The Awards for Bridging Cultures (ABCs) which are launched for the first time this year, will reward grassroots, community and voluntary organisations for local schemes and projects which promote intercultural dialogue and understanding across the United Kingdom. Furthermore it will also reward public and private sector organisations for initiating and supporting such schemes. The ABCs are funded by the Baring Foundation and delivered by the Institute of Community Cohesion (iCoCo). A participation could be interesting for streetfootballworld Network Members from the United Kingdom.

The ABCs seek projects across the United Kingdom that actively work to achieve cultural change by building understanding and awareness. The funding organisations of the Awards are aware of the fact that community sports, culture, interfaith and education projects bring people together from different backgrounds, age groups and cultures to find a common purpose in shared activities. Therefore the ABCs will highlight these schemes, reward the people and organisations that are leading and investing in them and share good practice.

HOW TO APPLY

The awards are donated with cash prizes up to £ 10,000, amongst other prizes and benefits. A set of general criteria applies to submissions:

1. The type of interaction and resulting impact on interculturality
2. The range of cultures / participants engaged in the scheme
3. The benefits to different communities
4. Costs of the scheme
5. Sustainability of the scheme
6. The potential of the scheme as a role model for other organisations

Organisations can submit applications for more than one project/scheme. The deadline for receipt of all applications is 5pm on Wednesday 1st October 2008. Only organisations based in the United Kingdom can participate.

For further information and application forms, please visit: www.bridgingcultures.org.uk