We’re thrilled to announce that Reading Community Learning Centre (RCLC) has been awarded a £25,000 grant from the Postcode Society Trust, a grant-giving trust funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This funding will help cover core running costs for 2025/2026, ensuring our Centre remains a safe, welcoming place for local ethnically diverse migrant, refugee and asylum-seeking women to learn and grow.

Why This Matters Now More Than Ever

In the current climate, grants for core costs are increasingly rare. Nationally, NCVO’s 2024 State of the Sector report notes a 20% drop in available core funding opportunities, with small charities in particular citing “keeping the lights on” as their biggest challenge. Locally, Berkshire Community Foundation reports that over 70% of grassroots charities in Reading are struggling to secure unrestricted funding—threatening the very infrastructure that allows us to serve vulnerable communities.

This generous support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery comes at a critical time. As competition for funding rises, and more funders restrict grants to project-specific costs, this core funding ensures we can continue providing the wraparound support that makes our programmes effective and sustainable.

The Difference This Will Make

RCLC supports over 500 women each year—all of whom are refugees, asylum seekers or marginalised ethnic minority women with little or no English. Thanks to this funding:

• We can continue leading our dedicated team and overseeing safeguarding, partnerships, and programme delivery.
• We can keep our doors open by covering rent for our accessible building in a central Reading women only centre providing a clean, dignified and safe space —critical for women and their children in the creche who rely on public transport and walking routes.

As one learner shared:

“Coming to the Centre changed my life. I learned English, made friends, and finally feel part of the community.”

Thank You to the #PostcodeLotteryPeople

This impact is made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and awarded by Postcode Society Trust. We are deeply grateful to every player whose contribution helps small charities like ours continue to serve, support and empower local communities.