Following an earlier grant from the ScottishPower Foundation, Brass Bands England (BBE) has made the shortlist for this year’s ScottishPower Foundation Awards.
Nominated in both the Innovation and Charity Champion categories, BBE joins just three other organisations in each category up for the title, carefully selected by a judging panel consisting of industry and media experts.
For the Innovation Award, BBE has been nominated for its collaborative pairing programme, Elevate. Currently in its third round, Elevate sees brass bands of all abilities looking to challenge their normal performance practice being paired with an artist who will support them to explore new ideas, genres and ways of working.
In the Charity Champion category, BBE’s Chair Mike Kilroy has been nominated in recognition of his continued guidance and leadership of Brass Bands England. Mike’s time as Chair of BBE has seen him taking the charity from a period of immense uncertainty, to a national recognised, sustainable organisation with a growing membership and ambitious creative programme.
About the Awards
The Foundation’s aim is to make a significant and lasting contribution to society and enhance the quality of life in local communities. It provides funding to registered charities and non-profit organisations for the advancement of education; environmental protection; the arts, heritage, culture, or science; citizenship and community development; and the prevention or relief of poverty and the relief of those in need by reason of disability or other disadvantages.
Its Awards celebrate the projects and organisations that the Foundation funds. In its tenth year, this year’s Awards shortlist contains thirteen remarkable projects in the running for special recognition across four categories. Winners will be awarded £10,000 to support their vital work, and each category’s runners-up will receive £5,000.
Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: “The ScottishPower Foundation is so proud to recognise this diverse group of outstanding charities for their continued hard work and dedication to the communities they serve.
“These outstanding individuals and organisations work tirelessly to provide opportunities to those in need, conserve our planet and celebrate our shared histories. This year’s finalists are driving meaningful change, and they serve as exemplary models of the positive impact that ScottishPower Foundation funding can achieve.”
Members of the BBE team are looking forward to meeting and learning from other organisations at the Awards Ceremony in Glasgow on 11 November, where the winners will be revealed.