ACO Annual Awards 2025
Proudly sponsored by Family Fund Business Services, the ACO Annual Awards 2025 celebrated the outstanding achievements of benevolent and grant-giving charities at our Annual Conference on 18 September.
These awards shine a spotlight on the creativity, compassion, and innovation across our community. From small volunteer-run organisations to national charities, from inspiring campaigns to pioneering collaborations, this year’s winners demonstrate the powerful impact our sector is making to support people through crisis.
Small Charity of the Year
Winner: BOSS Business Supplies Charity
“With an inspiring philosophy and approach, this volunteer-run organisation has achieved outstanding results. By educating others, they empower people to learn, grow, and support themselves — a model of lasting impact and self-sufficiency.”
Charity of the Year
Winner: Care Workers’ Charity
“Through strong advocacy, this group has challenged the sector to think differently about how it supports its people. Their innovative collaborations and powerful discussions with key influencers have pushed a clear agenda and driven meaningful change for the workforce.”
Campaign of the Year
Winner: The Drinks Trust
“With contemporary thinking that delivers immediate impact and support, this charity is also laying the foundations for long-term change. Their multi-dimensional approach ensures they meet today’s needs while driving a movement for the future.”
Charity Collaboration of the Year
Winner: The Solicitors’ Charity with LawCare
“This longstanding partnership continues to innovate and modernise the support offered to its beneficiaries, setting the standard for contemporary thinking across the sector.”
Commercial Collaboration of the Year
Winner: National Benevolent Charity with Lightning Reach, Cash Perks and Crowdfunder
“The National Benevolent Charity has built an innovative, multi-faceted partnership born from real need — a powerful example of collaboration creating greater impact.”
Judges’ commendation: ScotsCare and BGPS
Impactful Grant of the Year
Winner: MND Association
“MND has shown real courage in providing cost-of-living grants when they are needed most — ensuring no one has to justify their need for dignity, warmth, and basic comfort.”
Charity Leader of the Year
Winner: Sara Smith, Head of Operations, Naval Children’s Charity
“Sara shows that leadership exists at every level. As Head of Operations at the Naval Children’s Charity, she has made a lasting difference, earning admiration from colleagues, clients, and becoming a true role model.”
Outstanding Achievement Award
Winner: Terri Jeynes, Support Services Manager, Cavell
“Celebrating 10 years at Cavell, Terri has been described as a driving force for innovation — improving the charity’s effectiveness and deepening its impact on those it supports.”
Congratulations to all of our winners and nominees! Your work continues to inspire and drive forward the impact of benevolent and grant-giving charities across the UK and world.