"Today the Community Initiative which bears my name is a great success story throughout the whole of Yorkshire. Over 100 first class Community Schemes have received my Award. They have been encouraged informally to act as Mentors and examples of best practice to other communities, spreading far and wide the message that often the remedy for shortcomings can be generated at community level."

- HRH The Duke of York

The awards recognise not only the considerable past success of projects, but also encourage the development of similar schemes in the future through networking and sharing of good practice.

HRH The Duke of York founded the initiative in 1997, primarily and actively encouraging the development of community spirit, individual leadership and initiatives in Yorkshire and the Humber. The initiative supports projects through a dedicated award scheme and recognition of excellence.