Applications for Annual Fund are now open

Wednesday, 30 March 2011

RU:ON, RUSU's student TV channel, recently received funding to help them purchase new equipment

Members of the University community can now apply for Annual Fund grants to support student-focussed projects on campus.

Run by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the aim of the Annual Fund is to make an immediate impact on the lives of the current and future generations of Reading students, through funding projects that help to make Reading an even better place to live and study. Specifically, the Fund is designed to support three key areas of the student experience: Student Support, Innovative Teaching and Learning, and Extra-Curricular Activities.

So far this year generous alumni, staff and friends have pledged £420,000 to support the work of the Annual Fund. If you have a great idea for an initiative that will enhance the student experience, but are unable to secure the funding necessary to support the project, then applying for an Annual Fund grant could be the answer. 

One project that has been a great success in the last academic year is the model of ‘Virtual Rome' in Classics. An Annual Fund grant has supported the ongoing work of Dr Matthew Nicholls from the Department of Classics, who has been able to purchase high-tech equipment to continue the development of his digital model. ‘Virtual Rome' has brought ancient Rome to life, enabling vivid and interactive classroom presentations of the ancient city. This ground breaking work is capturing not only the minds of our students, but attracting global interest too. 

Meanwhile in Reading University Students' Union (RUSU), generous Annual Fund donations have funded equipment to expand the potential of the already successful student TV channel, RU:ON. The equipment has helped members to develop their skills in camera work, editing, presenting and producing, and enabled students to view live TV for special events such as the student officer elections.

Since the Annual Fund was established in 2004, over 5,000 alumni, staff and friends have pledged £2.6million to support the work of the Annual Fund. These donations make a significant difference to the lives of Reading students, enabling us to create opportunities that would otherwise not be possible.

If you are interested in applying for an Annual Fund grant, then please visit: http://www.rdg.ac.uk/alumni/support/annualfund/Disbursement/Disbursement.aspx

For further information contact Becki Mckinlay. Email: r.j.mckinlay@reading.ac.uk Tel: 0118 378 5238.

The deadline for applications is Monday 23 May 2011.

If you would like to make a donation through ‘Give As you Earn', please visit: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/humanresources/WorkingatReading/Pay/humres-Giveasyouearn.aspx to download and complete a form. (Use Charity Commission number x8145 and ‘University of Reading' as the charity name'.)