Austerity has become the new normal, not least in the voluntary sector. Public sector funding remains on a downward curve, and most other forms of fundraising are proving more difficult than they used to be. Charities have to be more careful than ever about how they use resources, even when it comes to celebrating their achievements.

That’s why we decided to do some research into what our audience wanted out of the Third Sector Excellence Awards as they go into their ninth year. We conducted a survey, held a focus group, and talked in detail to selected individuals. The responses have prompted us to make changes in venue, pricing and general approach that we think will go down well. We have also introduced the exciting new categories of Rising Chief Executive, Best Volunteer Manager and Best Start-up.  Other categories have been adjusted to make them more attractive to smaller organizations.

But the purpose of the awards remains the same - to discover and showcase the outstanding campaigns and big achievements in charities and voluntary organizations of all shapes and sizes over the past year. We know from our daily reporting of life in the sector that it remains as enterprising and creative as ever, partly because hard times can make for smarter ways of doing things.

If you believe your organization has excelled in the last year and your efforts deserve recognition check out the 18 categories here. Entry remains free, and you never know – this could be your year to win.

Stephen Cook, editor, Third Sector