Useful information

Apply online by selecting the award you’d like to apply for and using the “Apply now” button.

In each award category we ask you for a few details and to answer two questions in detail.  We have listed the main criteria that the judges will use to make their decision about your application. Please think about these criteria when you’re giving your answers.

We want to hear the story of your work and invite you to tell us in the way that is easiest for you. You have the option to submit written answers or to upload video or audio files if you prefer. We are not looking for fancy videos, a recording on your phone is fine.

All types of Scottish voluntary organisations and groups, including registered charities, social enterprises, campaigning groups, community interest companies and people involved in those spaces can apply for a Scottish Charity Award. For the purposes of our application process, we’ve used the word ‘organisation’ as a catch-all phrase for these groups and people.  

We welcome applications from the groups we've mentioned above who are registered outside Scotland, who would like to apply and tell us about work carried out in Scotland. We also welcome applications from organisations based in Scotland that bring people and communities together to support international work.

We’re lucky to have a sector representing a wide range of backgrounds and experience. We want the awards to be inclusive, and to reflect the diversity of the voluntary sector and Scottish society. That means we’re keen to hear from a mix of people with different characteristics, knowledge and experience, from different organisations and places, and with different perspectives.

Yes! We'll run three drop-in sessions on Zoom so that you can ask questions and get support to complete an application.

Drop in session #1: 24 February 2026, 11.00 to 11.30
Drop in session #2: 4 March 2026, 14.00 to 14.30
Drop in session #3: 10 March 2026, 10.00 to 10.30

Remember, if you have any questions you can always get in touch and one of the team will be happy to help.

No, you don't have to be a member of SCVO to apply - we welcome applications from across the Scottish voluntary sector. If you're not yet a member of SCVO, we would love to welcome you into our membership community if you're eligible. Remember that many organisations can join SCVO for free! Take a look at our membership pages for more information.

Yes. We know it can be helpful to review the questions and to prepare answers before starting to complete the online form.

You can see all the questions for every award category here:

The focus of the entry should be on activities carried out within the entry period, January 2025 to March 2026. However, we understand that change can take time so the judging panel will take into consideration work leading up to this period. 

You can submit up to two pieces of supporting evidence to demonstrate impact. Examples of supporting evidence include artwork, photos, videos or testimonials. Supporting evidence is additional information that may not be fully considered by the judges - try to make sure you demonstrate your impact through the answers you give to the questions in your application.

No. This year, organisations can only apply for one category.

This applies across all categories; e.g. if you apply for Campaign of the Year and someone else in your organisation is nominated for Employee of the Year, you will only be able to proceed with one of these applications.

Please contact others in your organisation to ensure that you only submit one application.

If you have been a Scottish Charity Awards winner in the past three years you are welcome to apply again. However, if your application scores the same as a new applicant, we will give priority to new applicants. We will aim to shortlist around 3 or 4 applications in each category.

We ask you to provide details of a reference - this is someone who can verify your application. Your reference or independent verifier should be someone from outside your organisation who has worked with you or has been impacted by your organisation and work.

The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The judging panel can’t consider applications received after the deadline, so please leave yourself plenty of time to apply. 

See key dates.

Yes! You can save your progress from page 3 of your application and return to your application at any point by using the "Save Progress" button at the bottom of each page on the application form.

The Scottish Charity Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday 11 June 2026 at the Radisson Blu in Glasgow.

There's no fee to submit an application for the Scottish Charity Awards.

Shortlisted finalists receive two free tickets to attend the Awards dinner and ceremony. People and organisations who are finalists can also buy extra tickets for £75.

If you're not a shortlisted finalist, tickets cost £90 for SCVO members and supporters and £100 for non-SCVO members.

More information about booking to attend the 2026 Awards ceremony will be available in April 2026.

If you have a question about the event, please contact our team.