NINTH CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR VIRTUS AWARD - AN AWARD FOR THOSE WHO CARE - ISSUED

23. September 2015.

The Trace Foundation, with the support of the European Union and the Balkan Trust for Democracy, and in partnership with the USAID, issued the ninth call for applications for the VIRTUS Award for Philanthropy on 10 September 2015. The call for applications is open to all domestic and foreign companies, corporations, public and state-owned enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises, media companies, corporate funds and foundations and individuals. Non-profit organizations, public institutions and administrative bodies don’t have the right to apply, but have the right to nominate candidates for the prize. The deadline for submitting applications is October 22, 2015.

The VIRTUS award was established in 2007 as the first and most important award for corporate philanthropy in Serbia, which promotes corporate social responsibility as an integral part of the sustainable development of companies. It is intended for both large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as for individuals who, during 2015, contributed in the most effective way to the common good by providing financial or other support to civil society’s non-profit organizations.

The 2015 VIRTUS Award will be given in five major categories, which are as follows:

• The main award for the company's contribution at the national level
• The award for contribution to the local community in which the company operates
• The award for small and medium- sized enterprise
• The award for long-term partnership between business and non-profit sector
• The award for individual contribution to philanthropy

The ceremony of announcing the winners will be held in Belgrade at the end of January 2016. An independent jury consisting of prominent individuals and experts from the spheres of business, civil society, media and marketing will decide on winners of the awards.
Further information, detailed requirements of the call for applications and application forms are available on the official website of the VIRTUS award www.tragfondacija.org/virtus.

Contact person for additional information:

Misa Stojiljkovic, PR of the VIRTUS award
Tel: 064 155 84 39, E-mail: virtuspr@tragfondacija.org

Source: Trace Foundation and Coordination Body