“My time at the University of Reading had a big impact on my career and shaped who I am today. I am giving to say thank you – and to help open doors for the next generation, just like others once did for me.”
On Tuesday 29 April, the University of Reading launched its very first Giving Day – a special 36-hour online event, dedicated to supporting our students, programmes and community. We’re pleased to share that this was a huge success, raising over £36,000 for four great causes. Of the 173 donors who supported Giving Day, an amazing 100 of these donations came from alumni.
Giving has been at the heart of our University community for almost 100 years – with alumni and supporters helping shape and influence how we have grown into the world-leading institution we are today. The ongoing kindness of our community enables the University to continue to offer exceptional opportunities for our students, lead groundbreaking research and support our local community.
Vice-Chancellor, Professor Robert Van de Noort, expressed his heartfelt thanks:
“I have been blown away by the response to our Giving Day, it’s been wonderful to see our community come together.”
Thank you to everyone who supported Giving Day, whether that was by donating or spreading the word.
36 hours to make a difference
The 36-hour fundraising effort attracted donations from 173 donors in 21 countries to support four causes:
- The Centre for Autism Wellbeing Hub
- Entrepreneurship at the Henley Business School
- Scholarships
- Where the Need is Greatest
Here’s what some of our alumni donors had to say about why they supported Giving Day:
“Giving back on Giving Day is my way of showing gratitude and helping future students access the same incredible opportunities I had. It is also an investment in the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and innovators. Proud to support!”
“A humble gift to the University that has given so much and prepared so well for tackling life at all levels. My time at Reading was invaluable, and I hope this humble contribution will help in someway the future generations of students achieve their dreams.”
“Many of us owe a lot to our university – friends, loved ones, business networks and more. Reading did so much for me, so this is a small token of gratitude.”
Daisy Aylward, Fundraising Officer, said: “It was amazing to see the University of Reading’s community come together and support our first Giving Day. We received donations from across the globe, from alumni, students, past and current staff, parents, and members of the local community. We are so grateful to everyone who played a part in making Giving Day a success.
“Of the total, £16,000 was added after we successfully completed fundraising challenges, with match funding made possible thanks to a legacy gift from Reading alumnus David Malcolm Smith. An extra £1,000 will also follow thanks to those who were eligible to Gift Aid their donations.”
Daisy shared that Giving Day was also a success in helping to raise awareness. She said: “It enabled us to reach old and new donors across the world with our message about the University, our community and what Reading is all about.
“Our Giving Day video reached over 1.2m people on social media, and our posts were shared by many students, alumni, staff and supporters throughout the 36-hour period.”
Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraising effort. Find out more about Giving Day 2025.
We welcome your feedback and thoughts on our first ever Giving Day. Email giving@reading.ac.uk to share your views.
