How to write a winning awards entry

Charity awards are powerful tools for recognition and impact. For charity teams, they boost morale and allow time for celebration of achievements. For supporters, awards showcase the real-world difference their time, donations, and energy have made, reinforcing their connection to the cause they care about. And for the organization as a whole, awards create valuable visibility, helping attract new audiences, unlock funding opportunities, and amplify the charity’s mission within the broader community.  

For charities, there are many different awards schemes to enter, each with different criteria and entry requirements. The .ORG Impact Awards (OIAs), hosted by Public Interest Registry (PIR), annually recognizes and celebrates the work and achievements of charities who work tirelessly to make a difference in their communities. 

The OIAs, now in their seventh year, invite entries from charities with .org domain names across the world, along seven different categories, including Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, Environmental Stewardship, and Community Building.  Recent winners include educational charity Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and anti-slavery charity Hope for Justice, who won the .ORG of the Year grand prize in 2024 and 2023 respectively.  

What both Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation and Hope for Justice were able to do successfully was tell their story in a way that resonated with the judges. They shared powerful narratives of impact and progress, showing how they were able to take action to achieve more for their mission.  

We understand that pulling together this narrative can feel tricky – particularly for charities who have limited time and resources to commit to the necessary reflection. Fortunately, most award schemes, like the .ORG Impact  Awards, will provide an entry kit. We highly recommend charities study these to ensure their entries provide exactly what the awards schemes are looking for. Many entries may otherwise fall at the first hurdle, having failed to demonstrate what judges are looking for. 

The 2025 .ORG Impact Awards are open for entry from 23 April until June 4. To help charities prepare their entries, we explore some top tips below for creating a winning awards entry, as shared by PIR.  

Find out more about the .ORG Impact Awards

What does a winning award entry look like? 

Be authentic – your mission is yours to illustrate

Your organisation’s story is unique, and your mission is personal. A compelling entry should reflect that. Show your passion, your purpose, and the real voices behind your work. The judges want to understand not just what you did, but why it mattered and how it connects to your larger goals. Don’t be afraid to highlight the heart of your work—this is your opportunity to illustrate why your mission matters and how you’re making a difference. 

Be sure to select the category that best aligns with your core focus and where you can most clearly demonstrate meaningful, measurable impact. Then, create a thoughtful entry that connects your mission to real-world outcomes. 

Tell a story 

PIR recommends compiling your awards entry as if you’re telling a story – begin with the challenges you faced and end with how you overcame them. Remember the judges might not be familiar with your charity work and history, so ensure you give them a complete picture of the situation, putting your wins in context.  

Tailor your entry to the category requirements, to make sure you’re answering all the judges’ questions, and make it easy and engaging to read. The more engaging your entry is, the easier it is to keep the judges’ attention. 

Focus on results 

Be specific about your results. Show clearly what your charity was able to achieve and provide backup materials to support your summary. As PIR notes, “It will give the judges a chance to see your nominee’s work and how that was translated into action.” Essentially, make sure your results match up to your goals when telling your story.  

If you mention a program or milestone in your submission, include documentation such as photos, data, and testimonials, whatever helps make your impact unignorable. “The judges are looking for evidence of your nominee’s hard work, so be sure to show it off!” 

Awards programs, like the .ORG Impact Awards, shine a spotlight on your impact, energize your mission, and remind your team — and the world —why the work you do matters. Don’t miss the chance to be recognized! 

Apply to the .ORG Impact Awards today at orgimpactawards.org.

Apply here