A century of volunteering and voluntary action
Nominations are now open!
The Heart of Salford Awards are Salford CVS and Volunteer Centre Salford’s annual event to celebrate volunteering, community champions and voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) organisations in Salford. The awards put inspiring individuals and brilliant VCSE organisations centre stage, shining a spotlight on the difference they make to the city of Salford.
We have been celebrating these awards since 2003.
This is an extra special year, as 2026 marks 100 years since Salford was officially granted city status by a Royal Charter by King George V (www.salford100.org.uk).
In that time, we’ve seen remarkable acts of volunteering and voluntary action in Salford.
If you know an individual or VCSE organisation that deserves recognition for the difference they are making, why not nominate them today and help us to celebrate their achievements.
This year we are excited to introduce two new categories, Equalities Champion and Heart of the Community long service award. Please read the guidance notes and category descriptions to make sure you select the most suitable category for your nominee.
The awards will take place on Wednesday 3rd June 2026. Nominations across all categories will be shortlisted by an independent panel and attendees at the ceremony will vote for the winners in each category. The shortlisted nominees and their nominator will be invited to the ceremony. Shortlisted nominees will be invited to the stage to receive a certificate. Category winners will also receive a locally designed award.
Films
- We will make a short one-minute film of each shortlisted nominee. We will make this for you from short interviews face-to-face, ideally at your organisation or at Salford CVS. We will add in any photos you have to add context.
- Attendees at the ceremony will vote for the winners in each category. The film will be shown.
- It is essential we make a film of your nomination for the event and all films will be made by Salford CVS to ensure it is fair - please help us book in filming ASAP if you are shortlisted.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 27th March 2026.
Categories
Volunteering categories:
Volunteer of the Year award
This award recognises the dedication and contribution a volunteer has made to a community in Salford. This award aims to recognise an outstanding volunteering contribution to our city.
Young Volunteer of the Year award (under 25)
This award is open to young volunteers who have made a positive difference to the lives of others through volunteering in Salford.
Heart of the Community long-service award
This award recognises volunteers who have dedicated a significant number of years to volunteering in Salford and whose consistent contribution has made a lasting impact.
Volunteering Team of the Year award
This award recognises the combined contribution of a volunteering team and the positive impact they have made to their organisation and the communities of Salford.
Community Champion (Centenary edition)
This award recognises the difference a Community Champion makes to a cause or community in Salford. We especially want to recognise their importance in Salford's centenary year (Salford 100: Home).
NB - a Community Champion is someone who takes action or raises awareness to address challenges or provide activities in their community or neighbourhood. Their action is self-organised (not on behalf of an organisation). Examples of what a Community Champion may do include: fundraising for a particular cause, improving their local area by doing litter picks, organising neighbourhood watch schemes or promoting health and wellbeing messages through their existing networks.
Nomination form: Heart of Salford 2026 volunteer award categories
Individuals and organisations:
Equalities Champion
This award recognises individuals or organisations that have made a significant difference in advancing equity and inclusion and tackling discrimination. This category is open to volunteers, paid staff and organisations.
Nomination form: Heart of Salford Equalities Champion award category
Organisation categories:
VCSE Organisation of the Year (large)
Open to larger VCSE organisations (with a turnover of over £100,000) who are making a real difference in Salford
VCSE Organisation of the Year (small)
Open to smaller VCSE groups and organisations (with turnover of under £100,000) who are making a real difference in Salford
*When we talk about the VCSE sector we mean voluntary organisations, community groups, charities, the community work of faith organisations, and those social enterprises and community interest companies where there is a wider accountability to the public via a board of trustees or a membership and where any profits are reinvested in their social purpose.
Nomination form: Heart of Salford organisation award categories
Information and guidance
Previous awards
