How to enter
Please read through the category descriptions below, select the category you wish to enter from the list, then click ENTER NOW. You'll need to register and set up your account the first time you do this.
Registering your account
When registering, you will receive an email which will have a click-through link and a validation code to validate your account. You will need to complete this step before you can start your nomination. If you do not receive the validation email please email dawn@hold-events.co.uk
Completing your entry
You can save draft entries and return to edit them as often as you wish before submitting. All you need to do is click on the YOUR ACCOUNT tab on the menu banner and this will take you through to your dashboard where you will find all your draft entries and submitted entries.
When you have finished writing your entry and you are ready to submit, you'll need to agree to the terms and conditions then click the COMPLETE button at the bottom of the page. If your entry is still in draft, you will need to click MOVE TO BASKET at the top of the entry before you can click the COMPLETE button.
If you forget your password, please use the reset password link on the login page.
Categories
CHARITY LEADER OF THE YEAR
We’re looking for an exceptional voluntary sector leader who has made an outstanding contribution to their organisation, or the wider sector. What has the person achieved and how has it benefited the charity? Do you know someone who heads up a local charity who has performed outstandingly over the past year?
The judges are looking for an individual who:
- may be an unsung hero, doing the right thing in difficult times, someone who is a campaigner and a voice for the sector
- could be bringing people together about a particular issue, delivering a project or running an organisation
- demonstrates inspiration in the pursuit of their objectives, galvanising action within their team and encouraging others by example
ASSOCIATE PARTNER'S & SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD
The winner(s) of this award will be chosen by the judging panel and will be presented to celebrate an individual or team for their outstanding commitment. Submissions are not invited for this special award.
CHARITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Do you know someone dedicated to supporting, raising funds and awareness of a charity or cause? We’d like to find those amazing volunteers and trustees who have shown the greatest commitment and achievement for their chosen charity, social enterprise, not-for-profit or campaigning group. This category is for an individual aged 21 and over.
Judges will be looking for:
• evidence of an exceptional contribution through volunteering
• information on particular obstacles or problems they may have overcome
• details on something particularly amazing the individual has done or achieved
• commitment and achievement, not just longevity of service
CORPORATE CHARITY PARTNERSHIP
We’re looking for exceptional North East companies who go above and beyond to help raise funds and support charities or community groups in our region. This could be by organising fundraising events or challenges with their employees, through company donations or matched giving, sponsorship and support of charity events, staff fundraising or volunteering programmes, payroll giving, or just general raising awareness.
For this category the judges will consider:
- Inspiration: The quality or originality of the project, event, campaign or partnership, including its relevance to the work of the charity.
- Development: How well the idea was assessed, planned and developed
- Execution: How effectively and efficiently it was carried out
- Effectiveness: How successful it was
- Evaluation: How success was measured; how well lessons were learnt, put into practice and shared with others
NORTH EAST CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Simply recognising the best of the best – our truly outstanding North East charities.
The judges will look for a complete overview of the charity, including:
- A description on the work of the charity and its importance in the North East
- The difference the charity makes to their beneficiaries
- How the charity is structured to best support their beneficiaries
- Innovative approaches to fundraising and delivering support
- Evidence of successful outcomes and measurements of impact
OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIAL CHANGE
Recognising the vital work North East charities, community groups and civil society organisations engage in, amplifying the voices of the people they represent and driving social change.
The judges of this new award will be looking for organisations and groups that have taken action to make change happen. Nominees might have:
- listened to their users experience and campaigned for a change in the law
- advocated for changes in public policy at a local or national level
- amplified the voices of local people to increase understanding of a social problem
- brought community members together to campaign to save an important community asset
Key to success will be the ambition of nominees to bring about wider change for people beyond their immediate user group.
OUTSTANDING SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
This award will celebrate the excellent work of a local social enterprise or the trading arm of a charity that delivers significant social impact by trading to achieve their social purpose. We’d like to hear all about their great work!
For this category, the judges will look for:
• The difference they have made to their beneficiaries, clients or community
• The measurable success they have had in trading
• A strong business model that enables them to meet or exceed their objectives
RISING STAR AWARD
(for charity employees)
Do you have a ‘person’ in your organisation who you just can’t be without? A person that is building their career in the sector that goes above and beyond to make things happen? We’d like to celebrate the amazing kindness of these people who have shown the greatest commitment and achievement and are already showing that they can lead from the front.
Judges would like to hear about how these young people are:
- Inspirational to others
- Our leaders of tomorrow
SMALL CHARITY OF THE YEAR
To recognise outstanding North East based charities with an income of £250,000 per annum or less.
For this category, the judges will look for:
- The difference the charity makes to their beneficiaries
- How the charity is structured to best support their beneficiaries
- Innovative approaches to fundraising and delivering support
TRUSTEE BOARD OF THE YEAR
We're looking to recognise an outstanding Trustee Board of the Year. The work done by trustees behind the scenes is incredible and now is the time to applaud them. These trustees are often volunteers and provide good governance which is essential in these difficult times.
The judges are looking for:
- Strong teamwork
- A proven track record
- Diverse skillset
UNIQUELY NORTH EAST
The North East region has a diverse mix of local charities that have their roots planted firmly in our great region. We’d like to recognise those ‘home-grown’ charities that are focused on supporting the local communities and local heritage, and that invest all funds raised back into the North East. This award is open to all charities whatever their size.
Qualities the judges will be looking for are:
• How they’ve made a real difference to life in the North East
• Evidence to back up how they’ve made an impact in the region
• How do they demonstrate their North East roots
YOUNG CHARITY CHAMPION OF THE YEAR
Do you know a young person who’s dedicated to supporting, raising funds and awareness of a charity or cause? We’d like to celebrate the amazing kindness of young people who have shown the greatest commitment and achievement for their chosen charity, social enterprise, not-for-profit or campaigning group. This category is for an individual of 21 years or under.
