With “Big Society” established firmly in the national psyche, and 2011 declared the Year of Philanthropy, Communicate magazine has launched the Corporate Engagement Awards 2011 to celebrate excellence in corporate partnerships, sponsorship and philanthropy.

The Awards recognise and honour the achievements of companies and agencies who have successfully worked with external companies to raise visibility of their brand and their values, in categories such as Best ongoing corporate sponsorship programme, Best sports-centred corporate sponsorship activity and the Grand Prix for Best corporate partnership or sponsorship.

Launched by Communicate magazine, the PPA’s Media Brand of the Year, the Corporate Engagement Awards 2011 benchmark excellence in corporate engagement throughout Europe. The Awards are a platform to discuss best practice in corporate partnership, sponsorship and philanthropy, whilst pointing to the future of corporate engagement across all sectors.

Entries are welcomed from in-house corporate professionals, beneficiaries of corporate partnership arrangements, sponsorship consultants, business strategists, PR consultancies, non-profit organisations, and government agencies.

Judged by a jury of sponsorship, CSR and partnership experts, and communications practitioners and academics, entries are now open in all categories. The entry deadline is in March. Shortlisted candidates will be notified in April and the winners will be announced at a gala dinner in June 2011.