Derby Impact Awards 2026 Applications Now Open
Celebrating the people and organisations changing Derby for the better.
The Derby Impact Awards recognise businesses, charities, social enterprises, community organisations and individuals creating meaningful social, environmental and economic impact across Greater Derby.
Applications are open from Monday 7 September until 5pm Monday 26 October 2026.
Email for support making an application.
The Awards Event takes place on:
Thursday 19 November 2026, 6–9pm, The Library on the Wardwick.
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Who Can Apply?
You can apply if you are:
- Based in the Greater Derby area: Derby City, Amber Valley, Erewash, South Derbyshire and Derbyshire Dales.
OR
- Creating a positive impact for people or communities within Greater Derby.
Applications are welcomed from businesses, charities, social enterprises, impact ventures, community organisations and individuals.
You do not need to be a large or well-established organisation. What matters is that you can clearly explain the change you are trying to create and provide evidence or examples of the difference your work is making.
The Categories
- Enterprising Charity of the Year sponsored by P3 Charity Group
- Impact Business of the Year
- Creative & Cultural Impact Venture of the Year
- B-Corp of the Year
- New Start Impact Venture
- Environmental Impact Award
- Impact Innovation Award
- Neurodivergence Impact Venture sponsored by Sunshine Support
- Social Entrepreneur of the Year sponsored by P3 Charity Group
- Social Enterprise/Impact Venture of the Year sponsored by Nimbus Disability
How to Apply
Complete the online application form or a
- Review the award categories and choose the one that best reflects your work.
- Complete the online application form or email for accessibility support.
- Tell us what you do, the impact you want to create and what has changed because of your work.
- Include evidence, results or a short example that helps bring your impact to life.
- Download the application preparation guide to draft your answers before completing the form.
- Submit your application by 5pm Monday 26 October 2026.
Showcase your organisation at the Derby Impact Awards
What’s included?
For £75, your organisation receives:
- Two tickets to attend the awards.
- Dedicated exhibition space to showcase your organisation.
- Your printed promotional material included with the event brochure given to every attendee.
Whether you want to promote your services, share your impact or connect with people who share your purpose, this package gives you a presence at an evening celebrating positive change across Derby.
Book your exhibition space
Spaces are limited. To book or find out more, email keith@socventures.org.uk.
Why the Awards Matter
The Derby Impact Awards are more than a celebration. They help raise the profile of social impact in Derby, strengthen connections between organisations, and showcase the people creating real economic and community value across the city.
The 2025 awards showed that recognition matters.
Winners reported increased visibility, stronger credibility, new partnerships, fresh enquiries, and a real boost in confidence for their teams.
Nimbus Disability Strategic Partner
We are proud to announce that Nimbus Disability has become Strategic Partner for the Derby Impact Awards 2026.
Nimbus Disability is one of the UK's leading disability consultancy and accreditation organisations, helping businesses and public services improve accessibility and inclusion.
Their support represents a significant endorsement of the Awards and our shared commitment to creating a more inclusive, enterprising and impactful Derby and Derbyshire.
Martin Austin MBE, Managing Director of Nimbus Disability, said:
"The Derby Impact Awards shine a light on the incredible organisations and individuals making a real difference in our communities. We are proud to support an event that celebrates innovation, inclusion and social impact."
Our Speakers
Mayor Claire Ward
Mayor of the East Midlands Combined County Authority, representing Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.
Martin Austin MBE
Founder and Managing Director of Nimbus Disability, one of the UK's leading disability equality organisations.
Catherine Atkinson MP
Member of Parliament for Derby North, Catherine is a strong supporter of organisations creating positive social impact.
Mark Simms OBE
Chief Executive of P3 Charity and former Interim Chair of the Charity Commission.
Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE
His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire and the King's representative in the county.
Sonam Sandhu
Founder of Manasi Foundation and winner of the New Start Impact Venture Award 2025.
2025 Impact Awards by the Numbers
Award Sponsors
We are delighted to welcome:
Sunshine Support as sponsor of the Neurodivergence Impact Venture Award
P3 Charity Group as sponsor of both Enterprising Charity of the Year and Social Entrepreneur of the Year.
Enspired Consulting as sponsor of the New Start Social Venture of the Year
Their support will help us recognise and celebrate the organisations and individuals creating meaningful and lasting change across Greater Derby.
If you'd like to sponsor an award get in touch.
Our Design Partners
We're delighted to announce Firecatcher as the official Design Partner for the Derby Impact Awards 2026.
Firecatcher will be working with us to create the visual identity and design materials for this year's awards, helping us showcase the incredible organisations and individuals making a difference across Derby.
Their creativity, professionalism and commitment to supporting organisations with purpose make them the perfect partner for this year's event.
Thank you to Firecatcher for supporting the Derby Impact Awards and helping us celebrate Derby as a true City of Impact.