The Welsh Charity Awards 2026 nominations are open!
With a fresh new ‘outstanding achievement’ category, nominate your favourite voluntary organisation, volunteer or exceptional individual for this year’s Welsh Charity Awards!
The Welsh Charity Awards, organised by WCVA, recognise and highlight the fantastic contribution of charities, community groups, not-for-profits, and volunteers from across Wales. They celebrate and champion the positive difference the voluntary sector can make to people’s lives. This year, a new outstanding achievement category is open for nominations to recognise lasting impact on the voluntary sector in Wales.
Nominations for the awards are now open and will close on 30 June 2026. The ceremony will be held on 15 October 2026 at the Hilton in Cardiff and we’re already anticipating another exciting evening’s celebrations!
THINKING OF TAKING PART?
No matter the size or focus of your favourite voluntary organisation, there’s a category to celebrate their achievements. We also have categories to celebrate volunteers and a brand new outstanding achievement award for individuals. Make a nomination and give your organisation or individual the chance for some well-earned recognition and a night to remember!
- Appreciation – whether or not your nominee is an award winner or finalist, being nominated for an award shows the organisation or individual that their work is valued and makes a huge difference
- Celebration – take the time to celebrate the success of a hard working team (or a special volunteer) with a chance for all finalists to attend our glamorous awards ceremony
- Recognition – being an awards finalist can really raise an organisation’s profile, from exposure in the media to showcasing the quality of their work to funders and decision makers
CATEGORIES
Below are the categories for the 2026 Welsh Charity Awards, including a brand new category, The Graham Benfield outstanding achievement award.
You can make one nomination in each category:
- Volunteer of the Year (26 and over)
- Young Volunteer of the Year (25 and under)
- Fundraiser of the year
- Champion of diversity
- Use of Welsh language
- Most influential small organisation
- Health and wellbeing
- Graham Benfield outstanding achievement award
- Organisation of the year
GRAHAM BENFIELD OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This special honour recognises individuals who have made an exceptional and lasting impact on the voluntary sector in Wales.
Graham Benfield was an incredibly influential voice for people and communities in Wales, with a profound impact on the voluntary sector both nationally and beyond. As Chief Executive of WCVA from 1989 to 2014, he spent 25 years transforming the landscape for voluntary organisations, championing collaboration, strengthening support structures, and helping the sector to grow in confidence and impact.
This award celebrates those whose contribution goes beyond a single project or moment. It recognises individuals whose dedication, passion, and leadership have made a meaningful and enduring difference to communities across Wales. The award reflects the values Graham embodied throughout his life: selflessness, integrity, and an unwavering belief in the power of people to create positive change.
By establishing this award, we hope to create a lasting legacy in Graham’s name, shining a light on those who, like him, have devoted themselves to improving lives and strengthening the voluntary sector for the long term.
THE TIMETABLE FOR 2026
The awards are open, take a look at the 2026 timetable below:
- 15 April 2026 – Nominations open
- 30 June 2026 – Nomination deadline
- 15 October 2026 – Award ceremony – The Hilton Hotel, Cardiff
MAKING A NOMINATION
Find out more about the Welsh Charity Awards, including the category descriptions, rules and how to make a nomination, by visiting the Welsh Charity Awards website .