant paid for the existing masts and booms to be serviced and new canopies installed. With both parasols now back in working order the outdoor area is more accessible and safer to use.
Thanks to the new parasols the children (and the staff) can enjoy the play area in safety and comfort. They can spend more time outdoors doing a range of activities from picnics at snack time to story time and even arts and crafts. Being able to safely use the garden is an important part of the curriculum that includes sustainability, gardening and outdoor activities such as water play, bird watching, bug and insect recognition, sport days, and more.
Barbados and Friends Association (Reading)
£2,888
Over the years Barbados and Friends Association (Reading) has delivered many educational Black History projects. Their latest project highlights the contribution of African-Caribbeans who volunteered to serve in the Royal Air Force during the two world wars.
Our funding was used to research, develop and create a variety of resources including pull-up banners, information tiles and learning/object boxes that will be available for community groups and schools to loan, as well as being used for displays at suitable events. These resources will serve to inform and educate the greater Reading community of the contribution made by volunteers from the Afro-Caribbean community to the war efforts.
As well as displays at local venues, there will be an online version of the exhibition making the information available for a world-wide audience to view.
Ridgeline Trust Therapeutic Garden
£734
Ridgeline Trust helps people improve their mental and physical health through therapeutic horticulture at their beautiful garden in Reading.
Our grant of £734 contributed towards a programme of free sessions for a group of individuals to recover and develop their skills, boost their confidence and self-esteem, and enjoy time with others. As well as horticultural tasks such as propagation, bulb planting and harvesting, sessions included creative activities and opportunities to chat and build friendships.
My Cancer My Choices
My Cancer My Choices supports people living with cancer in Berkshire. They offer complementary therapies such as acupuncture, massage, reflexology, aromatherapy, Reiki, art therapy and relaxation techniques, as well as yoga, Tai Chi, and mindfulness. Their aim is to help people manage the physical and emotional effects of cancer, improve wellbeing and feel more in control during treatment and beyond.
Trustees were delighted to award a grant of £550 for essential training for volunteers, specifically a first aid course for 10 volunteer therapists and diversity training for all 81 of their volunteers.
£550
This funding has enabled the charity to enhance volunteer skills, safety, and inclusivity. Their Trusts and Grants Officer said: “We are most grateful for the support of The Earley Charity - without funding from organisations such as yourselves, we would not be able to provide the care and expertise we give to people living with cancer during one of the most challenging times. Thank you for supporting us in continuing with our mission.” She added: “The funding has allowed us to pay for training to provide our volunteers with the necessary skills to fulfil their duties to the absolute highest standard, and for that we are truly grateful.”
Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre
Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre has a strong commitment to work with all members of the community endeavouring to create greater cohesion and interaction. They run regular community events and are keen to invite all from the community to attend.
Our grant enabled them to buy display banners, stands and posters to use at local events, for school visits and small exhibitions at the centre to promote a better understanding of different faiths within the community.
Reading Museum
£7,964
£94,000
Trustees are thrilled to be contributing to Reading Museum’s ‘Roman Britain – Reimaged in Reading’ project to connect a wider range of people to Reading’s Roman heritage by reinterpreting the Museum’s nationally important Roman archaeological collections through exciting new gallery displays, learning resources and participatory activities that explore the cultural diversity of Roman Britain. Our grant of £94,000 (10% of the total project cost ) provided a significant contribution to the match-funding required to facilitate an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the majority of the project costs.
Reading Museum has displayed the nationally significant Silchester Collection from Calleva, the regional Roman capital at Silchester, since 1981. Last redeveloped in the mid-nineteen-nineties, the Silchester Gallery has reached the end of its life with deteriorating display cases and lighting presenting barriers to the access and enjoyment of visitors.
The 'Roman Britain - Reimagined in Reading' project will solve these problems by creating a new accessible museum gallery, learning resources and participatory activities that explore the cultural diversity of Roman Britain and tell the story of Reading’s Roman heritage.
Once complete, the new gallery will provide a more accessible, safe and enjoyable environment for all visitors but especially those with disabilities and special needs. In addition, a range of activities, events and roles will be devised to engage a wide range of people. Matthew Williams, the Museum Manager said: “The Earley Charity’s support is playing a vital role in helping Reading Museum create a welcoming new gallery and activity programme, bringing Reading’s Roman heritage to life for local people. We are delighted to have them as a key partner in this exciting project.”
Building for the Future Capital Grants
Following the success of previous capital grant programmes, the trustees have launched Building for the Future, an occasional programme providing capital grants to support new builds, extensions and large scale refurbishment projects that strengthen and develop local voluntary sector infrastructure, and support capacity building.
Trustees are delighted to be supporting six projects through the 2025 programme. The following organisations received a grant to part or fully fund their capital projects to develop, extend or enhance the services they provide.
No5 Young People
£47,000
Towards the development of Reading Young People’s Hub. In response to increased demand and a decline in young people’s mental health and wellbeing, the Hub, once fully developed, will deliver mental health, wellbeing and support services for young people aged 11 to 15. It will be a place where young people can feel seen, heard, understood and cared for and where they can connect with other young people and trusted adults.
RISC
£39,370
To fund the refurbishment of the outside of RISC’s Grade 2 listed building in London Street. Work to repaint all exterior woodwork and various repairs to the roof and gutters will ensure the Centre can continue to offer good quality town centre facilities to groups at a price they can afford.
The Museum of English Rural Life
£35,000
Towards a garden studio providing much needed shelter for outdoor learning activities. The garden provides a place for a diverse range of local groups and communities to enjoy nature and participate in green health programmes.
Building for the Future
£47,000
To fund the construction and internal fit out of two changing places toilets for severely disabled people at their new premises on Thames Valley Park. The new premises, The Treehouse, provide a unique centre for disabled children and young adults, offering opportunities for play, recreation, socialisation and employment.
Readipop
£40,000
Contribution towards a major project to extend and develop the Readipop Studios into a vibrant, fully accessible and environmentally-sustainable, collaborative creative hub for Reading's young people, community, musicians, digital artists and producers.
Dingley’s Promise
£30,000
Towards the refurbishment of Dingley’s Reading Centre to transform it into a safe, stimulating, and welcoming sensory learning space for under 5s with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. The refurbished centre will create an accessible, engaging environment where families will feel welcomed, supported and confident in their child’s care.
Close Partners
We provide regular grant funding to a small number of organisations in support of projects closely aligned with our priorities. These close partners are:
Organisations Supported in 2025
We supported the following organisations in 2025
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52nd Reading Scout Group - "Rockhoppers"
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9th Reading Guides
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Aisha Masjid & Islamic Centre
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Aspire2
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Autism at Kingwood
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Barbados and Friends Association (Reading)
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Berkshire Women's Aid (BWA)
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Building for the Future
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Crescent Under Fives Pre-School
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Dingley's Promise
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Earley CResCent Community Association
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Graft Thames Valley Ltd
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Jelly
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Jo Anderson Consultancy/University of Reading
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My Cancer My Choices
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Nature-Nurture CIC
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No5 Young People
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Parenthesis
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Reading Haydn Choir
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Reading International Solidarity Centre (RISC)
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Reading Macular Support Group
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Reading Male Voice Choir
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Reading Museum
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Reading Rep Theatre
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Reading Samaritans
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Reading Voluntary Action (RVA)
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Readipop
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Ridgeline Trust Therapeutic Garden
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Rockets Sport and Educational Foundation
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Step by Step Partnership Ltd
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The Cowshed
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The Museum of English Rural Life (MERL)
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The Royal County of Berkshire Army Cadet Force
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University of Reading – Internship Scheme
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University of Reading Dept of Film, Theatre & Television
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Weller Centre