Community Awards

Community organisations and individual volunteers make a huge contribution to lives across North Yorkshire. They help us deliver vital services and provide social networks which reduce isolation and help people live independently for longer.

They organise luncheon clubs, help in schools, run cultural and social events, walk dogs and do shopping for elderly neighbours, help out at cub scout and brownie guide groups, manage animal shelters and community libraries and so much more.

Community awards 2026

The 2026 Community Awards are now open for nominations. Nominations close on 5 July 2026.

The winner in each category will win £1,000 for the relevant project, group or nominated relevant local charity. Two runners up in each category will get £250.

Categories

There are three categories for the 2026 North Yorkshire Community Awards. 

Wellbeing and community connection

Recognising organisations or groups who support people in their communities to feel healthier, more connected and included. 

This category celebrates organisations or groups that:

• support mental and physical wellbeing
• help to reduce loneliness and isolation, building a stronger sense of belonging in their local community
• promote inclusion and make sure everyone can take part

Inclusive communities

Recognising organisations or groups who bring people together and help them to flourish.

This category celebrates organisations or groups that:

• use technology to help people connect, access services or overcome digital barriers and isolation
• remove physical barriers to participation, improving accessibility, mobility or independence
• create welcoming, inclusive environments that reduce loneliness, strengthen belonging and support under-represented or marginalised groups
• demonstrate creativity, innovation and meaningful impact in making their communities more inclusive for all

Commitment to the community

Recognising individual volunteers who have shown unwavering dedication and exceptional service to our community.

Eligibility requirements

The eligibility requirements for the community award scheme are:

• nominees must be individuals or groups actively involved in community action within the North Yorkshire Council area
• nominations in all categories must have had a positive impact on people living in the North Yorkshire Council area
• nominees must have been active between 1 May 2025 and 30 April 2026
• community groups may be a branch of or affiliated with a larger regional or national organisation if the volunteers started and developed the initiative for the activity locally, and the group's achievements are more than what is expected of similar groups in the wider organisation's network
• groups must not be for profit
• individuals cannot nominate themselves - you may nominate a group you are a part of if you are not a founder, chair or trustee of the group
• winners and runners up may not be considered for an award in the following three years

Assessment criteria

All nominations are assessed on how the individual, organisation or project has both:

• tackled issues that affect people living in North Yorkshire
• made an impact on their community

The awards panel's decision is final and the panel reserves the right not to make awards if there are no eligible nominations. 

Read the terms and conditions for the 2026 Community Awards. 

Make a nomination

Read the nomination form questions to prepare your answers before you make your nomination.

Make a nomination for:

• wellbeing and community connection
• inclusive communities
• commitment to the community

Award presentation

Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference at the Pavilions of Harrogate, North Yorkshire Showground on the morning of Friday 16 October 2026.

If you have any questions, you can email communityawards@northyorks.gov.uk.

Community Awards 2025

The 2025 Community Awards were presented at the North Yorkshire Wider Partnership Conference on Friday 21 November 2025.