BEACON HUNTS FOR ASIAN CHARITY HEROES
(1 July 2004)

The Beacon Fellowship has launched its search for this year's winner of the Beacon Prize which is awarded to any individual who has made a significant contribution to charity, whether through resources, time or specialist skills. The winner will receive £20,000 to donate to the charity of their choice. This year, there will also be regional shortlists to honour the most inspiring givers from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England.

The Beacon Prize aims to celebrate and raise the profile of giving in the UK by giving recognition to those who make an outstanding contribution to charity.

Emily Stonor, Chief Executive of Beacon said: "Last year, the Beacon Prize showed that the UK has some tremendous hidden assets. We received hundreds of nominations and discovered some real 21st century community heroes and role models - from a 15 year old girl who raised £12,000 for Afghan Refugees to a former MP who has volunteered for 40 years at a charitable foundation that fights for the rights of the poor in the UK."

David Charters, Chair of Trustees stated: "The success of last year shows that the public wants to celebrate and honour the dedication and contribution that individuals in their community make to charity. Our theme this year is 'shining a light on charity heroes'. So if there is someone in your area who has made an outstanding contribution to charity, whether its time, energy, money, skills or talent, then please nominate them."

NOMINATIONS INVITED

Charities, voluntary and community organisations and the general public may nominate an individual for a prize. The six nomination categories for the Beacon Prize are:

- The Beacon Prize for Leadership
- The Beacon Prize for New Initiatives
- The Beacon Prize for Creative Giving
- The Beacon Prize for Risk Taking
- The Beacon Prize for Young Philanthropist
- The Beacon Prize for Community Builder

In addition, the independent panel of judges in 2004 will be reviewing nominations received for the 6 categories above, with a view to awarding Judges' Special Prizes. Special focus in 2004 will be on The Most Generous Celebrity, The Most Generous Business Leader and The Most Generous Young Person (up to 18 years old). Judges will be looking for demonstrated generosity of spirit, inspiration, ingenuity and involvement whether with time, money, skills or ideas. Nominations for the Beacon Prize 2004 must be received by the 1st October, 2004. Only the first 2,000 nominations received will be considered for the Beacon Prize 2004. Nomination forms are available on Beacon's website www.beaconfellowship.org.uk or from Beacon: 12 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4RB. Tel: 020 7849 6550.

Last year, the prize-giving ceremony was held at No. 11 Downing Street at an event hosted by Rt. Hon Gordon Brown, MP, Chancellor. Talking about the Beacon Prize Mr Brown added his support, saying: "You may call it the Oscars of the charity world, but it may be better to call it the Nobel Prizes of the charity world."

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