Charities supported by the ScottishPower Foundation could be in line for a funding boost of up to £10,000 this winter after being shortlisted for its annual awards.

Seventeen inspirational charities from across the UK – including organisations that tackle food poverty, support better mental health, break down barriers for people with disabilities, and help people into work – are all in the running across the four ScottishPower Foundation Award categories: Charity Champion, Community Engagement, Education and Innovation.

The shortlisted charities were all funded by the Foundation in 2022 and category winners will receive a further £5,000 to support their vital work, with runners-up taking home £2,500.

For 2022, a special one-off Legacy Award has also been created to celebrate more than £10 million being given to charities since the Foundation was established in 2013. Open to charities that have won a ScottishPower Foundation Award in any year, the Legacy Award will go to the charity that's made an outstanding contribution to the community over the years thanks to its Foundation funding. The winner will not only receive the coveted award – it will take home £10,000 to help continue the charity's life-changing efforts.

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Six finalists have been shortlisted for the Legacy Award:

• Acorns (North Tyneside), North Tyneside – supporting children and young people affected by domestic abuse

• Bendrigg Trust, Cumbria – challenging perceptions of disabilities and creating a more inclusive wider community

• Music in Hospitals & Care, Edinburgh – using music to connect people and helping to develop relationships in hospitals

• Perth Autism Support, Perth & Kinross – offering support services for young people, children, and families living with autism

• Single Homeless Project, London – aiming to prevent homelessness, by providing support and accommodation

• Theatr Clwyd, Flintshire – leading workshops that explore the impact of crime with young people.

Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee at the ScottishPower Foundation, said: "The value of the vital support charities provide to people and communities across the country has never been so important.

"This year's ScottishPower Foundation Awards shortlisted finalists are all doing incredible work and are excellent examples of the positive impact ScottishPower Foundation funding can make.

"These are tough times for many people, but the hard work of these charities continues every day to support, educate and inspire people across the country. They are excellent examples of the positive impact our funding can make and they go above and beyond – it's fantastic to have the opportunity to give them further funding support in these difficult times.

"It's a real privilege to help make a difference and that is all thanks to the £10 million the ScottishPower Foundation has provided in funding over the last nine years. I'm looking forward to celebrating the achievements of our finalists – and the legacy of the ScottishPower Foundation – on Awards Day next month."

The shortlist was selected by a judging panel made up of experts from the industry and the education sectors. This year's judges were Melanie Hill, Executive Officer and Trustee of the ScottishPower Foundation; Sarah McNulty, HR Director at ScottishPower; Arthur McIvor, Senior Client Manager at EU Skills; and Marina Livingstone, Programmes Director at Strathclyde University Business School.

The winners will be announced on 1 November.