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We are delighted to announce the winners of the VSNW Funding and Commissioning Awards 2025, recognising organisations and individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to fair, collaborative and values driven practice across the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector.
The awards showcase funders and commissioners who enable the sector to thrive through trust, flexibility, partnership and a genuine understanding of community need. Every nomination came directly from VCFSE organisations, reflecting real experiences of strong relationships and high quality practice across the region.
The standard of nominations was exceptional this year. The panel saw clear evidence of organisations that truly listen, adapt and work alongside the sector in a way that supports long term sustainability and positive community impact.
Winner: Cheshire Community Foundation
Cheshire Community Foundation (CCF) was recognised for its long term vision and deep understanding of the local charitable landscape. Nominated by Visyon, CCF was praised for its multi year funding, transparent processes and ability to reduce administrative burden for applicants through initiatives such as the South Cheshire Funders model. Their commitment to supporting financial resilience during the cost of living crisis and their focus on funding where need is greatest made them stand out as an exemplary funder.
Highly commended: The Westminster Foundation
The Westminster Foundation received a highly commended award following a nomination from Koala NW. The Foundation was celebrated for its five year commitment to early years work in Chester and for its partnership led approach that values openness, respectful communication and genuine collaboration. Their Grants Manager, Caroline Da Cunha, was highlighted for her consistent, thoughtful and supportive engagement with funded organisations.
Winner: Alison Connelly, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Nominated by We Are Survivors, Alison Connelly was recognised for her long standing leadership within the criminal justice system and her unwavering commitment to ensuring the VCFSE sector is included in every commissioning conversation. Her work championing victims, creating accessible funding routes and bringing together small pots of money to unlock greater reach was widely praised. Alison’s ability to advocate for the sector in spaces where it is often absent makes her a true leader in collaborative commissioning.
Highly commended: Sefton Council Public Health Team
Sefton Council’s Public Health Team received a highly commended award for its significant role as a national pioneer in neighbourhood health development. Their focus on prevention, partnership and embedding the VCFSE sector in local models of care demonstrates strong and forward looking commissioning practice.
Winner: Jane Roberts, NHS Greater Manchester
Jane Roberts, nominated by The Energise Centre at The Big Life Group, was celebrated for her clear values, openness and dedication to championing the VCFSE sector within health settings. Jane’s work helps organisations articulate the difference they make to people’s lives, particularly those with long term health conditions. Her advocacy for prevention, her transparent communication style and her commitment to sustainable partnerships highlight her as an exceptional commissioner within the NHS.
The awards reflect the innovative and collaborative approaches emerging across the North West. They highlight examples of best practice that support a stronger, more sustainable and more equitable funding and commissioning environment for the VCFSE sector. We extend our warmest congratulations to all finalists, nominees and winners. Their leadership demonstrates the impact that can be achieved when funders and commissioners work with the sector, listen closely and invest in long term community relationships.
