The Theatres Trust said the award recognises Hesmondhalgh’s contribution to theatre both on and off the stage.
Joshua McTaggart, chief executive of the Theatres Trust, said she shared the organisation’s belief that everyone should have access to theatre and live performance, regardless of where they live or their background.
“There is no one in the public eye who embodies this spirit more than Julie Hesmondhalgh,” he said.
“Julie has used her platform as one of the country’s most beloved actors to bang the drum for inclusive and equitable access to the performing arts and champion important community theatres.”
Her campaigning work includes a leading role in efforts to save Oldham Coliseum from permanent closure and support for the reopening of Oswaldtwistle Civic Arts Centre and Theatre.
Hesmondhalgh has backed a long-running campaign to secure the future of Oldham Coliseum, which is expected to reopen in 2027 after receiving an additional £7m to remove asbestos and repair structural defects.
Speaking after the funding was announced, she said: “Making the beautiful old girl properly future-proof is the number one priority.”
She also co-founded Manchester’s award-winning Take Back Theatre Collective and supports the Regional Theatre Young Directors Scheme and youth charity Arts Emergency.