Called the ‘Nobel Prize of the Charity World’ by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, the 2008 Beacon Prize is now open for nominations.

With the aim of encouraging a culture of giving in the UK by uncovering and recognising extraordinary achievements in the world of charity, the prize is to honour individuals who have made a significant charitable contribution in giving time, money or skills to a specific cause.

Previous winners include philanthropists Sigrid Rausing, Tom Hunter, Dame Stephanie Shirley and Dr Frederick Mulder.

The Beacon Fellowship Charitable Trust, together with the government’s Cabinet Office, UBS Wealth Management and The Vodafone UK Foundation, is urging people throughout the UK to nominate inspirational individuals.

There are awards in five categories and additional regional prizes for England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Winners will be invited to attend a gala evening in London where the overall prize winner will receive £30,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.

Categories for nomination include Leadership, Community Builder, Creative Giving, New Initiatives and Young Philanthropist.

Nominations close on 1 May 2008. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Beacon Fellowship website. Alternatively, you can email enquiries@beaconfellowship.org.uk or telephone 020 7203 8290.