CFG Charity Awards 2026

Deadline: Thursday 21 May 2026
On Thursday 8 October 2026, charity leaders, finance and operations professionals from across the UK’s social sector will join together in London to celebrate excellence in charity finance and raise funds for Charity Finance Group. More than 400 people will attend for an evening of celebration, connection and inspiration. For the first time since 2019, the occasion will recognise those who have led the way in charity finance and made the biggest impact possible.

Rising Star in Charity Finance award
Please see the full criteria and eligibility here.

Inspiring, celebrating and honouring financial excellence in the charitable sector is at the heart of Charity Finance Group’s mission. CFG’s reimagined Annual Dinner and Awards will recognise those who lead the way in charity finance.

This award celebrates individuals who bring fresh thinking, get things done, and don’t wait for permission to make an impact. They are values-led, generous with their learning, and help colleagues grow.

We welcome nominees from charities of all sizes. Typical roles include Finance Manager, Operations Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, Finance/Operations Officer, or equivalent. Volunteers in finance roles are also encouraged to apply. You don’t need to be a director or head of finance — but you should be clearly on that leadership path.

What we’re looking for:
· Challenges outdated practices and brings fresh thinking
· Drives positive change, improves processes, and supports the mission
· Shares knowledge, mentors peers, and helps colleagues thrive
· Spots opportunities and acts with initiative
· Builds relationships and collaborates across teams
· Seeks learning and applies it to real problems
· Begins to contribute beyond their organisation — to networks, events or learning communities

Please continue through this form to submit an entry for this award. You can create multiple entries for the award after you have submitted.

If you have any questions at all, please contact events@cfg.org.uk.

Small charities warmly invited!
We actively encourage entries from small charities, including teams with limited budgets, small headcounts or part‑time/volunteer support. Judging will adjust to your size and resources, focusing on proportional impact, ingenuity and sustainable change.

You don’t need complex metrics. Simple evidence is valid. Low/no‑cost tools, smart integrations and practical workarounds are all welcome as evidence.
 
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