Christian community projects in the UK are invited to apply for one of three £5000 grants in the Faithworks Awards 2008/9, being launched today.

The Faithworks Awards celebrate and promote awareness of the excellent community work being done by projects motivated by Christian faith in the UK. Each of the recipient projects will be committed to professionalism, innovation and best practice in service to their local communities. Applications are welcome from any project in the UK inspired by Christian faith, which meet the award criteria.

This year's three awards are the Community Excellence Award: Adult Health and Social Care, sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors. This award recognises Christian-motivated community projects seeking to enrich the lives of adults with physical, learning or sensory disabilities, dementia or mental health difficulties.

The Improving the Lives of Children and Young People Award, sponsored by Spurgeons Network, seeks to recognise the vital work of projects motivated by the Christian faith that are positively impacting the lives of disadvantaged children and young people.

The Community Inclusion Award, sponsored by Oasis UK, seeks to recognise projects that promote inclusion and challenge injustice within a local urban context.

There will also be special awards sponsored by Kingdom Bank for all shortlisted projects, who will each be presented with £100. One project within each award category will also be given special commendation, receiving £500.

The Faithworks Awards are a prestigious annual programme, with the recipients of last year's grants honoured by the Prime Minister in a special reception at 10 Downing Street in June.

Malcolm Duncan, leader of the Faithworks Movement, said the awards provided a vital spotlight on Christian community action.

"Our awards programme is like a window on the massive world of Christian social action," he said. "Each year we are overwhelmed by the applications we receive from projects where people really are giving themselves away for others.

"Their work is sacrificial, sustained and committed. These people are the true leaders of the Faithworks Movement."

The recipients will be selected through a thorough assessment process by panels made up of representatives from the sponsor organisations, the Faithworks Support Team and the Faithworks Movement.

The closing date for applications is Monday 19 January 2009. The short-listed projects will be informed in March and the recipients will be announced at an awards ceremony in June 2009.