The Charity Awards, the longest-running awards ceremony in the sector, has opened for applications. 

Organised by Civil Society Media, the Charity Awards identifies organisations that have original and effective ideas, which the rest of the sector can learn from. 

The Awards also provides a perfect opportunity for charities to propel their work into the spotlight, to influence policymakers and funders, and to showcase the quality of their interventions. Any type of project or initiative from charities in the UK is welcome to enter.  

Ten individual awards are given for charities working in different sectors before an overall winner is chosen by the judges. On the presentation night in June, one individual is celebrated for their contribution to the charity sector.  

Entries will be judged by a panel of sector experts against the six Hallmarks of Excellence.  

Su Sayer, chair of the judges, encouraged charities to enter. 

She said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to highlight and celebrate some of the inspired work taking place in charities, both big and small.

“Sometimes it’s a very simple idea which can transform a bad day into a good day; sometimes it’s complex work that has slowly been making a huge impact over many years. Whatever your idea is, do please take the time to share it, because doing so means that we can help each other and, more importantly, do even more for our beneficiaries.” 

CCLA has become the Overall Partner for this year’s Awards. 

Peter Hugh Smith, CCLA chief executive, said: “CCLA is delighted to become the Overall Partner for the Charity Awards in 2022. 

“As we emerge ever so tentatively out of the pandemic, there has never been a more fitting time to recognise and honour the endeavours and achievements of charities across the country. 

“These awards celebrate all that is great about the sector – its impact, innovation, resilience, passion and determination – and CCLA is privileged to be able to extend its support for charities through this partnership with Civil Society Media.”

The deadline for entries is Monday 28 February. Winners will be announced at an event in June. For more information and to apply visit the Charity Awards website.