Millfield House Foundation is a small charitable foundation funding policy work to reducing poverty and inequality in the North East. Through support for our Strategic Partners, the Foundation promotes policy change by funding work that informs discussion and influences public policy. We focus on the underlying causes of poverty and inequality, and take a relational approach to grant-making. The Foundation supports this award to celebrate the important work of charities across the North East to amplify the voices of the people they work with and campaign for change. Charities and other civil society organisations have always played an important role in bringing about social and policy change. At a time when too many in the North East still face daily challenges as a direct result of poverty and inequality, we need charities to continue this vital role and we look forward to hearing about the work of nominees.