Nominate a Star for the Community Spirit Awards 2026
Young Community Champion Award
This award recognises a young person aged 21 or under who is making a positive difference in their community, whether through volunteering, campaigning, or taking part in a local project.
Please include how this young person’s actions have inspired others, created change, or shown leadership.
Judges will be looking for:
- Stories of how the young person has made an impact
- Examples of passion, commitment, or creativity
- If they have encouraged or inspired others, please also include this.
Making A Difference Award
This award recognises a new or established charity, community group, or individual who has introduced fresh ideas, creative approaches, or bold solutions that have made a positive difference. This could include launching a new charity, developing an innovative project, responding to community needs (such as the cost-of-living crisis), managing change or running a breakthrough campaign. You should demonstrate how their initiative has created real impact and strengthened the community.
Judges will be looking for:
- Evidence of identifying need and implementing innovation, creativity, or a new way of working
- Stories that have a positive impact on people or communities
Examples of resilience, adaptability, and building strong foundations for future work.
Sustainability Award
This award recognises individuals, schools, community groups, or charities who are taking action to protect our environment and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Calderdale.
You should demonstrate how their work has created positive change, inspired others, or raised awareness of environmental issues.
Judges will be looking for:
- Examples of projects or actions that have made a measurable difference
- Stories that show passion and commitment to the environment
Evidence of inspiring others to get involved or change behaviours
Volunteer of the Year Award
This award recognises an outstanding volunteer whose dedication and commitment has made a real difference to a charity, community group, or the wider community.
Please include how their contribution has gone above and beyond, and the difference they have helped to create.
Judges will be looking for:
- An understanding of their commitment and generosity of time
- Evidence of impact on people, projects, or organisations
- Stories that bring their volunteering and the difference they have made to life.
Arts & Culture Award
This award recognises charities or community groups using the arts such as music, theatre, writing, film, dance, pictures, and photos to bring people together and make a lasting difference.
You should demonstrate how their passion for creativity has strengthened the community, inspired people to get involved, or supported mental health.
Judges will be looking for:
- Clear examples of how the arts have created community impact
- Stories of creativity and how this enthusiasm and passion has brought people together
Evidence reaching new audiences
Outstanding Individual Achievement Award
This award recognises an individual whose long term dedication, professionalism, and integrity has made a significant and lasting impact on the charity sector in Calderdale.
You should demonstrate how their leadership, commitment, and achievements have made a difference over a career of at least 15 years.
Judges will be looking for:
- Evidence of positive and lasting contributions to the sector
- Examples of leadership, innovation, and resilience
- Stories that show their passion, integrity, and dedication
Charity of the Year Award
This award recognises a charity that has delivered outstanding service for its beneficiaries and shown excellence in promoting its cause and achieving its goals.
You should demonstrate the difference the charity has made in the last year and how it has gone above and beyond in serving its community.
Judges will be looking for:
- Evidence of exceptional impact on people or communities
- Examples of clear goals, strategy, and delivery
- Stories of innovation, resilience, and excellence.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Judges choose the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award to someone in the not-for-profit sector in Calderdale who, over their lifetime, has made a significant and measurable impact on the community. The winner will have demonstrated unwavering dedication and passion to facilitating progress in their field and with a distinguished record of service. Their remarkable contribution will leave a lasting legacy and is a shining example of compassion, leadership, and innovation, showcasing a long-term commitment to addressing local needs and fostering social progress. Their exceptional achievements and tireless efforts set a benchmark for future generations, inspiring them to follow in their footsteps for the betterment of Calderdale.
Nominations have now closed. Thank you for all the brilliant nominations.
Tickets are now available for the Community Spirit Awards on 21st May 2026. Click here for more information.