Call to find the UK's Charity Champion

The search is on for the £30,000 winner of Gordon Brown’s ‘Nobel Prize of the Charity World’

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust has today put out the call to the UK for nominations for the 2008 Beacon Prize. Together with the Government’s Cabinet Office, UBS Wealth Management and The Vodafone UK Foundation, the Charity is urging people throughout the UK to nominate individuals who have made a significant charitable contribution in giving time, money or skills to a specific cause.

With awards in 5 categories and additional regional prizes for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the winners will be invited to attend a gala evening in London where the overall prize winner will receive £30,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.

Beacon’s former Chair and Broadcaster, Martyn Lewis CBE notes: "The Beacon Prize, described by the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown MP, as ‘the Nobel Prize of the charity world’, aims to encourage a culture of giving in the UK by uncovering and recognising extraordinary achievements in the world of charity.

“Beacon has had a remarkable response from local people to last year’s Prize nomination scheme, revealing stories of extraordinary individuals who have worked to make a difference, be it locally or on a global scale. Each in turn represents the Beacon belief in the strength of individual philanthropy and we are confident this year’s nominations will highlight the work of many more yet unnamed heroes who have given so much in the name of charity.”

Nominations close on 1 May 2008. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Beacon website: www.beaconfellowship.org.uk/nominate_2008.asp

Do you know someone who deserves a Beacon Prize?

• Perhaps a young person who their time and talent to help others?
• Or a person with energy and originality, transformed things in their community?
• Or someone who has used their skills to help transform a charity?
• Has someone you know created an idea that has changed people’s lives?

Whatever your story Beacon wants to hear about it. Categories for nomination include Leadership, Community Builder, Creative Giving, New Initiatives and Young Philanthropist.

If you’d like to nominate someone for the Beacon Prize 2008, please visit www.beaconfellowship.org.uk for a nomination form. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@beaconfellowship.org.uk or telephone 020 7203 8290.