There’s no escaping the fact that the past 12 months have been tough for charities and the voluntary sector. Further drops in public sector funding combined with falling donations have forced many organisations to make difficult decisions about their futures.

In spite of such challenges, charities continue to make the very best of the resources at their disposal and find ever-more innovative ways to support their beneficiaries. This capacity for innovation has led to exciting new collaborations among charities and between charities and the public and private sectors.  It has also prompted charities to explore new sources of funding and make use of emerging technologies to reach donors and service users.

Now in their eighth year, the Third Sector Excellence Awards recognise and celebrate the outstanding work and innovation that takes place in charities and not-for-profit organisations. They aim to reward the work of both large and small organisations and the individual talents of staff and volunteers.

There are 22 categories this year, covering activities ranging from communications, fundraising and finance to charity partnerships and governance. An overall winner award will be made for the first time.

If you believe that your organisation has excelled over the past year and your efforts deserve recognition, then enter the Third Sector Excellence Awards.

Stephen Cook, editor, Third Sector