Q: Who can enter the National Charity Today Awards™?

The National Charity Today Awards™ are open to a wide and inclusive range of organisations and individuals working across the charity and social impact sector. Entries are welcome from: Charities of all sizes Businesses and corporate organisations Community Interest Companies (CICs) Voluntary groups, societies and associations Public sector and government organisations Individuals , including charity professionals, volunteers, fundraisers and community leaders Entrants do not need to be a registered charity unless this is a specific requirement of the category being entered. Some categories do have defined eligibility requirements. For example: UK Charity of the Year is open only to registered charities UK Hospice of the Year Award is open only to hospices All category-specific eligibility criteria are clearly outlined within each award description. Entrants are encouraged to review the criteria carefully before submitting a nomination.

Q: Are the National Charity Today Awards™ open to charities operating overseas?

Yes. The National Charity Today Awards™ are open to UK registered charities , including those that operate internationally . If your organisation is registered with the UK Charity Commission , you are eligible to enter, regardless of whether your day to day charitable work takes place in the UK or overseas. Many UK charities carry out vital work internationally, and the Awards exist to recognise impact, leadership, and excellence wherever that work is delivered.

Question 1

Who can enter the National Charity Today Awards™?

Accepted Answer

The National Charity Today Awards™ are open to a wide and inclusive range of organisations and individuals working across the charity and social impact sector.

Entries are welcome from:

Charities of all sizes
Businesses and corporate organisations
Community Interest Companies (CICs)
Voluntary groups, societies and associations
Public sector and government organisations
Individuals, including charity professionals, volunteers, fundraisers and community leaders

Entrants do not need to be a registered charity unless this is a specific requirement of the category being entered.

Some categories do have defined eligibility requirements. For example:

UK Charity of the Year is open only to registered charities
UK Hospice of the Year Award is open only to hospices

All category-specific eligibility criteria are clearly outlined within each award description. Entrants are encouraged to review the criteria carefully before submitting a nomination.

Question 2

Are the National Charity Today Awards™ open to charities operating overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The National Charity Today Awards™ are open to UK registered charities, including those that operate internationally.

If your organisation is registered with the UK Charity Commission, you are eligible to enter, regardless of whether your day to day charitable work takes place in the UK or overseas.

Many UK charities carry out vital work internationally, and the Awards exist to recognise impact, leadership, and excellence wherever that work is delivered.

Question 3

When do nominations close?

Accepted Answer

Nominations remain open until category finalist places are filled. We will update this on our news pages once they are filled up or closed.

Question 4

Can I nominate for multiple categories?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You may nominate for up to two categories per nomination, provided the submission clearly meets the criteria for each category selected.

Question 5

What makes a strong nomination?

Accepted Answer

A strong nomination is clear, evidence based and easy for judges to understand. It should explain exactly what impact has been achieved, who has benefited and why the work matters. Specific outcomes, measurable results and real examples help judges clearly see the difference the work has made.  Supporting evidence is essential. Strong nominations back up their claims with facts, figures, testimonials, links, media coverage or other verifiable information. Well written submissions that are focused, complete and directly address the category criteria are always stronger than long or unfocused entries.  Judges also look for innovation or originality, whether in approach, delivery or results, as well as consistency across the nomination. Where images or video are included, they should be relevant and help illustrate impact rather than simply decorate the entry. Above all, the strongest nominations clearly align with the category they are entered into and present a coherent, credible story of excellence and impact.

Question 6

Are UK-wide charities eligible?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The National Charity Today Awards are open to all registered charities operating in the United Kingdom, including charities registered in England & Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Charities of all sizes, from small community organisations to large national charities, are eligible.

Question 7

Can newly established charities apply?

Accepted Answer

Yes, newer charities can apply for most categories. However, charities should typically have been operational for at least 12 months to demonstrate impact and sustainability. Some categories may have specific requirements - check the individual category criteria for details.

Question 8

How does the judging process work?

Accepted Answer

Please visit 'The Nomination Journey' page.

Question 9

When will I hear if my nomination is shortlisted?

Accepted Answer

You will usually be notified within 7 to 14 days if your nomination is shortlisted. This allows time for the quality threshold checks and the initial judges’ review to be completed. For a more comprehensive overview of each stage and the full timeline, please see the Your Nomination Journey: Step by Step page.

Question 10

When and where is the awards ceremony?

Accepted Answer

The National Charity Today Awards™ Gala Lunch will take place on 14 October 2026 at Holiday Inn Peterborough West, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough.  Full event details, timings and joining information will be shared with finalists closer to the event.

Question 11

How much do ceremony tickets cost?

Accepted Answer

Ticket prices vary depending on the package. You can view the latest table prices here:

https://nationalcharitytodayawards.co.uk/purchasetable or simply click the ‘Book A Table’ button on the website.

Question 12

Is there a fee to submit a nomination?

Accepted Answer

There is no entry fee for the National Charity Today Awards. However, a non-refundable £75 Finalist Participation Commitment is required before nominations progress to judging. This is not a charge for submitting your nomination — it reflects a commitment to attend the awards ceremony if selected as a finalist. If your organisation is shortlisted, the full £75 is credited against your table booking.

Question 13

Can I update my nomination after submission?

Accepted Answer

Once submitted, nominations generally cannot be edited. However, if you notice a significant error or need to provide urgent additional information, please contact us immediately at awards@charitytoday.co.uk and we'll advise whether changes can be accommodated based on the judging timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions