Launched in 2016, the Achates Philanthropy Prize is the national campaign to promote the democratisation of cultural philanthropy. Now in its eighth cycle, the Prize celebrates first-time supporters of culture, nominated by the cultural charities themselves, across the UK in two categories:

• The Individual Philanthropy Award celebrates individuals or trusts making their first gift to a cultural organisation, at any level of giving and across all art forms.

• The Corporate Support Award recognises first-time corporate support of cultural organisations, through financial or in-kind support including skills sharing, network growth and advocacy.

Key Dates & Details

• Nominations open soon (late May 2026)

• Eligibility: UK cultural charities of any size

• Shortlist Announced: September 2026

• Awards Ceremony: November 2026 at Southbank Centre

• Categories: Individual Philanthropy and Corporate Support

• Prize: £5,000 to each winning organisation

Winners are selected by an independent judging panel of cultural sector leaders, funders and academics, to be announced this Spring. Each winning organisation receives a £5,000 prize and their philanthropist or corporate partner becomes the annual custodian of the Prize sculpture by Peter Brooke-Ball MRBS. Previous nominated and winning organisations have included Battersea Arts Centre, Cardboard Citizens, Ministry of Stories, Scottish Ballet, The Roundhouse, Spread the Word and The Women's Prize Trust.

Nominations open in late May 202stay tuned!