Entries are being sought for eight categories, with the ceremony taking place this summer in Edinburgh
The biggest night of the year for Scottish charities is set to return – with the search on to find the most inspiring organisations and individuals in the country.
Nominations are being sought for the Scottish Charity Awards 2018, which will take place at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday, 14 June.
Award organisers the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) launched the search for the most innovative and inspiring charities of 2018 this week. It is seeking entries for a range of categories to help ensure more charities can benefit from the recognition of becoming a finalist or winner.
Last year saw charities rewarded for the work that they do in supporting the vulnerable in Scotland, and this year’s ceremony will see a host of organisations celebrated.
Street Soccer Scotland was named charity of the year at last year’s awards, and was recognised for the work it does every day of the year in providing free football drop-in sessions for some of Scotland’s most socially excluded people.
Since winning the award, the charity has gone from strength-to-strength and received further acclaim, with founder David Duke receiving an MBE in this year’s New Year Honours.
Picking up the People’s Choice Award was MND Scotland’s Gordon’s Fightback campaign – which was set up by Gordon Aikman, who died of Motor Neurone Disease in February 2017 after a three-year battle with the condition.
Speaking at the ceremony, Joe Pike, Gordon’s husband, said: “I would love to have seen the expression on Gordon's face as he was announced as the winner of this award. I would have loved to have heard the speech – the powerful speech – he would have given. But Gordon is gone – MND kills, and it kills fast. Yet this award is a wonderful tribute to his incredible campaigning, and we will continue with Gordon's Fightback until a cure for MND is found.”
There are eight award categories – Charity of the Year, Charity Champion, Demonstrating Digital, Pioneering Project, Terrific Trustee, Leading Light, Celebrating Communities and Cracking Campaign – with the closing date for applications being 29 March. All finalists will then be entered into the running for the People’s Choice Award (sponsored by Charities Aid Foundation), which gives the public the chance to vote for their favourite charity.
SCVO acting chief executive Lucy McTernan said that she is already looking forward to the awards.
She said: “The Scottish Charity Awards features some of the most inspiring organisations and individuals in the country. Last year, the winners were selected for their work in ensuring more people in Scotland receive the support they need and also for raising awareness of key issues.
“It is my favourite work night of the year and never fails to remind me why we do what we do.
“I have no doubt there are huge numbers of organisations who are carrying out vital work across the sector and would urge them to take the time to apply to give their charity and everyone involved the recognition they deserve.”
