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Volunteer Delaware

2027 Governor's Volunteer Service Adult Awards

Celebrate Delawareans whose dedication, leadership and commitment to volunteer service are making a lasting difference in communities across our state.

Nominate an Adult Volunteer Meet the 2026 Adult Honorees
A Delaware Tradition of Service

Celebrating 45 Years of Volunteer Recognition

For 45 years, the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards have recognized Delawareans whose selfless service, leadership, and commitment strengthen communities across our state. The 2027 honorees will join generations of individuals, groups, and businesses recognized for exceptional dedication and lasting community impact.

45 YEARS
A Legacy of Service

Celebrating generations of Delaware volunteers whose dedication and service have strengthened communities across our state.

STATEWIDE RECOGNITION
Exceptional Impact

Honoring individuals, groups, and businesses whose dedication, leadership, and service make a meaningful difference in Delaware.

DISTINGUISHED CEREMONY
Honoring Our Recipients

Selected honorees are celebrated at the Governor's Volunteer Service Awards ceremony and presented with a personalized award trophy.

2027 Nominations Eligibility & Rules Award Categories Before You Begin 2026 Honorees

2027 Nominations

Help us recognize exceptional Delaware volunteers whose service made a meaningful difference during 2026.

Nominations Open

October 1, 2026

Nomination Deadline

January 8, 2027

Awards Ceremony

Spring 2027
Final date to be announced.

Eligibility & Nomination Rules

Please review the eligibility requirements before beginning a nomination.

Service Requirements
100 HOURS
Adult Individual
250 HOURS
Adult Group/Team
combined service
500 HOURS
Corporate/Business
20+ YEARS
Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement
Eligible 2027 award service must be performed during calendar year 2026, except the Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes long-term service.

Age & Service Requirements

  • Individual nominees must be 18 years of age or older as of the nomination deadline, January 8, 2027.
  • Nominees must be Delaware residents.
  • Eligible volunteer service must have occurred in Delaware.
  • Volunteer service must be unpaid.
  • Adult Individual nominees must have completed at least 100 hours of eligible volunteer service during 2026.
  • Adult Group/Team nominees must have completed at least 250 combined hours of eligible volunteer service during 2026.
  • Corporate/Business nominees must have completed at least 500 hours of eligible volunteer service during 2026.

Who May Submit a Nomination?

  • Self-nominations are not accepted for the Adult Individual Award or the Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.
  • Group/Team and Corporate/Business nominations may be submitted by staff, volunteers, board members or community partners.
  • The nominator may not serve as a reference.
  • Family members may nominate an adult but must provide two unrelated references.

Previous Honorees

  • Previous Governor's Volunteer Service Award honorees must wait three years before being nominated again.

Service That Is Not Eligible

  • Activities focused solely on partisan political activity.
  • Activities focused solely on religious practice.
  • Activities that benefit only an organization's own membership.
  • Volunteer service for which the nominee receives financial compensation.

Adult Award Categories

Select the category that best reflects the nominee's volunteer service, leadership and impact.

Adult Individual Award

Recognizes an adult volunteer who has demonstrated extraordinary personal commitment to service and made a meaningful impact in Delaware.

Adult Group/Team Award

Recognizes two or more adult volunteers whose collective service has created meaningful and measurable community impact.

Corporate/Business Volunteer Award

Recognizes a business or corporate volunteer team that demonstrates strong community engagement and promotes a culture of service.

Lifetime Achievement

Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award

Recognizes an individual with 20 years or more of volunteer service and an exceptional long-term commitment to volunteerism and community service. The nomination should reflect the nominee's lifetime impact and continued involvement in service during 2026.

Before You Begin Your Nomination

Have the following information ready before opening the nomination form.

  • Nominee contact information
  • Volunteer organization and service information
  • Total eligible volunteer hours completed during 2026
  • For Paul Wilkinson nominees, information about the nominee's 20+ years of volunteer service
  • A description of the nominee's volunteer service, community impact and accomplishments
  • Reference contact information
  • A second unrelated reference if the nominator is a family member
  • A recent high-resolution professional photo and required photo/media consent acknowledgement

The nomination narrative is limited to 1,000 characters. Focus on specific service, measurable impact and what makes the nominee's contribution exceptional.

Start a Nomination

🎉 Congratulations to the 2026 Governor's Volunteer Service Adult Honorees!

Your dedication and service continue to inspire communities throughout Delaware. We proudly celebrate your achievements and thank you for making a difference!

On June 9, 2026, volunteers, community leaders, family members, and supporters from across Delaware gathered to celebrate the recipients of the 2026 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards.

These outstanding individuals, groups, organizations, and corporate partners exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and demonstrate the positive impact service has on communities throughout our state.

We are proud to recognize and celebrate their commitment to helping others and strengthening Delaware through volunteer service. Their dedication serves as an inspiration to communities throughout our state.

 

Meet the 2026 Adult Honorees

Delaware

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