Volunteers are an important foundation of many nonprofit agencies and bring both skills and resources. Retention of well-trained volunteers increases organizational efficiency and capacity. To retain volunteers, nonprofits must understand what motivates a volunteer, give them opportunities for personal growth and development, communicate how their work impacts the organization, and recognize their time and talents.
Nominate individuals for the Volunteer Awards in the winter. Click the button below to read the award details and list of past recipients.
Learn more about the Community Philanthropist Award, Northcott Award, and Young Leaders Award that we hand out at Game Changers: A Year in Review!
The Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award annually recognizes volunteers for years of service (5, 10, and 15) or special recognition for their work on specific projects. The awards are submitted in March and all volunteers are recognized at the annual Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award ceremony. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.
The Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the most prestigious state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected are those who have forever changed their community, the state, the nation, or the world with their volunteer service and action. Nominations are accepted starting in October and an awards ceremony takes place in February. More information is available at volunteeriowa.org.
The Daily Point of Light Award celebrates the power of volunteers to spark change and improve the world through community service. These awards are given to individuals who find innovative ways to meet community needs; efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. Submit nominations online at pointsoflight.org/dailypointoflight.
This is a great way to thank and honor those who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard – measured by the number of hours of service during a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned during their lifetime. For information, visit presidentialserviceawards.gov.