Scotland’s voluntary sector is once again in the spotlight as applications open for the 2025 Scottish Charity Awards, hosted by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO).
Now in its 19th year, the awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of voluntary organisations, individuals, and projects that have made a lasting impact on their communities.
SCVO is encouraging charities, social enterprises, and community interest groups from all backgrounds to put themselves forward and gain the recognition they deserve.
Building on last year’s success, the 2025 awards will continue to prioritise accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that organisations of all sizes have an opportunity to be recognised.
This year, the prestigious Charity of the Year category has been refined to better represent the sector, with separate awards for small, medium, and large organisations based on turnover.
In total, there are eleven categories up for grabs. Seven highlight organisational achievements, while three honour individuals who have gone above and beyond in their roles.
The final award, the People’s Choice, will be determined by a public vote from finalists in other categories.
The full list of award categories includes:
- Charity of the Year (Small – turnover under £100k, Medium – £100-500k, Large – over £500k)
- Trustee of the Year
- Volunteer of the Year
- Employee of the Year
- Partnership of the Year
- Campaign of the Year
- Community Impact
- Climate Impact
Finalists will automatically be entered into the People’s Choice Award, offering the public a chance to cast their votes and show support for the charities that resonate most with them.
Last year’s awards received an overwhelming response, with over 16,500 votes cast in this category alone.
The much-anticipated awards ceremony will take place on 19 June 2025 at Glasgow’s Radisson Blu, hosted by the esteemed broadcaster Sally Magnusson.
The event promises to be a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration.
SCVO’s Chief Executive, Anna Fowlie, highlighted the importance of these awards in showcasing the work of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
“The Scottish Charity Awards are a highlight of my year.
“I never fail to be overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of what voluntary organisations achieve across the country – on all aspects of life in Scotland and beyond.
“Previous finalists and winners have told us how special it is for them to be recognised on the national stage.
“Every year we develop the awards slightly to keep them relevant.
“For 2025, there will be three opportunities to win Charity of the Year, reflecting the vast range of organisations in our sector.
“So, whether you’re a grassroots group run entirely by volunteers, a major national charity, or somewhere in between, there is a space for you.
“Please don’t be shy – nominate or enter for this year’s awards.”
The impact of winning an award can be transformative, as Harvey Carruthers, CEO of Fife Young Carers, shared.
“Fife Young Carers were thrilled to be awarded SCVO Scottish Charity of the Year 2024.
“Throughout the year, we have found that receiving this award has helped our beneficiaries, peers, and supporters acknowledge the strides we have made in a way that would have been difficult without this national recognition.”
Applications for the 2025 Scottish Charity Awards are open until 12 noon on 7 March 2025, and can be submitted via the SCVO website at scvo.scot/scottish-charity-awards/apply.
For those in the voluntary sector looking to showcase their efforts, inspire others, and gain national recognition, this is an opportunity not to be missed.
