There are thousands of organisations across the UK who work tirelessly to make a difference in our world. These people deserve to be celebrated, whether they’re working in social care, education, conservation, or something else. We’ve compiled a list of top charity awards in the UK that do just that – recognise and reward the remarkable efforts of individuals, organisations and initiatives dedicated to their work in the third sector.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK. Originally established in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, the award honours voluntary groups who make exceptional contributions in their communities. It’s considered equivalent in status to the MBE for individuals – a huge achievement for any organisation.
The award recognises work done by groups where volunteers, rather than paid staff, run the show. Winners have the highest standards in everything they do, making a tangible difference to their local community in areas such as social care, environmental conservation, arts, sports, and more.
At Laser Crystal, we are proud to work closely with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service to produce the crystal trophies awarded to the winners, and to create a limited edition commemorative souvenir, exclusively available to members of winning organisations.
The Charity Awards
The Charity Awards are one of the most prestigious top charity awards in the UK, dedicated to celebrating excellence in the charitable sector. Held annually, these awards honour organisations and individuals who have made significant contributions in the following areas:
- Animals and the Environment
- Arts, Culture and Heritage
- Campaigning and Advocacy
- Children and Youth
- Disability
- Education and Training
- Grantmaking and Funding
- Healthcare and Medical Research
- International Aid and Development
- Social Care, Advice and Support
The event highlights innovative projects, effective management, and impactful strategies that have led to tangible improvements in various societal issues. By showcasing exemplary work, The Charity Awards aim to inspire others in the sector, creating a culture of excellence and encouraging the sharing of best practices. Winners are selected through a rigorous evaluation process by a panel of experts, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are recognised for their outstanding efforts in making the world a better place.
The Third Sector Awards
The Third Sector Awards is another top UK charity award show, designed to honour and celebrate the achievements of organisations and individuals within the charitable and not-for-profit sector, commonly referred to as the third sector.
These awards recognise achievements across various categories, including innovation, leadership, impact, and collaboration. The goal is to highlight and reward outstanding contributions that have significantly advanced social causes and community well-being. Trophies given at the Third Sector Awards include Best Charity Film, Best Use of Social Media, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, and Corporate Partnership of the Year.
The selection process is thorough, with a panel of esteemed judges assessing nominations based on criteria such as effectiveness, sustainability, and community impact, ensuring that the winners truly represent the pinnacle of third sector achievement.
Global Good Awards
The Global Good Awards are an esteemed set of awards recognising businesses, NGOs, and individuals who demonstrate a commitment to social and environmental sustainability. These awards highlight efforts to achieve positive impacts on society and the environment, celebrating initiatives that go beyond mere compliance and actively contribute to global betterment.
Some of the key award categories at the Global Good Awards include:
- Sustainable Supply Chain – recognising efforts to create environmentally and socially responsible supply chains
- Environmental Behaviour Change – highlighting initiatives that successfully change consumer or business behaviours towards more sustainable practices
- Best Campaign on a Budget – celebrating impactful campaigns achieved with limited financial resources
- Global Good SME of the Year – honouring small and medium-sized enterprises demonstrating outstanding sustainability practices
- Carbon Reduction or Offset Programme – acknowledging significant efforts in reducing or offsetting carbon emissions
- Diversity & Inclusion – recognising initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion within organisations or communities
The Diana Award
The Diana Award was established in 1999 to honour the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her belief that young people have the power to change the world. It is awarded to individuals aged 9-25 who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to social action or humanitarian efforts, making a significant difference in their communities and beyond. The award’s mission is to empower young people, ensuring no one is left out or left behind.
The Diana Award recognises achievements in areas such as social justice, environmental sustainability, mental health, education, and anti-bullying. But the award isn’t just about recognition: it also runs development programmes to further empower young people, such as mentoring programmes and anti-bullying campaigns. It is an international award with an incredible global reach, and by supporting young people, the award aims to inspire and mobilise the next generation of leaders and activists.
JustGiving Awards
The JustGiving Awards are a top UK charity awards show that celebrates extraordinary individuals, teams, and charities who have made significant contributions to fundraising efforts using the JustGiving platform. Nominations for the awards are often driven by the public, allowing supporters to put forward their favourite fundraisers and campaigns and bringing attention to a diverse range of causes and stories from around the world.
Categories include:
- Fundraiser of the Year
- Young Fundraiser of the Year
- Charity of the Year
- Team of the Year
- Outstanding Commitment Award
The awards don’t just highlight the amount of money raised by campaigns – they also recognise and celebrate the creativity and unique approaches used by fundraisers. 2023’s Creative Fundraiser of the Year was retired Army Major Mick Stanley who built a ‘Tin-tanic’ boat out of corrugated iron, curtain hooks, and hosepipe – and rowed 125 miles!
Charity Times Awards
Another top UK charity award, the Charity Times Awards are organised by the publication of the same name to recognise and reward the outstanding achievements of charities, not-for-profit organisations, and their partners. They encompass a wide array of categories across various aspects involved in charity work, from fundraising and leadership to collaboration and innovation.
Entries are assessed by a panel of experts and sector leaders, ensuring that winners are selected based on merit and impact, and the trophies are tailored specifically to the charity sector and the unique accomplishments and challenges within the field.
Categories at the Charity Times Awards include:
- Charity of the Year
- Best Use of Technology – for the innovative use of technology within a charity’s operations
- Corporate Community Local Involvement – acknowledging successful partnerships between charities and businesses that benefit local communities
- Rising Star – celebrating individuals under 35 who have made significant contributions
The Importance of Charity Awards
Recognition of Efforts
Charity awards acknowledge the hard work and dedication of charities, volunteers, and social enterprises. This recognition can boost morale and validate the efforts of those who often work tirelessly and without much public acknowledgment. The awards on this list bring public attention to important social efforts and those who work hard to address them. This also leads to greater public engagement and support for various causes.
Encouraging Excellence and Best Practices
Charity awards set a high standard of excellence, highlighting best practices within the industry and encouraging other organisations to adopt similar processes. Charity awards encourage organisations to strive for them, creating a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and thus raising the standards across the sector.
Increased Visibility and Funding Support
Winning or even being nominated for a charity award can significantly increase an organisation’s visibility. This heightened profile can attract media attention, new supporters, donors, and volunteers, thereby expanding the organisation’s reach and impact. Award recognition also builds credibility, making it easier for organisations to secure more funding or partnerships.
At Laser Crystal, we create bespoke 3D crystal awards for the most memorable of ceremonies. As the UK’s leading 3D engravers, each crystal art creation is made from flawless optical quality crystal, forming awards and gifts that you are proud to present. From employee recognition awards and long service awards to sports awards and achievement awards, every order can be fully customised to suit your needs.
Browse our full range or let us know your requirements and we can recommend a selection of shapes and designs.