This award celebrates an individual in the mid stage of their charity finance or operations career who is already making a big difference.
They drive positive change, lift others, and show the leadership qualities that will shape the future of our sector. They lead others with compassion and they put values at the heart of their decision-making.
We welcome nominations from any size charity. Role titles might include Finance Manager, Operations Manager, Financial Controller, Management Accountant, Finance/Operations Officer, or similar.
Those volunteering in a finance role are also encouraged to enter.
You may not yet be at the level of director or head of finance/operations – but you’re clearly on that path.
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What we’re looking for
Rising Stars are the energising force in their organisations. They bring fresh thinking, challenge the status quo constructively, and get things done.
They don’t wait for permission to make an impact – they improve processes, solve problems and help their charity deliver more for its mission. They’re values led, generous with their learning and help colleagues grow.
What sets a winner apart
Winners combine learning agility with tangible impact. They seek out development (training, networks, self-directed learning, feedback) and turn it into action – sharing what they learn, building confidence in others and raising performance across their team.
Evidence of a Rising Star might include:
- Demonstrable impact: Clear improvements or innovations they’ve led or significantly contributed to.
- Learning and growth: Actively developing skills and applying learning to real problems.
- Mission focus: Connecting finance/ops decisions to beneficiary impact.
- Change catalyst: Driving positive change without formal authority, whilst understanding the wider governance and risk context.
- Supporting others: Sharing knowledge, mentoring peers, helping colleagues thrive.
- Initiative and ownership: Spotting issues/opportunities and acting on them.
- Fresh thinking: Challenging outdated practices and proposing better ways.
- Collaboration: Building relationships across teams to get results.
- Early sector engagement: Starting to contribute beyond their charity (networks, events, learning communities).
Entry criteria for this award
Before you enter this year's awards, please read the following carefully:
- You/your organisation does not have to be a CFG member to enter our awards.
- CFG's awards are open only to those working or volunteering for a UK-registered charity.
- The size of your charity does not matter. We warmly welcome entries from, or on behalf of, those in small charities.
- You may enter more than one category.
- You may enter on behalf of someone else.
Read our full entry rules and criteria.
Entries for this award should ideally include:
- Current role and career journey to date or details of volunteering role (brief overview).
- Specific examples of impact achieved (with evidence and outcomes).
- Examples of learning and development undertaken and how it's been applied.
- Evidence of supporting others and contributing to team development.
- Examples of initiative taken and changes driven.
- Testimonials from line manager, colleagues, or others who can speak to their impact.
- Personal reflection on what drives them and their aspirations for the future
- Details of challenges overcome.
Note for those nominating:
This award can be self-nominated or nominated by others. We particularly encourage line managers to nominate exceptional team members. Strong testimonials from those who work with the nominee are highly valued.