Tag: Scottish Charity Awards 2026

Scottish Charity Awards finalists revealed

35 organisations and individuals in running for national awards

The finalists for this year’s Scottish Charity Awards have been revealed.

Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.

This year’s shortlist includes 35 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across the country. 

A judging panel will determine the winners under nine distinct categories following a rigorous shortlisting process.

Winners will be announced on 11 June 2026 in a celebratory awards ceremony hosted by broadcaster Sally Magnusson at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive, SCVO said: “Across Scotland and beyond, voluntary organisations are making an extraordinary difference, and the breadth and depth of their impact never fail to inspire. Our 2026 finalists epitomise this. 

“Our voluntary sector is truly essential to Scottish society – we see the positive impact organisation and individuals make in communities across the country every single day.

“Best of luck to all of our finalists, and I look forward to celebrating with them in June as we highlight the phenomenal work each and every one of them contributes to.”

The full shortlist for 2026 is: 

Campaign of the Year

  • Buglife – The Invertebrate Conservation Trust – Don’t Neglect The Night
  • Victim Support Scotland – It’s the final chance of getting to the truth
  • Who Cares? Scotland – Action on Advocacy
  • Scottish Environment LINK – Scotland Loves Nature

Volunteer of the Year

  • Men Matter Scotland – Jim Cassidy
  • Govan Housing Association – David Wright
  • Midlothian Community Action – McKenzie Rayner
  • Fife Pride – Jenny Black

Climate Impact

  • Crail Community Partnership – Turning Crail into a sustainable community
  • Letham Climate Challenge
  • Magpie (Part of Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action)
  • Social Flock

Employee of the Year

  • The Killie Community – Scott Montgomery
  • Reach Lanarkshire Autism – Keith Manson
  • Mark Williams Foundation – Sarah Peacock
  • Grey Matters Active Ageing – Alison Gildea

Partnership of the Year

  • Care4Calais Scotland & Passion4Fusion – Saturday Football
  • Space at The Broomhouse Hub & the Edinburgh International Festival – Edinburgh International Festival in Space
  • The Junction, Granton Youth, Wester Hailes Youth Agency, Canongate Youth & 6VT – Time to Talk
  • ATAP: Aberdeen Task and Activation Partnership
  • Dogs for Good & Inverclyde Royal Hospital – Community Dog Stroke Support Partnership

Trustee of the Year

  • Bedrule Church Future – Alan Bailey
  • Glenurquhart Rural Community Association – Susan Griffin
  • Greener Kirkcaldy – Ian Stirton
  • Break the Silence – Elaine Crichton

Charity of the Year  <£100k 

  • Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports Club
  • Beyond Srebrenica
  • Edinburgh Garden Partners
  • Norinemindeyes Culture Connect

Charity of the Year £100K – £500K

  • Advocacy Western Isles
  • Isle of Luing Community Trust
  • Megan’s Space

Charity of the Year >£500k 

  • WithYou
  • The Big House SCIO
  • Amma Birth Companions

Applications open for Scottish Charity Awards 2026

The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is calling for voluntary organisations and the people who work and volunteer in Scotland’s voluntary sector to apply for its annual Scottish Charity Awards.   

Now in its 20th year, the Scottish Charity Awards are designed to celebrate the best of the voluntary sector, and to highlight the incredible organisations, inspiring people and innovative projects that have made an immeasurable difference to the communities they support over the past year.   

Applications are now being accepted for 2026, with SCVO placing particular importance on hearing from voluntary organisations and people that reflect the diversity of Scotland’s essential voluntary sector.  

All registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people who work and volunteer in these spaces are eligible to enter.  

Last year saw the success of attempts to make the awards simpler and more accessible to as many people and organisations as possible. 

There are nine award categories at the Scottish Charity Awards. Six recognise the achievements of organisations, and three recognise individuals.  

The award categories are Small Charity of the Year (turnover under £100k), Medium Charity of the Year (turnover £100-500k), Large Charity of the Year (turnover over £500k), Trustee of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Employee of the Year, Partnership of the Year, Campaign of the Year, and Climate Impact; with the winners to be decided by a panel of judges. For 2026 organisations can only make one application across all categories.  

SCVO received an overwhelming response last year with hundreds of applications, and hopes that even more organisations will be inspired to apply this year.    

This year, SCVO will be bringing its celebratory awards ceremony, hosted by Sally Magnusson, to Glasgow’s Radisson Blu on 11 June. 

Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), said: “Each year, the Scottish Charity Awards stand out as a real highlight for me.

“Across Scotland – and far beyond – voluntary organisations are transforming lives in countless ways, and it’s impossible not to be moved by both the scale of their impact and the diversity of their work. 

“Past finalists and winners often share how meaningful it is to receive recognition on a national stage. We also take care each year to refine and refresh the awards, ensuring they remain timely and relevant. 

“Whether you’re a small grassroots group powered entirely by volunteers, a large national charity, or anything in between, there’s a place for you. Don’t hold back — put forward a nomination or submit an entry for this year’s awards.” 

Applications are open until 12 noon on Tuesday, 17 March 2025 and can be completed on the SCVO website: scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.