Heart of Doncaster returns for 2025

Our Heart of Doncaster Awards are back for 2025, we are delighted to announce, with Choose Kindness as our headline sponsor for the third year in a row. 

The awards, held at the Eco-Power Stadium, will take place on Friday 10th October, where award nominees, businesses, individuals and friends of the Foundation will come together for an evening of reflection and celebration, of the incredible people, partners and businesses from across the city. 

The Foundation event, gives the opportunity to shine a light on individuals and groups achievements through a variety of awards, that play an incredible part on the impact of the city of Doncaster and its community. 

Awards & Nomination Process 

There are a total of 14 awards on the night, which are as follows:

CDF Fit Rovers Participant of the Year Award 

To recognise a participant in the Fit Rovers provision who has shown outstanding commitment and attendance in a range of projects, providing incredible support, and embracing the projects aims.

Active School of the Year Award

To recognise an outstanding school in Doncaster that delivers innovative and creative opportunities to be active, working with parents and students to Get Doncaster Moving.

CDF Youth Social Action Award

To recognise a participant or graduate that took part in Youth Social Action with Club Doncaster Foundation who displayed community spirit and supported a local cause.

CDF Apprentice of the Year Award

To recognise the successful progression and hard work of an apprentice who has made a positive impact in the community and become a valued member of the Club Doncaster Foundation team.

CDSC Student of the Year Award

To recognise a CDSC student who has demonstrated excellence in their academic studies and extracurricular activities and has shown outstanding dedication and resilience.

CDF Fundraiser of the Year Award

To recognise an individual who has taken on a huge challenge and put themselves out of their comfort zone this year to raise funds for Club Doncaster Foundation to support the provision we deliver.

Darren Warner Volunteer of the Year Award

To recognise a selfless individual who regularly volunteers their free time, engaging with others and makes a significant difference in the community.

Eric Randerson Special Recognition Award

To recognise a truly special achievement, for an incredibly dedicated individual who goes above and beyond to support programmes and positive action across Doncaster.

Choose Kindness Award

To recognise kind acts made by an adult (over 18), child/young person (aged 18 and under), business, local school or community group across Doncaster, and the impact that they have had on others our local communities and the environment.

Do you know of an individual or group that has made a difference to the local community? Someone who deserves to be recognised for something they’ve done throughout the year? You can nominate them by filling the nomination form here.

Nominations close on Friday 22nd August @ 5pm

Please note, award nominations must reflect the period of 1st September 2024 - 31st July 2025. 

When filling out the application form, please ensure you have filled out the e-mail address of the person/organisation you are nominating.

Speaking of being named headline sponsor for the event, Cllr Sue Farmer, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “We’re delighted that, for a third year in a row, Choose Kindness will be sponsoring the Heart of Doncaster Awards. Celebrating remarkable acts of empathy, goodwill and compassion, it is always an inspirational evening and a true highlight in the local calendar.

“From small gestures to ambitious projects, it’s important to recognise those acts of kindness that are making a positive difference across our city. With that in mind, I am eagerly looking forward to learning what amazing things have been happening over the past year during this year’s awards. We’re fortunate to have so many big-hearted individuals and groups in our community and this is an opportunity to thank them and give them the recognition they deserve.”

Getting involved on the night

We’ve already had a number of businesses get in touch about being involved in the lead up to the event and also on the night, to help ensure it’s a special evening once again. If you haven’t spoken to us yet and are keen to be involved, there are a range of options for you, whether you’re a business, an individual, or just want to support us on the night.

Option 1: A table of 10 at the event

Option 2: An individual seat at the event

Option 3: Donate a seat to one of our beneficiaries

All options include a 2 course meal and a welcome drink upon arrival.

The Foundation’s CEO, John Davis spoke of the upcoming event: “I'm really looking forward to the Heart of Doncaster Awards 2025 once again this year. 

“It's always such a fantastic evening being able to celebrate and recognise the incredible individuals and organisations in and around the City of Doncaster. 

“Over the past few years, we’ve heard incredible stories from across the community and celebrated the achievements of those deserving of the awards and we can’t wait to be able to do the same this year. 

“If you have anyone in mind please nominate them and give them a chance to be presented with an award. 

“Please get in touch if you would like to attend on the night and support us with one of our flagship events of the calendar year. We can’t wait to celebrate those that really are the heart of Doncaster.”

For all enquiries, to get involved and any event related questions, please contact hod@clubdoncasterfoundation.co.uk