Poverty fighting organisations which are working to reverse social breakdown are being offered the chance to pick up £10,000 and an award which will recognise their work.

The new Centre for Social Justice awards are open to organisations and groups across the country ahead of the awards ceremony in July.

To date, 64 organisations have received awards in front of an influential audience made up of celebrities, politicians, voluntary sector experts and the media.

Though the work and methods of these winning organisations vary greatly, they share a desire to change lives that is driven by conviction and motivated by compassion, believing that breakthrough is possible in even the toughest situations. The judging panel, composed of leading voluntary sector practitioners and experts, assess applicants on the effectiveness and innovation of their approach to tackling difficult social problems.

Previous winners say, receiving a CSJ Award raises profile, enhances legitimacy and can improve fundraising potential.

For information about how to apply, or to nominate an organisation you think deserves a CSJ Award, go to www.csjawards.org

The deadline for applications is 22 February 2010.