About the Award

The NGO Award is for any non-governmental organisation which has made an outstanding contribution to science, engineering and technology (SET) and innovation in South Africa over the last 5 to 10 years. This includes any:

• Non-profit company (NPC), or non-profit organisation (NPO)
• Public benefit organisation (PBO), or
• Community-based organisation (CBO)

The NSTF has always had a category for NGOs recognising their contribution to SET and innovation in SA. In 2015 the criteria were modified to focus more generally on their contribution to SET and innovation and also to include: Technology transfer activities contributing to the dissemination and application of scientific and technical knowledge; and education and training activities. Professional bodies and associations as entities are not considered in this category. However nominations of specific projects undertaken under the auspices of professional bodies can be nominated and will be considered. There are no additional criteria. However, in the interpretation of the criteria as set out above, the adjudicators will examine the contribution against the purpose of the awards and the definitions (of science, engineering, technology and innovation) and will take into account the impact of the NGO’s work.