Make a Difference Awards 2026 opens nominations for local heroes

The BBC has launched the 2026 Make a Difference Awards and opened nominations, with entries closing at 17:00 GMT on 31 March and winners to be announced at events in September.

The BBC has launched the 2026 Make a Difference Awards to recognise people and groups who support their communities. Broadcaster Gaby Roslin opened nominations on The One Show alongside BBC Radio Scotland presenter Michelle McManus and some past winners. BBC director of nations Rhuanedd Richards described the awards as a reminder of kindness and community spirit across the UK. Nominations close at 17:00 GMT on 31 March and winners will be announced at BBC local and nations radio events in September. Key details: - Nominations are open for the 2026 Make a Difference Awards and close at 17:00 GMT on 31 March. - Winners will be announced in September at Make a Difference Awards events hosted by BBC local and nations radio stations. - More than 12,500 people were nominated in the previous year since the awards began in 2022. - Past winners include 11-year-old Frazer Tibbitts, who won a Young Hero award for creating audio match reactions that support blind listeners. - Other highlighted winners include Berkshire Birds of Prey (Animal Award) and Janet Willonfer (Green Award), who donated over 4,000 trees from her garden. - The awards cover eight categories, including Volunteer, Community Group, Fundraiser, Young Hero, Great Neighbour, Active, Environmental, and Animal. Summary: The awards highlight volunteerism and community initiatives across the UK and bring national and local BBC teams together to tell these stories. Winners will be revealed in September at regional events, and the nomination window closes on 31 March; Undetermined at this time.