Why apply?

The ABCs identifies and celebrates schemes and activities that are making a real and meaningful contribuition to the development of a mutual understanding of cultural differences and, through this, building bridges between communities and cultures.

We believe that greater understanding and awareness of different cultures, faiths and beliefs is critical to building mutual respect and trust.

Foleshillfields trip - group of peopleThe ABCs will showcase this work by encouraging organisations to think through the impact they have had and share that with others.  It will also raise awareness at a regional and national level of the breadth and diversity of activity on the ground. The ABCs will be used to promote good practice in bridging cultures. The materials supplied by applicants will be analysed to contribute towards this.

Benefits to applicants include:

  • An opportunity to showcase their work
  • Sharing good practice and opportunities for learning with other applicants
  • Support for shortlisted community and voluntary organisations to make a DVD of their scheme to support learning and share good practice
  • Winners will receive publicity and financial rewards to invest in their projects
  • An invitation to the learning event and awards ceremony, held in a prestigious London venue in December 2010.

There are no charges for entry to the ABCs. Please note that the ABCs is an awards scheme, not a grants scheme. It celebrates the success of projects and schemes that are already up and running or have run in the last two years and does not provide grants to set up new initiatives.