BEIJING - A new 1-million-yuan annual donation threshold for a national charitable award has aroused criticism among media commentators, stating that the requirement may discourage small-scale philanthropy.

The annual donation threshold for the China Charity Award, the country's biggest award for philanthropists, has been raised to 1 million yuan ($159,000), award committee organizers announced on Dec 30, 2011.

Commentator Wei Mingyan responded to the announcement with a commentary in the Beijing News, stating that the restriction may disqualify grassroots philanthropists and small-sized enterprises.

Commentator Yin Jianguang wrote a commentary for a local Chinese news website iqilu.com, saying that meager donations from a low-income farmer may rank much higher in social impact than 1 million yuan from a wealthy man.

He urged attaching importance to the sincerity and social impact of donors, rather than solely considering the sum of donations, in issuing the award.

As the highest award given by the Chinese government for philanthropy, the award was established by the Ministry of Civil Affairs in 2005 to honor those who have made prominent contributions toward Chinese philanthropy. Candidates for this year's award may apply online from January 10 to February 24.