The Australian Philanthropy Awards closed their submissions for nominations for 2017 last week. Did you get your application forms in to the judges in time? Don’t worry, if you missed it, you can always submit your application in December for acceptance into the 2018 awards.

Awards like the Australian Philanthropy Awards are extremely beneficial for the non-profit industry. They, and many other awards like it, recognise and celebrate achievements in Australian philanthropy that is both visionary and transformative. It acknowledges the work of those who are seeking to create positive change on a local and national level.

The Australian Philanthropy Awards cover six very valuable categories:

Leading Philanthropist

The leading philanthropist award honours an outstanding philanthropist for their recent significant philanthropic contributions and achievements.

Best Large Grant

This Award honours achievements in grant-making, celebrating a joint vision and best practice in philanthropy.

Best Small Grant

An award that recognises affecting social change does not always involve large amounts of funding.

Environmental Award

This award specifically covers projects or organisations that are created or exist specifically to support the environment.

Gender-wise Award

This award recognises current achievements from funding initiatives that advance gender equity.

Indigenous Award

This award covers current achievements from funding initiatives that advance Indigenous communities, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and promote reconciliation in Australia.

The Australian Philanthropy Award ceremony will be held in Melbourne on the 5 April 2017.

From a charity perspective, it is important that you actively seek out opportunities to reward those who work in and for your charity. Not only will it motivate your employees and volunteers, but it will also create positive media attention to your NFP and boost its reputation. A win-win for everyone involved.