The VIRTUS Award for company’s contribution to the local community is awarded to a large company employing more than 250 people, which excelled in helping the resolution of problems or addressing the needs in the community, town or region in which it operates. In addition, this company should be aware of the importance of small initiatives and the development of marginalized local communities, and it should try to revive and activate such communities. This award is to encourage and guide others to make and return investments precisely in the locations in which they are located and in which they primarily operate.

The VIRTUS Award for small and medium size enterprises is awarded to enterprises which demonstrate corporate social responsibility through investments in non-profit making projects and organizations. It concerns companies of up to 50 (small) and up to 250 (medium) employees, which have close links with their respective communities; they are aware of problems and needs in their communities; they are familiar with local organizations and they are always ready to act as ‘good neighbours’ and help as much as they can. This award should strengthen links between companies, local communities and organizations working together for a better tomorrow. For this category, branch offices of international companies and integral parts of bigger systems which main companies employ more than 250 people can not be nominated.

The VIRTUS Long-term partnership Award between profit and non-profit making sector the emphasis on an extremely successful and a well thought out and long-term partnership between a company and a civil society organization. This partnership is aimed at resolving a serious social problem. The partnership primarily mirrors cross-sector cooperation, joint efforts and actions to resolve the problem, rather than financial support. Aspects taken into consideration during the awarding process are as follows: degree of involvement of the company in the process, results and efficacy of support, quality of communication between the sides in question, prospects of cooperation and innovation regarding approach to problem resolution. The award is expected to mobilize other companies to start thinking in a similar way.

Special awards :

The Award for support for the most innovative project is awarded to a company that has chosen a less obvious or popular way of partnering with a less known organisation or a charitable action. The company has decided to focus its support on urgent problems and needs which are insufficiently visible, or those which, due to their complexity, have less chances of attracting donors. Alternatively, the company opts for an innovative approach to the resolution of long-standing problems.

The Award for Volunteering is awarded to a company that has engaged its employees in activities aimed at improving life in communities, supporting the work of nonprofit initiatives, organizations and alike, by donating their time and expertise. The idea of this category is to promote the idea of volunteerism and offer free support for improving living conditions in company’s surrounding, as well as in other communities.

The Special award for media contribution is awarded to a media house or a journalist/s working in a media house whose articles, supplements or performances exceptionally contributed to improving and developing philanthropic and charitable culture in Serbia during the year. Understanding the importance of media in society, this award further encourages journalists to address and actively promote this topic.