The NGOs Award of Excellence is a flagship initiative by PDF, held under the auspices of the Ministry of Social Solidarity. It aims to develop and empower Egypt’s civil society sector by enhancing professional and administrative capabilities, fostering innovation, and promoting core NGO competencies to strengthen collaboration with private sector entities. Through this initiative, the award supports impactful development projects that contribute to solving key social challenges.

Launched in 2016, the award’s main objective is to build the capacity of civil society institutions and inspire Egyptian NGOs to showcase best practices in the field of development. It also helps private sector partners gain deeper insights into effective models for social investment and collaboration.

In addition, the award recognizes and supports exceptional NGOs committed to human and community development, encourages the exchange of experiences, and drives innovation in addressing social issues — while highlighting the sector’s ability to manage projects successfully and sustainably.

The NGOs Award of Excellence welcomes participation from organizations that demonstrate dedication, impact, and a strong commitment to sustainable community development.

And to ensure a fair and meaningful selection process, participating organizations should meet the following criteria:

• Be Egyptian non-governmental, non-profit entities dedicated to community service and development.
• Hold a valid legal status in accordance with Egyptian regulations.
• Have been officially established for at least three years.
• Be actively engaged in development initiatives that create positive social impact.
• Employ a minimum of five committed staff members contributing to the organization’s mission.

Large and Medium Egyptian NGOs

The NGOs Award of Excellence is launched annually through a press conference, inviting NGOs from across Egypt to apply via the online system available on the PDF website.

Following the application phase, submissions are carefully reviewed by the PDF team. All applicants go through a three-phase evaluation process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and high standards:

1. Internal Evaluation Committee: Reviews submitted documents and selects qualified NGOs scoring 80% or higher.
2. External Evaluation Committee: Shortlisted organizations present their work and proposed projects in a 20-minute session before an independent judging panel.
3. Final Judging Committee – Finalists deliver a presentation to a distinguished panel that determines the winners of the financial and in-kind awards.

The process concludes with a prestigious annual ceremony, celebrating the winning NGOs for their excellence, innovation, and lasting contribution to community development.

A. NGOs Award of Excellence:

Recognizing well-established NGOs with a minimum of three years of experience and at least five permanent employees.

4 Financial Prizes:

1. First Place EGP 150,000
2. Second Place EGP 100,000
3. Third Place EGP 75,000
4. Fourth Place EGP 50,000

B. Lifetime Achievement Award:

Honoring exceptional NGOs with outstanding portfolios and proven contributions to development, even if they do not meet the minimum employee requirement.

Financial Prize: First Place EGP 50,000

C. Quick Impact Award:

Celebrating newly established NGOs that have created a significant and measurable impact within their communities in a short period of time.

Financial Prize: First Place EGP 50,000