Millfield House Foundation is a small charitable foundation funding policy work to address the root causes of poverty and inequity 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 the Outstanding Contribution to Social Change award to celebrate the important work charities across the North East undertake 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 inequity, we need charities to continue this vital role and we look forward to hearing about the work of this year’s nominees.