The Awards Panel reviews all submissions from which a shortlist is drawn up. Short-listed projects for The Innovation for Living Award, The Inspirational Homes Award and The Patron’s Award* will be visited by Committee members.
Message from Simon Pott, Chair of the Awards Panel
“This time of year brings the Awards Panel immense excitement as we look forward to receiving your submissions for almshouse projects completed during the preceding year. Recent entries have demonstrated a remarkable range of achievements, from innovative planning and financing to high quality collaborations with local authorities.
Projects have encompassed everything from Grade I, II*and II listed properties to smaller, newer and more modest developments, reflecting the diversity of resources and ambitions among our members.
Some almshouse charities focus on individual homes, while others undertake large scale developments, each
offering valuable lessons and inspiration. In addition to providing a wonderful platform to celebrate the vitality
of the almshouse movement, the Awards also allow us to compile a catalogue of exemplary projects to guide
and inspire other charities.
We encourage enthusiasm, energy and enterprise. Do not hesitate to share what you have achieved, the
challenges you have faced, the obstacles you have overcome and the successes of your hard work.
Each entry is carefully reviewed for potential recognition with an Almshouse Association Award or the
prestigious Almshouse Association Royal Patron’s Award. Submission templates and guidelines are available
on our website.
Early in 2026, the panel will personally visit shortlisted projects, with each site visit designed to provide both
insight and enrichment. Following these visits, the Awards Panel deliberates on the shortlisted projects and
nominates Awards accordingly. Projects meeting our Royal Patron’s criteria are then recommended to
HM King Charles III for his final consideration for a Patron’s Award.
Every submission is valuable and we sincerely thank you for taking the time to prepare and share your work.
We eagerly await your entries!”
Simon Pott | Awards Panel Chairman
ASSESSMENT OF APPLICATIONS
1. AWARDS VISITS
The format for visits to shortlisted projects usually includes:
- A presentation by the trustees, based on the application. The architect and any other consultants should also be present
- Tour of the project with the opportunity to meet residents
- General discussion with trustees and any attending consultants
2. THE PATRON’S AWARD*
From the award-winning recipients of The Innovation for Living Award and The Inspirational Homes Award, a second shortlist is selected by the Awards Panel which will then be put forward for the Patron’s Award. The Patron’s Award is judged wholly by our Royal Patron and is not always awarded every year. Additional elements that the panel may take into account are referenced in the Patron’s Award Design Brief here.
Please note: The Patron’s Award Design Brief will be updated to reflect the changes within the Monarchy in due course.
The Patron’s Award is made to the trustees of an almshouse charity considered to have completed an outstanding project in the previous calendar year. For the purposes of this award, completion is when almshouses are occupied or other facilities are brought into use. An extension of one year will be considered for projects completed towards the end of a calendar year. Where the trustees have employed the services of a Consultant from the Association’s Panel, they will also receive a certificate signed by our Royal Patron. The Patron’s Award logo will also be placed after the Consultant’s name in the Association’s Annual Report and on the Association’s website.
3. THE PATRON’S AWARD PLAQUE AND CERTIFICATE
The Award plaque has been designed by The Prince’s Foundation. It consists of a cast bronze plaque to be placed on the building. Award winning charities also receive a certificate signed by our Royal Patron.
4. THE ALMSHOUSE ASSOCIATION AWARDS
All Charities receiving an award will be presented with an Award certificate, signed by the Chair of the Association, at the next scheduled Almshouse Association event.
5. PUBLICITY
Awards will be published in the Association’s Annual Report, the Almshouses Gazette, on The Almshouse Association website and our social media accounts. The Almshouse Association (and/or anyone /company /agency working on their behalf) reserves the right to make use of any and all pictures submitted or taken in connection with The Almshouse Association Awards in and/or for any lawful promotional materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, flyers, posters, brochures, advertisements, fundraising letters, annual reports, press kits and submissions to journalists, websites, social networking sites and other print and digital communications, without payment or any other consideration. This authorisation extends to all languages, media, formats and markets now known or later discovered. This authorisation shall continue indefinitely, unless otherwise revoked in writing. The right to inspect or approve any finished product including written or electronic copy is waived by the charity, as well as the right to any royalties or other compensation arising or related to the use of the photographs.
6. TIMETABLE
The closing date for applications for projects completed in 2025 to reach The Almshouse Association is 30th January 2026.
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