iCoCo Awards for Bridging Cultures - Frequently asked questions

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I apply for an award to fund a proposed or future project?

No. The ABCs are specifically to reward organisations for their successful work to date. Applications should be based on current projects or those that have already been delivered.

2. How many awards will be granted?

There are 4 categories for the 2009 awards. There will be a winner and up to 3 commendations in each category.

3. Are there cash prizes?

Yes. The winners of each of the two categories for voluntary organisations will receive £10,000 and commended organisations in these categories will receive up to £5,000 each.

4. Can organisations who do not have charitable status apply to the ABCs?

Yes. We want to hear from all organisations who are involved in promoting intercultural dialogue.

5. Are the ABCs open to applicants from anywhere in the UK?

Yes. The awards will reward organisations for their successes throughout the whole of the UK and we welcome applications from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

6. Do projects with an international focus qualify for entry to the ABCs?

Yes, provided the organisation is based in the UK and you can show a positive impact on the UK based communities.

7. Are schools eligible to apply?

Yes. You will need to think carefully about the category in which your school falls. If your project is run by a related association, such as a PTA, you may qualify for entry as a voluntary organisation. Some such associations have charitable status and their financial accounts are isolated from those of the school, if so your application should be submitted by the association under a voluntary category. If not, your application should be submitted under the category for public and private sector organisations.

8. What will public and private sector organisations gain from the ABCs?

Winners will receive a trophy as well as the recognition and potential publicity that comes with it, commended organisations will also benefit from this.

9. How many applications can one organisation submit to the ABCs?

Unlimited. If you are involved in a number of projects that promote intercultural dialogue, you can submit an application for each one individually. If the projects support each other or are part of a wider programme, you may feel that one application for all would present a stronger case.

10. We are a very small organisation involved in a number of interrelated activities which promote intercultural dialogue, are we eligible to apply to the ABCs?

Yes. If you wish you can enter your organisation as a scheme in itself. You can also enter your projects separately (see question 9)

11. What evidence do I need to provide to support my application to the ABCs?

We need open testimonials/letters of endorsement from two independent referees who can speak with authority and objectivity about your project or scheme. These should be included with your application and the referees' contact details included in the appropriate section on the application form.

12. We are a very large voluntary organisation, funded by a number of grant-making bodies. Are we eligible to apply for the ABCs?

Yes. There are two categories for voluntary organisations, the size of your organisation and the manner in which your activity is funded does not affect your eligibility, you just need to consider which category you fall under.

13. Do we need to supply information against all six criteria in the application form?

No, however you should remember that this is a competitive application and you are advised to provide as much information as possible (within the word limits) to illustrate how your project addresses what the judges are looking for. Judges will be paying particular attention to value for money and impact.

14. What will happen after our application has been submitted to the ABCs?

A short list of applicants will be agreed by an independent panel of judges. All applicants will be advised whether or not their application has been short listed during by the end of October 2009. A learning event and awards ceremony will be held in central London in December 2009 to share good practice and celebrate in your successes. Winners and commended projects, schemes and volunteers or founders will be announced at the awards ceremony.

15. Applying for an award seems like a lot of effort when I might not win. Is there any point?

Although competition is fierce the judging process is fair and transparent, so if you meet the criteria you have as good a chance as any other organisation. All applicants are invited to the learning event and awards ceremony. In 2009 a number of people applied just so they could attend this event. If you are not sure about how well your project meets the criteria or whether it is eligible, you can contact the ABC team for advice.

16. We have applied twice now but still haven't had any success, should we try again?

Every year each project submitted is considered on its individual merits, so if your project meets the criteria you have as much a chance of being commended or winning as any other project. You may want to consider how closely you met the criteria in pervious years and whether there is more relevant information you could add.