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.

Here's all the information about how to apply. If you need support with your application, please join one of our drop-in support sessions or get in touch.

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 offered a number of drop-in sessions on Zoom so that you could ask questions and get help and support to complete an application. Those sessions finished on 23 February but we're still here to help.

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:

Remember to return to our 'Apply now' page to complete and submit your application online.

The focus of the entry should be on activities carried out within the entry period, 1 Jan 2023 to 31 March 2024. However, we understand that change can take time so the judging panel will take into consideration work leading up to this period. 

Remember to return to our 'Apply now' page to complete and submit your application online.

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.

Organisations can apply for as many categories as you would like, but if you’re successful in becoming a finalist, you’ll only be shortlisted in one category.

If you have been a 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 15 March 2024. 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 2024 will take place on Thursday 20 June 2024 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.

Booking has now closed for the Scottish Charity Awards. Thank you to everyone who bought their tickets to join us, we can't wait to welcome you! If you have a question about your booking, please contact our Events team.