We are delighted to announce that the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards 2026 are now open for nominations. The event recognises and celebrates the positive impact that individuals, organisations and volunteers from across the North East’s third sector make to thousands of lives across the region.
Submissions are invited for eight categories:
Large Organisation of the Year
In this category, we are looking for a charity or social enterprise with a turnover equal to or greater than £600,000 which has delivered outstanding service and gone over and above the norm to promote its cause.
Small Organisation of the Year
In this category, we are looking for a charity, social enterprise or voluntary group with a turnover less than £600,000 which has delivered outstanding service and gone over and above the norm to promote its cause.
Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year
In this category, we are looking for an individual volunteer who has gone the extra mile in their contribution to the third sector and who deserves special recognition for their work.
Community Impact of the Year
This category recognises a group or organisation that has made a significant and lasting difference in their local community. Whether through a project, initiative, or ongoing support, nominees should demonstrate real impact that has improved lives and strengthened community connections.
Campaign/Event of the Year
In this category, we are looking for a promotional campaign or one-off event, which resulted in significant funds being raised for a third sector organisation, and/or which succeeded in raising an organisations profile and promoting it to a wider audience.
Team of the Year
In this category, we are looking for a team of people – staff, volunteers or fundraisers – which has gone the extra mile in terms of its contribution to the third sector and which deserves special recognition for its work.
Young Supporter Of The Year
In this category, we are looking for a volunteer/staff member under the age of 25 who has gone the extra mile in terms of their contribution to the third sector and who deserves special recognition for their work.
Heart of the Community
In this category, we are looking for an individual who has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to and passion for their community and whose dedication to helping others has resulted in an improved local spirit.
Key Dates:
The focus of the entry should be on activities carried out within the entry period, April 1st, 2025 to March 31st, 2026.
Deadline for submitting applications is - Monday, August 17th 2026 at 5pm with finalists announced on Wednesday, 16th September 2026.
Interviews to be undertaken on Tuesday, October 6th and Wednesday, October 7th, 2026 at Aberdeen’s Chester Hotel, specific times, TBC, if entering please make yourself available for these dates, unfortunately due to Judges commitments, we are unable to move the judging times and dates.
Winners will be named at a gala awards ceremony, which will be attended by more than 300 people, at the Chester Hotel on Saturday, October 31. Thanks to the generosity of sponsors from Aberdeen business community up to five representatives of each finalist organisation or individual can attend the ceremony completely free of charge.
This year’s principal supporters are CNR, CNOOC, Aberdeen Inspired and CALA Homes all of whom have supported the event over the years and whose continuing support is invaluable and much appreciated. There are also opportunities for businesses to get involved by sponsoring the various categories and through other sponsorship opportunities.
Good luck!!
