Companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility are to be recognised by a new award scheme.

The Bermuda Corporate Volunteer Council in partnership with the Centre on Philanthropy has launched the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award and Community Impact Award.

Tione Darrell, the centre’s development and engagement officer, said: “The awards have been designed to give formal recognition to companies that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to CSR.

“In 2013, local charities benefitted from nearly $13 million from international companies, along with countless hours from dedicated employee volunteers. Without such support, non-profit organisations would be hard pressed to meet the growing demand for their programmes and services, which address critical needs in our community.”

Top-ranking companies will be showcased in the centre’s autumn publication of ‘Good News’ in The Royal Gazette and featured on the centre’s website — at http://www.centreonphilanthropy.org/pages/corporate-social-responsibility — and on social media.

All companies and local businesses in Bermuda are eligible to submit a completed nomination form for either or both categories.

The Centre on Philanthropy will use an external selection panel to review individual nomination forms.

To get a nomination form, e-mail tdarrell@centreonphilanthropy.org. The deadline for entries is September 24 at 5pm.