The Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland today launched the new Charity Achievement Awards as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations.
The launch took place in the MAC at a special event organised to recognise 30 years of Corporate Philanthropy in Northern Ireland by the Foundation.
The Belfast event –‘Celebrating the Past, Understanding the Future: 30 years of Foundation Philanthropy’ - explored the challenges and needs across five sectorial groups, to inform the Foundation’s on-going programme of grant-making in Northern Ireland.
It is one of the key events of Philanthropy Fortnight, Northern Ireland’s biggest celebration of charitable giving, which runs from April 20 - May 1. Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland brought together six organisations from five specialist areas – Community Arts, Mental Health, Women’s Groups, Sports and Early Years.
Executive Director Sandara Kelso-Robb, speaking to representatives of 30 voluntary sector organisations, said the awards were a chance to celebrate 30 years of vital work helping the lives of deprived communities.
She said: “These UK-wide awards recognise the work of outstanding small and medium-sized charities, which have benefitted from grants from the Lloyds Bank Foundations of Northern Ireland, England, Wales and the Channel Islands. Since the launch in 1985 the foundations have distributed over £575m to charities in communities across the UK helping to tackle disadvantage.”
Ms Kelso-Robb said a total prize fund of £86,000 will be awarded as unrestricted grants of between £1000 - £2000 to outstanding charities funded by the Foundations from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, judged against six categories.
She added: “Prizes will be awarded at a regional level and will provide an opportunity for charities to showcase how they are on the frontline of tackling disadvantage and bettering lives in their communities. Finalists will then go forward to a UK wide final round, and will be invited to attend a prestigious awards ceremony at Banking Hall, the historic London Headquarters of Lloyds Bank.”
Charities eligible to apply must have a turnover under £1m and be in receipt of an active grant from the Lloyds Bank Foundations for England and Wales, Northern Ireland or the Channel Islands on the dates outlined in the eligibility guidelines.
Charities will nominate themselves within their region marking achievement against the following categories:
Outstanding Impact
Against The Odds
Valuing Volunteers
Championing Change
Unsung Hero
Enterprising Collaboration
An overall prize will also be given for the ‘Foundations Charity of the Year’ award which will be selected from all applicants (charities cannot specifically apply for this award).
The awards are now open for entry and the online form can be accessed here. The deadline for applications is midnight on 1st June.
Further information can be found on the Lloyds Bank Foundation website or by contacting: achievementawards@lloydsbankfoundation.org.uk
