Entries Open for 2018 Workplace Giving Excellence Awards

Employers and charities are encouraged to participate in an expanded 2018 Workplace Giving Excellence Awards, with entries now open for the annual event.

Now in its third year, the awards will this year welcome the Department of Social Services (DSS) as a sponsor for the “Most Innovative Charity/Employer Partnership Award”.

Social Services Minister Dan Tehan said the government recognised Australia’s “long and proud history” of donating time and money to worthy causes, with an estimated 8.7 million volunteers regularly helping their community.

“The Turnbull government is supporting volunteers through the $20 million volunteer grants round, which will help pay for the cost of essential items to make the work of volunteers easier, safer, and more enjoyable,” Tehan said.

“Businesses are also getting into the spirit of giving and these awards will recognise the organisations and charities that are working to help others.”

The awards will introduce three new categories in 2018: “Best Pro-Bono/Workplace Volunteering”, “Most Unique Innovation”, and the charity-focused “Most Unique Innovation Best Launch/Refresh”.

Jenny Geddes, the CEO of Workplace Giving Australia, said government support for workplace giving was “absolutely vital”.

“In 2014, we were grateful to have Prime Minister [Malcolm] Turnbull launch the One Million Donors campaign,” Geddes said.

“It’s wonderful to be able to continue this relationship with the government as we strive towards our goal to see a million Australians giving through work, which will create a much more efficient and ethical giving landscape.”  

Previous winners of the awards include Australia Post, BHP, CommBank, JB Hi-Fi, SEEK, Redkite and The Smith Family.

Entries close 24 August, with the presentation event held in Sydney on 20 November.

More information about entering the awards can be found here.