Smartchange is proud to be sponsoring The Guardian Charity Awards 2005. This will be the fourth time that Smartchange have sponsored the awards, which recognise and encourage small charities that are making an outstanding contribution to social welfare in the community.

Five winners will each be awarded with £6,000 from NatWest and The Royal Bank of Scotland and a brand new PC from Smartchange.

David Brindle, public services editor, the Guardian will chair the distinguished judging panel featuring Vinay Khosla, managing director, Vivid Orange (providers of the Smartchange service); Tracy Betts, head of social economy banking, NatWest & The Royal Bank of Scotland; Naomi Eisenstadt, chief executive of Sure Start; Stuart Etherington, chief executive, NCVO; and Baroness Valerie Howarth.

The Guardian Charity Awards 2005 are open to UK social welfare charities that can demonstrate excellence and achievement in what they do. Eligible charities must also have been registered in the UK for more than two years and have an annual income of between £5,000 and £1 million.

The closing date for entries is 5pm Friday 9th September 2005.

The winners will be announced in prestigious award ceremony in December 2005.

To apply or for more information please visit: societyguardian.co.uk/charityawards