FAQs for 2026 Prize
Q. We nominated a philanthropist for the last prize in 2022, can we enter the Achates
Philanthropy Prize again in 2026?
A. Entries are open to all cultural organisations, including those who have nominated in
previous years. The 2026 entry must outline a new nomination to fit within the 12
month criteria.
Q. Can we make a nomination for both the individual and corporate prizes?
A. Yes. Each organisation can make one nomination in each category.
Q. How do you define a first gift to culture?
A. A gift to culture from a philanthropist or business who has not previously given in a
meaningful way to the nominating organisation in the past.
Q. Can we nominate a philanthropist or company who made their gift prior
to the last 12-month period?
A. No. The gift must have been received within the last 12-month period to qualify for
the 2026 prize; discretion will be given at the approval of the judges where it can be
shown that a pledge has been received but the funds have not yet been paid.
Q. Can we nominate an individual and business in the same application?
A. Whilst we realise that some philanthropy might comprise a mix of both an
individual’s personal wealth and a contribution through their own business, it must be
made clear whether you are nominating for the individual or corporate award. Although
organisations can make two nominations, one each for the individual and corporate award,
where this is the case the nominated philanthropist or company must be distinct.
Q. How do you define different donation size, type and form?
A. We recognise that philanthropic giving is proportional to an individual’s wealth or a
business’s profit, which is why we would like to encourage nominations for significant
and meaningful first-time gifts, which might not qualify as a major gift for an
organisation, but may be recognised as such by the donor. We also actively seek
nominations which recognise philanthropists and businesses giving in innovative and
interesting ways and might include the gift of time or resources, as well as unique
partnerships and consortia models or community group approaches such as a group of
individual donors working together.
Q. The philanthropist/business I would like to nominate would rather
remain anonymous, can we still submit an entry?
A. We understand that some donors may not wish their generosity to be publicised.
The aim of the prize is to raise awareness of the arts as charities and secondly to tell
stories that develop an awareness that anyone can be philanthropist and that it's a
rewarding thing to do. We feel a great driver for championing this message is complete
transparency. But, if your donor is happy for us to tell their story if they win, then it’s
fine for them to remain anonymous. It may be helpful to be aware that our previous
winners have not received any unsolicited asks for support and have greatly enjoyed
the experience.
Q. What is the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation?
A. The Cultural Philanthropy Foundation is a national charity which champions culture as a dynamic force for change.
Through campaigning, research and thought leadership, we raise awareness of culture’s vital contribution to society,
advocate for new approaches to cultural funding and a more inclusive, resilient future for the arts.
The Achates Philanthropy Prize is a national campaign to promote giving to culture, with
nominating organisations encouraged to use the Achates Philanthropy Prize as a
campaign tool to tell their fundraising stories and raise awareness locally. Achates
is the headline sponsor of the Prize, demonstrating how a business can
be philanthropic in an innovative way, and the Prize is also supported by an anonymous donor.
Q. Can we use the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation, Achates Philanthropy
Prize, or sponsor logos to promote the competition and our nomination?
A. All related party names can be used to promote the Achates Philanthropy Prize, and
all logos for the Achates Philanthropy Prize and the Cultural Philanthropy Foundation
can be used for this explicit purpose, with the understanding that they are neither
licensed nor owned by third parties as a part of this process. All copyright of such
images and use of sponsor names remains at the express discretion of each respective
owner, permissions may be suspended or stopped without warning. Full details on the
use of this material will be outlined in our press and PR
toolkit, to be shared with nominating organisations.
Q. Can a cultural organisation nominate its own associated charity?
A. The prize aims to celebrate businesses, and individuals or trusts, who have made
their first philanthropic donation to a cultural organisation in the last 12 months. As a
charitable subsidiary does not represent active philanthropic giving in this sense, we
are not able to proceed with any nominations made on this basis.
Q. My query hasn’t been answered, where do I direct further questions?
A. Please direct any further questions to sally@culturalphilanthropyfoundation.co.uk