The Eighth China Charity Award, one of the most prestigious governmental awards for individual and organization's philanthropic endeavor, is open for nominations until March 1, Xu Jianzhong, deputy director of the Ministry of Civil Affairs' social welfare and charity promotion department, said on Tuesday.

The public can recommend this year's most charitable philanthropist, companies and the best philanthropic projects by sending applications to the ministry via letters, e-mails or visiting the ministry's official website or charity.gov.cn.

The ministry will make public lists of nominees in March for the public's online voting.

The award ceremony is scheduled in early April.