Awards and Competitions

This is not a comprehensive list - it contains schemes we've come across or have been asked to publicise. Some involve cash awards, many don't. Some of the non-cash awards and prizes are valuable resources in themselves, or have value because of the publicity, prestige or credibility they bestow - helping your work appear attractive to other funders and investors. We aim to include only those Awards and Competition prizes which have some 'real' value for the recipients.

There are a lot of awards for Arts and individual artists. Other websites produce lists of these awards and links to these are listed separately at the bottom of this page

• Awards for Bridging Cultures
  - UK. Awards of £10,000 and £5,000 for voluntary and community groups running local schemes and projects which promote intercultural dialogue and understanding. Also for public and private sector organisations for initiating and supporting such schemes. The deadline for applications is 14 September 2009.
• Awards for Excellence in recycling and Waste Management 2009
  - UK. The awards showcase innovation, dedication and success in recycling and sustainable waste management. Local authorities, companies, the community sector and individuals can apply. There are various categories, including The Best Community Recycling Initiative. The deadline for entries is Wednesday 2nd September 2009.
• Biffaward
  - UK but within 10 mile radius of a landfill site. A Landfill Communities Fund scheme. Main grants £5,000 – £50,000 and small grants £250 - £5,000 for projects that provide and improve community facilities, and projects that conserve wildlife species and habitats. No deadlines.
• Calor Village of the Year
  - UK with separate categories for England, N. Ireland, Scotland and Wales In England villages must first take part in their county competition and/or be nominated. Deadlines, categories and cash awards are different in each country.
• Compact Awards 2009
  - England. The awards demonstrate the Compact in action, recognising and celebrating the excellent partnership working between government and the voluntary and community sector on a local and national level.
• GlaxoSmithKline Impact Awards
  - UK. To recognise and reward charities doing excellent work to improve people’s health. Open to registered charities that are at least three years old, working in a health-related field, with a total annual income between £10,000 and £1 million. Up to 20 awards ranging from £3,000 to £35,000. You do not need to present a new project - awards are to recognise success and achievements for existing work. You decide how to spend the money. Organisations that win or are highly commended will also be offered free training valued at £3,500.
• Guardian Charity Awards 2009
  - UK. To showcase best practice among small and medium-sized charities and help them win the profile and funding they need to move forward. Not open to the big players. Aimed at charities delivering practical solutions to present-day problems - improving social wellbeing in its broadest sense. Winners receive £1,000 cash prize and various non cash prizes. Closing date is 31 July 2009.
• National Payroll Giving Excellence Awards 2009
  - UK. Awards are open to any employer with a current Payroll Giving Quality Mark Award to celebrate the efforts of employers, charities and professional partnerships in promoting Payroll Giving in the work place. One of the categories is Best Third Sector employer. Closing date is 10 July 2009.
• O2 Its Your Community Award
  - UK. Awards from £100 to £1000 for projects that bring people together and benefit your community.
• Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
  - UK. Recognises outstanding commitment and contribution to local communities by groups of volunteers (two or more people). No deadlines - nominations are considered at any point within three years of being submitted.
• TalkTalk Innovation in the Community Awards 2008
  - For UK based not-for-profit organisations or community groups. 30 winners will receive cash grants of £2,000 each to fund technology related projects, as well as technology equipment to help them make the most of the Internet. Winners may be required to participate in publicity arranged by or on behalf of the organisers. Deadline is 20 September 2009.
• UnLtd's Millennium Awards
  - UK. Practical and financial support to social entrepreneurs in the UK. two levels of award: Level 1: Awards of between £500 and £5,000 (expected average of £2,000) Level 2: Awards of between £10,000 and £20,000 (expected average of £15,000). 10 cycles of Awards each year.
• WRG Communities Challenge
  - Funding is available for projects which comply with Object D of the Landfill Communities Fund (previously known as the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme).Organisations and groups are invited to bid for funding of between £75,000 and £250,000 for capital projects which will make a real difference to their community.

Arts and Artists

• Artquest
  - Free information and advice for London's visual artists and craftspeople. The site includes information on a range of awards, grants and funding opportunities which those outside London will also find of interest.
• Arts & Business Scotland 2009 Awards
  - SCOTLAND. The Arts & Business Scotland Awards celebrate creativity and excellence in partnerships between Business and the Arts. No cash but public recognition. Partnerships can be nominated in six categories and there are two further categories for individuals: Deadline 6 May 2009.
• Book Trust
  - Literature. Booktrust administers a number of book prizes and awards that celebrate the best books for readers of all ages.
• British Arts
  - Visual arts. A calendar of current competitions for the visual arts is maintained on this site.
• Crafts Council
  - Crafts. A searchable directory of current awards and competitions for crafts.
• Literature Training
  - Literature. The funding section of this site contains information on various awards for professional development.
• Musicians Benevolent Fund
  - Music. Awards, Scholarships and Competitions for Young Musicians.
• Poetry Library
  - Literature. A list of current poetry competitions is available on this site.
• Scottish Book Trust
  - Literature. Makes awards for readings, workshops and residencies as well as new and imaginative ways of working with writers. Also runs the Royal Mail Awards for Scottish children’s books annually.
• Society of Authors
  - Literature. The Society of Authors administers numerous prizes, funds and grants.