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Recognizing Delaware’s Outstanding Adult Volunteers

Each year, Volunteer Delaware honors remarkable adults whose service uplifts communities, strengthens organizations, and inspires others to get involved. Through the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, we celebrate individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership, compassion, and commitment to helping others across our state.

These Adult Awards recognize volunteers who are 18 years of age or older as of January 10, the nomination deadline, and who have freely given their time, skills, and energy to improve the lives of Delawareans. From supporting youth and families to protecting the environment or advancing community well-being, each honoree embodies the true spirit of service and civic engagement.

Why It Matters

Volunteer efforts are the heart of Delaware’s nonprofit and community initiatives. By recognizing outstanding adult volunteers, we highlight the power of service to create meaningful change. These awards honor those who go above and beyond, whose work may happen quietly, yet whose impact reaches far and wide.

What We Look For in a Nominee

  • A consistent record of volunteer service that demonstrates dedication and impact
  • Leadership, creativity, or innovation that strengthens programs or addresses community needs
  • Evidence of positive change or measurable benefit to individuals, organizations, or communities
  • Collaboration and teamwork that amplify results through partnerships or shared efforts
  • Service that motivates and inspires others to engage in their own acts of volunteerism

Nomination and Award Process

Nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards open November 1, 2025, and close January 10, 2026. Self-nominations are not accepted. Submit through the online nomination form on the Volunteer Delaware website. Award recipients will be recognized at a statewide ceremony in April 2026 and featured on Volunteer Delaware channels.

🎉 Congratulations to the 2025 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!

        🏅 Governor's Volunteer Service Awards

        Honoring the Spirit of Volunteerism in Delaware

        The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards celebrates the impact of individuals, groups and organizations whose dedication to volunteer has made a lasting difference in communities across Delaware.

        These awards highlight the power of giving back - from neighborhood changemakers to statewide leaders - and honor those who lead with compassion, purpose, and impact.

        🏆 Award Categories

        🔹 Adult Individual Award
        Recognizes an adult (18+) who has shown extraordinary commitment to volunteer service and has significantly improved the lives of others through sustained efforts.
        🔹 Volunteer Group Award
        Honors a team or organization of adult volunteers whose collective efforts have contributed to meaningful and measurable community impact.
        🔹 Corporate Volunteer Award
        Recognizes a business or corporate volunteer team that demonstrates strong community engagement and promotes a culture of service among its workforce.
        🔹 Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award
        A distinguished award honoring a lifelong commitment to volunteerism. Nominees may be individuals, groups, or organizations with a sustained record of service that has shaped their community over many years.

        📋 Guidelines

        • Nominees must be 18 years of age or older and provide volunteer service in the State of Delaware as of January 10, 2026.
        • All volunteer service must be unpaid and volunteer-based.
        • Nominees must have completed a minimum of 100 hours of service in the 12 months prior to the nomination deadline.
        • Groups must complete 250 hours, and corporations 500 hours during that same period.
        • Paul Wilkinson Award nominations may include long-term service that exceeds the 12-month window.
        • Self-nominations and family-member nominations are not accepted.
        • Previous honorees must wait 3 years before being re-nominated.
        • Activities limited to partisan political causes or religious instruction are not eligible.

        🗓️ Nomination Timeline

        • Nominations Open: November 1, 2025
        • Nominations Close: January 10, 2026
        • Awards Ceremony: Thursday, May 7, 2026

        🎉 Recognition

        Youth honorees will:

        • Be recognized at a statewide ceremony hosted by the Governor
        • Receive a personalized award trophy
        • Be featured in statewide press and on Volunteer Delaware’s social media

        🔗 Submit a Nomination

        [Link to Online Nomination Form]
        Questions? Contact Diane.Frebert@delaware.gov

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