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FAQ

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I am based outside the Square Mile - can I still apply?

Yes. The Dragon Awards are open to organisations based in any of the 33 boroughs in London. How to apply can be found on this website. If you have any questions or concerns about the application process, please email us.

When will you begin accepting applications?

The application process will open on 17 May and will close on 19 July 2010 at 5.00pm.

Why aren't environmental issues covered by the Dragon Awards?

Environmental issues are covered by other awards programmes hosted by the City of London Corporation – such as the Sustainable City Awards and the Clean City Awards.

Can I apply to the Dragon Awards with a partner organisation?

Yes. Two or more companies may apply jointly where they are working in equal partnership on a particular project, but only one application should be submitted.  In the event that the application should win, Dragons may be awarded to all parties named as applicants.

Can I apply to the Dragon Awards in more than one award category?

Each application should normally be submitted in one category only, but there is no limit on the number of different applications submitted by an organisation.

Can I nominate a partner business for an award?

Schools, charities and community organisations may submit applications on behalf of their corporate partners in any of the categories 1-5 but should discuss it with the company first.  It should be noted that in the event that the application should win, the Dragon would be awarded to the company and not to the community partner.

Can I submit extra material with my application?

You may submit up to 10 photos and a short film/video clip with your application.  Where possible, films should be DVD data files (Quicktime uncompressed or DVPAL compression, full size 720/576) or on mini DV or DVCAM tape (full screen size).  Photos should preferably be JPEG 72dpi.  Extra material will be shown at the awards ceremony, if your project wins.  Judges will not use extra material to assess your project.  We do not accept any other material, such as CSR Reports or Annual Reports.

I do not have any photos or videos to submit with my application.  Will I be disadvantaged?

No.  Any extra material or media submitted with your application will not be used to judge your application.  Photos and videos may be shown during the awards ceremony, if your project wins.  We do encourage applicants to submit videos or photos, as this makes the awards ceremony more interesting for the attendees.  Please make sure that your material is of high digital quality.

I won a Dragon Award last year.  Can I still apply?

If your programme or project won a Dragon Award last year (2009), it should not be entered again this year (2010).  It may be entered again in following years.

I am a small or medium sized enterprise.  Can I apply?

Yes.  Small and medium-sized enterprises (up to approximately 250 employees) are encouraged to apply in any of the categories 1-5.  In each category the judges may choose to award two Dragons – one to a large organisation and one to a small or medium organisation.  If more appropriate, they may choose to award only one. The judges will take into account the relative size and resources of applicants, so smaller organisations will not be disadvantaged.

I am a charity or school.  Can I apply?

Charitable organisations and schools can apply for category 6, the Community Partners Award. Charitable organisations and schools can also nominate their business partners in categories 1-5, but they should check with their business partner beforehand (if the application wins, the nominated business would receive the award).

I am a public body.  Can I apply?

Yes.  The Dragon Awards are intended to recognise good practice from for-profit businesses and public offices.   Remember, you must be able to demonstrate that your project is outside of your normal business mandate.

Can you offer me an example of a good application?

You can review 2005 - 2007's Dragon Awards Yearbooks here, which provides descriptions of the winners and short-listed candidates.  Alternatively, you can request a copy from our office.  The majority of the Yearbook content is now covered in the Case Studies page of this website.  You may also want to attend one of our breakfast workshops.

Can I have more personalised help with my application?

Yes.  Breakfast workshops will be held on 16, 17 and 24 June 2010, in the City Marketing Suite, where you can meet with CSR professionals to discuss the applications process. Please email us if you wish to attend. We highly recommend applicants attend these workshops.

How do you choose the winners?

A preliminary judging panel made up of Community Affairs professionals will meet and decide on a shortlist of applications. You will receive a letter informing you whether or not your application has been short-listed. Feedback will be available on request. The Lord Mayor's final judging panel will then meet to decide on the winners.

When will the Dragon Awards winners be announced?

On 20 October, during the Dragon Awards dinner.

Why does the Lord Mayor hold the Dragon Awards?

The Lord Mayor is the head of the City of London, the body that provides local government services for the financial heart of Europe. The policies that the City of London Corporation pursues, and the high standard of services that it provides, are dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the Square Mile's status as the world's leading international financial business centre.

The City of London Corporation recognises that the Square Mile will not prosper in isolation and is acutely aware that although the area houses some of the richest concentrations of economic business in the world; its neighbouring boroughs include some of the country's poorest and most deprived communities. For this reason, it is committed to working with its neighbours in the City fringes and Greater London and is currently a member of seven regeneration partnerships and other strategic alliances working to improve social, economic and environmental conditions within some seventeen London boroughs.

Still have a question? Please email us.

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