Community

We’re proud to support the people, groups and organisations making a real difference here in Reading. Whether you’re planning a community project or looking to partner with us, here’s how we’re working to support local impact.

If you’re a local community group, CIC or non-profit and would like to use the mall, unit or outdoor space for an event or activity, we’d love to hear from you.

We receive lots of requests and, while we can’t say yes to everyone, we prioritise activities that are:

• Connected to a clear community need
• More than just a static collection or sign-up
• Interactive, engaging and meaningful for visitors

Please note:
Due to existing commitments, we’re unable to accept any new space requests until January 2026.
We’re also unable to offer gift cards for raffles, prize draws or fundraising events.

Each year, we partner with local organisations through the Oracle Community Bursary Scheme – offering not just funding, but space, support and collaboration.

Each selected partner receives:

• A £5,000 bursary
• Opportunities to use space in the centre
• Help with awareness, events and fundraising
• Support from our team through volunteering and outreach

To be eligible for a charity bursary, applicants must be a registered charity with a charity registration number. Destination colleagues are committed to providing holistic support to our charity bursary partners above and beyond funding. We ask that bursary recipients:

‐ Have a regular presence at, whether this is through fundraising or awareness raising activities, work experience/employment/careers education opportunities for beneficiaries or collaborating on community events.

‐ Where possible, provide a minimum of one volunteering opportunity for Destination colleagues to provide practical support to the charity.

‐ Provide a report at the end of the bursary year with an overview of how the funding was spent, including outcomes and impacts.

‐ Support our annual volunteering day. Each year, Hammerson colleagues and partners celebrate Giving Back Day, when all employees volunteer in their communities. We encourage charity bursary partners to take an active role in supporting this initiative.

As a rule, we do not support charities with religious or political connections/affiliation unless they address a local need aligned to our strategy.

Charities wishing to apply for a bursary should complete the form below and return it by 13th of March. Charities will be notified of the outcome by 31st of March.

Please note due to the high volume of bursary applications received, unfortunately we cannot always provide specific feedback to unsuccessful charities.

Please email Paul Kirton on pkirton@theoracle.com for the application form.

Our current partners for 2025-2026 are:

Cianna’s Smile – raising awareness and providing support for children and families living with Sickle Cell

Rotary Club of Reading – supporting a range of local projects that promote health, education and community wellbeing

Together, we’re working to create a lasting impact in Reading – and we’re proud to stand behind the people and causes making it happen.