Autumn 2010: The Beacon Awards

Welcome

In this issue Philanthropy UK is delighted to showcase the winners of the 2010 Beacon Awards and also the recipient of a special inaugural award, made jointly by Community Foundation Network and The Beacon Fellowship, who came together in 2009 to continue to celebrate outstanding philanthropy through the Awards.

As a Beacon Awards scrutineer this year, I can say with conviction the process is as rigorous as it is uplifting.

When the hefty scrutineer pack thumped onto my desk last April I have to confess to a rather uncharitable feeling of : ‘there goes another weekend,’ – but five minutes into reading the first submission I felt humbled… and ashamed of my first thought!

The dynamism, dedication and drive that nominees display, often over many years, is both perplexing and awe-inspiring.

As I read though the submissions I was struck by the time, energy, innovation and passion these people give to their chosen causes.  Yes, we are often moved to dip into our pockets by the plight of the vulnerable or indeed the wonder of the wonderful, but how many of us are actually moved to take hands-on action?  Beacon Award nominees are. They not only act – they do so endlessly, doggedly and quietly. They are champions for their causes and pursue goals that might to many seem unattainable. Yet they achieve them.

Having digested the nominee submissions, it was I who felt honoured; to be part of a process that shines a light on the daily actions of a collection of people changing our world.

The difficult task of choosing between the great and the good was thankfully not mine, but fell to a panel of judges well qualified to  make such decisions. For the Beacon Awards are peer-judged – the panel are leaders in the philanthropic field, who themselves have given and achieved for their own causes – and this makes the Awards even more powerful.

Beacon believes that by highlighting the achievements of the prize winners, and showcasing innovation and best practice in philanthropy, others will be inspired and encouraged to make their own contribution.

Read the stories featured in this issue and you can make your own judgements.
Best wishes,  

Cheryl Chapman

Managing Editor