The Charity Awards 2016 opens for entries today, and charities are encouraged to submit applications for their most effective and impactful projects.

The application window for the 17th annual Charity Awards, again sponsored by Charities Aid Foundation, will last for just over three months, with entries closing on Friday 4 March.

Judging will take place in April and the shortlist will be announced on Civil Society News on Monday 9 May.  

The Charity Awards programme will culminate in a sparkling gala presentation ceremony and dinner on Thursday 9 June, this year at a new venue – The Mermaid in Blackfriars.

Georgette Mulheir, chief executive of Lumos, winner of the overall category at last year’s Charity Awards, had some words of encouragement for anyone thinking about entering.

She said: “We believe we are a well-run charity. In the exacting Hallmarks of Excellence sections of the application, we had to prove it. Winning, therefore, was a tribute to the professionalism of all our staff.

“What does the award mean for us in the longer term? More generally, we have already heard from international partners how impressed they are that we have won such a prestigious award.

"It is proof for those organisations, as well as politicians, supporters and donors, that our work is considered to be of the highest standard by a country they respect."

Andrew Neilson, director of campaigns at the Howard League for Penal Reform, winner of the advice, support and campaigning category, said: “I’d urge charities with projects and campaigns to shout about to enter the 2016 Charity Awards. It’s a great occasion and a fabulous celebration of all that’s best about our civil society.”

The application form can be downloaded here. Find out more about the Charity Awards at charityawards.co.uk.