National Charity Today Awards™
Award Categories

Recognising Excellence Across the UK Charity Sector

These prestigious award categories define excellence, spotlighting the groundbreaking achievements and profound contributions that elevate the UK charity sector.

UK Charity of the Year
This award celebrates a UK-based charity that has demonstrated exceptional impact, innovation, and sustainability in its operations. It honours organisations that have made a transformative and measurable difference in their sector over the past year. UK Charity of the Year is open only to registered charities.

Eligibility Criteria:

Clear evidence of impact within their community or focus area. Innovative approaches to addressing challenges. Strong financial stewardship and sustainability. Successful engagement with stakeholders, including beneficiaries and donors. Collaboration with other organisations or individuals.

SPONSORED BY

James E. Smith Special Recognition Award
This prestigious award is named in honour of Private James E. Smith, a respected veteran of the British Army who served bravely in the Burma Campaign during World War II. Private Smith was the grandfather of the National Charity Today Awards™ founder and a symbol of resilience and dedication. This award recognises individuals or organisations who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment, courage, or impact in their charitable efforts, going above and beyond to create meaningful change.

Eligibility Criteria:

Acts of exceptional bravery, determination, or leadership. Long-term commitment to a cause or community. Significant positive impact on the lives of others. Inspiring and unique stories of overcoming challenges or achieving results.

People's Choice Award
Voted for by the public, this award celebrates a charity, fundraiser, or volunteer whose work has captured the hearts of communities across the UK, earning exceptional support and recognition.

Eligibility Criteria:

Public voting results through campaigns or polls. Evidence of widespread community engagement. Impactful storytelling and campaign outreach. Positive feedback from supporters or beneficiaries.

UK Fundraiser of the Year
This award honours an individual who has demonstrated exceptional creativity, perseverance, and success in raising funds for charitable causes.

Eligibility Criteria:

Total funds raised and the methods used. Creativity and originality in fundraising campaigns. Ability to engage and inspire others to contribute. Measurable impact of the funds raised on the charity or cause.

SPONSORED BY

UK Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises an outstanding volunteer who has gone above and beyond to contribute their time, skills, and dedication to a charity or community.

Eligibility Criteria:

Significant time or effort contributed as a volunteer. Positive impact on beneficiaries or organisations. Leadership and teamwork in their role. Feedback from charities, colleagues, or beneficiaries.

Community Impact Award
This award highlights initiatives or organisations that have delivered meaningful improvements to the lives of people within their local community.

Eligibility Criteria:

Tangible benefits to the community. Inclusive approaches to addressing local needs. Collaboration with other organisations or individuals. Sustainability and long-term impact.

UK Hospice of the Year Award
This award honours an outstanding hospice that has demonstrated exceptional compassion, innovation, and excellence in end-of-life care. It recognises organisations that provide holistic, person-centred support for patients and their families, going above and beyond in the most sensitive of circumstances. UK Hospice of the Year Award is open only to hospices.

Eligibility Criteria:

Evidence of outstanding palliative and end-of-life care services. Innovative practices or programmes improving patient and family experiences. Strong community engagement and volunteer involvement. Effective integration with local health and care services. Compassionate leadership and commitment to dignity in care.

Mental Health Impact Award
This award recognises efforts by organisations or individuals who have significantly improved mental health awareness, services, or support systems in the UK.

Eligibility Criteria:

Innovative approaches to mental health challenges. Evidence of reduced stigma or increased access to support. Measurable outcomes and testimonials from beneficiaries. Collaboration with professionals, charities, or communities.

Disability Impact Award
This award celebrates organisations or projects that have empowered individuals with disabilities, promoting accessibility, independence, and inclusivity.

Eligibility Criteria:

Improved accessibility or opportunities for people with disabilities. Creative solutions to challenges faced by disabled individuals. Measurable outcomes and beneficiary feedback. Advocacy or awareness-raising efforts.

Animal Welfare Award
This award honours organisations or individuals who have made a significant positive impact on the lives of animals through rescue, rehabilitation, advocacy, or education.

Eligibility Criteria:

Evidence of improved animal welfare outcomes. Innovative approaches to animal protection or care. Community education and awareness-raising efforts. Collaboration with veterinary professionals or other organisations.

Technology for Good Award
This award celebrates the innovative use of technology to drive positive social change, improve accessibility, or enhance the impact of charitable work.

Eligibility Criteria:

Creativity in applying technology for charitable initiatives. Evidence of enhanced service delivery or accessibility. Measurable outcomes achieved through technology. Scalability and sustainability of the solution.

SPONSORED BY

Partnership of the Year
This award recognises exceptional collaboration between charities, businesses, or other organisations, highlighting partnerships that have delivered significant and lasting results.

Eligibility Criteria:

Evidence of shared goals and mutual benefit. Measurable outcomes achieved through the partnership. Strong communication and teamwork. Sustainability or potential for future success.

PR Team of the Year
This award recognises either in-house charity PR teams or commercial PR agencies that have successfully amplified the voice of a charity or charities, contributing to exceptional results in awareness, engagement, or fundraising.

Eligibility Criteria:

Creativity and effectiveness of PR campaigns. Evidence of increased reach, engagement, or impact. Feedback from the supported charity or organisation.

Ready to Submit a Nomination?

Recognise the outstanding work happening across the UK charity sector. Your nomination could help celebrate those making a real difference.