Awards

This award recognises the best relationship between a charity and a business that in any way provides benefit to the charity.

In partnership with a major financial organisation, this national campaign aimed to raise £1m, at the same time raising awareness of its cause with tens of thousands of employees and customers.

Supporting sufferers from this particular illness struck a real chord with the corporate partner’s staff. In fact, this has been the most successful partnership ever for this well-known Group. It’s been so successful that employees and customers alike continue to give long-term financial support. Staff worked enthusiastically on volunteer fundraising events, often linked directly with local community projects. Meanwhile, the partnership also raised the corporate partner’s group Corporate Social Responsibility profile.

At the start of the partnership, an initial target of £1m seemed a highly significant – and ambitious – contribution to the charity’s annual income of £12.8m. But by the end of the year, the response had been so overwhelming that the campaign actually raised £2.1m.

In this category, for the first time ever, the judges have decided to award both a commendation and an out-and-out winner.

The Herts 10K Challenge - Grove House and Levy Associates

The commendation goes to a special kind of partnership. This caring charity runs a local sports event, which this year attracted more than 2,000 participants and record numbers of spectators. Annual financial support from a UK-wide recruitment company has enabled the charity to develop its fixture into a cherished local occasion, matching sporting achievement with a festive atmosphere. It’s fun, it raises money for a good cause and it raises the profile of both business and charity.

This regular income stream has given the charity the confidence to reach out and extend its services. To date, the event has raised £104,753 with £21,655 in Gift Aid. These are funds which give support and help to those in great need.

In this category, for the first time ever, the judges have decided to award both a commendation and an out-and-out winner.