The deadline for charity awards entries has been extended by two weeks until 15 September 2006.

Charities struggling to meet the entry deadline for the 2006 Direct Debit Charity Awards can breathe a sigh of relief. Owing to the high level of interest from UK charities, Bacs - the organisers of the scheme and the company behind Direct Debit - have extended the deadline by two weeks and will now accept entry submissions until 15 September 2006.

The annual Direct Debit Charity Awards, which are free to enter, recognise the efforts of charitable organisations that proactively use and promote Direct Debit to increase the number of regular donations they receive. Awards up for grabs in 2006 include:

• Achievement award - for the charity with the most improved (year-on-year) Direct Debit take up
• Innovation award - for the most creative use of original ideas and processes to promote Direct Debit 
• Best practice award - for the charity achieving the highest level of organisational improvements and customer satisfaction by offering Direct Debit as an alternative payment method

Last year’s Direct Debit Charity winners were recognised for their accomplishments at a prestigious awards ceremony. VSO won the achievement award demonstrating the most improved, year-on-year take up of Direct Debit. The British Red Cross was selected for the innovation award for its creative use of original ideas and processes to promote Direct Debit. And the best practice award was granted to the Charity Technology Trust, demonstrating the highest level of organisational improvements and customer satisfaction by offering Direct Debit as an alternative payment method. 2005 also saw two charities receive special commendations; Macmillan Cancer Relief in the achievement award category and ChildLine for its submission to the innovation award.

Each charity submitting an entry to the 2006 Direct Debit Charity Awards will be given the chance to win a £1,000 donation as part of a special prize draw. For further information on how to enter the awards, go to Direct Debit Charity Awards.

For more information about Bacs and our services visit Bacs key facts.

Contact Bacs press office.

Notes
Bacs research shows that last year 52% of charitable donations were made by Direct Debit. Results also highlighted that charities were missing out on up to £400 million a year because gift aid was not being used to its full advantage.

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