It is time to nominate and celebrate the individuals who make a positive difference to lives and communities across North Kesteven through kind consideration and voluntary endeavour. Following Volunteers' Week, nominations are now invited for this year's NK Community Champion Awards, backed by community-minded businesses in the district and coordinated by North Kesteven District Council (NKDC).
How to Nominate
If you know an unsung hero who deserves recognition, you can honour them by submitting a nomination at www.NKawards.org. The awards feature 11 categories, aiming to champion all forms of voluntary action carried out tirelessly, quietly, and selflessly for the benefit of people and communities in North Kesteven.
This could include supporting neighbours, contributing to a sports club, picking litter, maintaining paths, aiding those in need, freely contributing in myriad ways, changing lifestyles and business practices to reduce climate impacts, or going above and beyond in any way that brings broad benefit or community enrichment.
Award Categories
- Community Spirit
- Young Achiever
- Community Business
- Community Group
- Contributions to climate action, arts and culture, sport, a better environment, and health and wellbeing
- Good Neighbour
- Longstanding Contribution to a single group or organisation
History and Impact
Since 2011, the Community Champion Awards have celebrated a vast array of amazing activities undertaken daily in North Kesteven. The council wants to continue acknowledging, celebrating, and championing these individuals and groups—and needs your help through nominations.
Nominations can be made online at www.NKawards.org, where more details and a downloadable physical form are available. The deadline for nominations is September 14, ahead of a ceremony in mid-November. There are also opportunities for businesses to sponsor award categories by emailing champions@n-kesteven.gov.uk.
Council Leader's Call to Action
Councillor Richard Wright, Leader of North Kesteven District Council, said: "Every year we are thrilled and proud to be able to celebrate the huge amount of voluntary community endeavour and many acts of thoughtful kindness that characterise local life within North Kesteven. All volunteers are champions of their community through what they do, and through your nominations we seek to applaud and award them.
"Over the 15 years of these awards, we've recognised the activities of more than 400 individuals, groups, and organisations as finalists and celebrated the voluntary endeavours of well over 1,000 nominees, all of whom have impressed and impacted positively on the lives of others and entire communities.
"We encourage as many people as possible to nominate deserving community-minded individuals and groups who enhance our district. Their contributions in making our communities happier, healthier, and more supportive places to live are inestimable, and it is always brilliant hearing their stories at our annual NK Community Champion Awards celebration.
"As essential as the nominators are in bringing such good works to our attention, it is only through the generosity and goodwill of our sponsors that we can turn this spotlight onto our volunteers. I extend a massive thank you to all the sponsors over the years who help make this fantastic event possible."
Sponsors for 2026
Already confirmed sponsors for 2026 include: Lindum Group; MKM Building Supplies; Sleaford Renewable Energy Plant/Schroders Greencoat; Better, the council's leisure partner; Hub Sleaford, the council's arts centre and awards event venue; Equans, which is delivering sustainability enhancements to council houses; and Ian Williams, one of the council's housing repair partners. There is always room for more sponsors.
