Nominations are open for the Calderdale Community Spirit Awards 2020

The Community Foundation for Calderdale and its headline sponsors Covea Insurance, Riley & Co, BCA Leisure and Rathbones Investment Management will continue to host the impressive Community Spirit Awards albeit in a different format because of Covid-19 lock down restrictions. Last year the event attracted a sell-out crowd of over 350 to the Venue at Barkisland to celebrate all that is good in Calderdale, including the selfless work of volunteers, charities and community groups.

The Community Foundation for Calderdale is a charity, which raises money to fund and support community activity across Calderdale. They administer over £1 million worth of grants annually, raised over £380,000 which they gave out to flood victims in February/March, and raised over £120,000 which they added to the money from the National Emergencies Trust to give out to over 80 organisations who are helping people during the coronavirus pandemic.
CEO of the Foundation, Steve Duncan explained, “We work with our local community to inspire and facilitate projects that make our community a happier, healthier, and safer place to live and work. In usual circumstances we have an incredibly high standard of work that people are nominated for, it’s amazing what goes on behind the scenes in the Voluntary Sector that people don’t usually see, but it has been apparent during the pandemic. The awards are a treasured way of recognising the work that charities and community groups do, and the awards ceremony is always a moving and inspiring event.

“Now, more than ever, it is important to recognise the kindness and selflessness of the people of Calderdale and that is why we have decided to still go ahead with the Awards.

“We are going to have five evenings of awards and announce winners of two categories each evening allowing more people to take part and giving more insight to why the individuals and organisations are finalists. There has been some phenomenal work in our community on a day to day basis before the incredible work during the floods and the pandemic.

If you would like to nominate an organisation or someone for their work only during the pandemic, please do. To nominate, please visit https://cffc.co.uk/calderdale-community-spirit-awards-2020/. The deadline for all nominations is 5pm on 21st September 2020.

The awards are open to charities, community groups and volunteers who work in or deliver services in Calderdale. Charities and community groups can self-nominate.

The awards ceremony for each category is detailed below and you will be able to register your place on Eventbrite. Once you have registered you will be sent a secure link to view the awards ceremony online.
• 7.00 pm Thursday 29th October 2020 – Outstanding Individual Achievement & Arts & Culture
• 7.00 pm Thursday 26th November 2020 – Best Fundraising Campaign & Young Community Champion
• 7.00 pm Thursday 28th January 2021 – Great & Green & Volunteer of the Year
• 7.00 pm Thursday 25th February 2021 – Best Marketing Campaign & Breakthrough of the Year
• 7.00 pm Thursday 25th March 2021 – Best New Charity & Charity of the Year

Nominations are now open across ten categories visit https://cffc.co.uk/calderdale-community-spirit-awards-2020/

Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Riley & Co
Awarded to a charity that has delivered outstanding service to its beneficiaries, promoted and raised its cause, been clear in its goals and strategy, and demonstrated excellence, especially within the last year.

Best New Charity – Sponsored by Lattitude7
Awarded to a charity (registered after September 2018) that has made a demonstrable impact since its foundation, achieved awareness of its cause, mission and activities, and set the foundations of excellent management and accountability for the future.

Outstanding Individual Achievement – Sponsored by Wilby Insurance
Awarded to a person who has demonstrated dedication, professionalism and integrity throughout their career, and who has produced a demonstrably positive effect on the sector through their work and management over at least a 15-year period.

Arts & Culture -Sponsored by Croft Myl
Awarded to a charity or community group active in the arts (visual arts-music-film-photography-writing-drama- dance-design) which has demonstrated passion and enthusiasm in making a significant contribution to the wider community.

Best Fundraising Campaign – Sponsored by Value Exchange
Awarded to a charity or community group based on innovative approaches coupled with exceeding funding targets.

Great and Green – Sponsored by Pulman Steal
Awarded to an individual, school community group or charity which is having a positive impact on the community and/or raising the profile of environmental issues.

Young Community Champion – Sponsored by Calderdale Council
Awarded to a young person 21 years old or under, who have engaged, inspired and motivated their peers or other people in support of a social cause or initiative.

Breakthrough of The Year – Sponsored by Calderdale College
Awarded to a charity or community group for successfully developing something new or different. Areas could include supporter and/or donor engagement, putting a piece of research to good use, extending the reach of the charity or introducing a new way of working.

Volunteer of the Year – Snowflake Media
Awarded to the volunteer who has displayed the greatest commitment and achievement to a charity, voluntary sector organisation or the community.

Best Marketing Award - Sponsored by Townhall Dental
Awarded for a marketing campaign that used one or more of the following, social media, website/microsite, printed press, adverts, leaflets, video content, social activity campaign. May also include giveaways.

Picture caption – The audience showed love at last year’s awards
Credit - Chris Lord Photography