The call for entries for the 29th round of the “Benefactor of the Year” competition, which for years has been recognizing companies and corporate foundations that are genuinely involved in social activities, has begun. Entries can be submitted until February 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
The “Benefactor of the Year” competition is a unique opportunity to recognize businesses that take responsibility for their environment, support local communities, respond to social and environmental challenges, build lasting partnerships with non-governmental organizations, and strengthen the social resilience of local communities. The organizers invite social organizations and companies themselves to submit nominations.
How to submit a candidate?
- Applications are accepted only through the electronic application generator.
- Application forms and the Competition Rules
Categories – a wide range of social activities
In the 29th round of the Competition, non-governmental organizations can nominate companies and corporate foundations in the following categories:
- Culture and education – projects supporting education, the development of future skills, equal opportunities, and cultural activities (excluding sponsorship).
- Local partnerships – cooperation between a company and an NGO for the benefit of local communities, especially in rural communities and municipalities with up to 50,000 inhabitants.
- Environmental and climate protection – pro-environmental initiatives, climate action, sustainable use of resources, and nature conservation.
- Openness to diversity – projects that build an inclusive culture and support various social groups.
- Social and charitable assistance – activities for people in difficult life situations, the sick, the disabled, and those at risk of exclusion.
- Healthy lifestyle – initiatives promoting physical and mental health, preventive healthcare, and physical activity (excluding sports sponsorship).
- Good cooperation between business and non-governmental organizations – exemplary partnerships based on the quality of relationships and the principles of good cooperation.
Companies, on the other hand, can apply independently in the category:
- Employee volunteering – volunteer programs and initiatives carried out with the participation of employees, including skill-based volunteering.
If you know a company that is making a real difference in its community, nominate it for the title of “Benefactor of the Year 2026”. This is not only a prestigious award, but also an important signal that responsible business matters.
The competition is organized by the Academy for the Development of Philanthropy in Poland and funded by Polish-American Freedom Foundation.
The correctness of the procedures is supervised by EY.
Competition partners: Business Centre Club, Donors Forum, Responsible Business Forum, Lewiatan Confederation, Employers of Poland, UN Global Compact Network Poland.
Media patrons of the competition: “Integracja”, marketingprzykawie.pl, niepełnosprawni.pl, ngo.pl, odpowiedzialnybiznes.pl, oesg.pl, RaportCSR.pl, XBW Ignacy Krasicki Foundation, Witryna Wiejska.
