Close to 400 “varied and thoughtful” proposals were sent to the SAGE Commission’s Awards Programme, a spokeswoman told The Royal Gazette.The range of submissions reflects “the community’s desire to help find effective ways to establish the type of government Bermuda needs and can afford”, she added.The programme is part of a review of Government that the Commission has been conducting since April and offers cash prizes for the best ideas.“While the Awards Programme entry form didn’t ask those submitting to associate themselves with a particular sector or organisation, it would seem that a broad cross-section of individuals from the community participated in this exercise”, the spokeswoman said.Most proposals came through the Commission’s website, but hard copies were also sent in. The group held also held private meetings to discuss a number of proposals in greater depth.Funded by the private sector, four awards, each with a value of $2,500, will be awarded for the best idea for reducing the cost of running the Bermuda Government.The categories include best submission from a Government employee, a member of the public; a young person between the ages of 18 to 25 years; and a youth under the age of 18 years.An award of $10,000 will be given to the best submission overall.A final tally of suggestions is currently under way.