Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the Division of Social Services and the State Office of Volunteerism announced that nominations for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards is now open. This is the 44th year for the award.
Nominations may be submitted until January 10, 2026, and the form can be found at Volunteer Delaware. The award criteria is also available on the website.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards celebrate individuals and groups whose selfless service and commitment to helping others strengthen Delaware’s communities and improve quality of life for residents. Eligible nominees should have made a meaningful impact on their community or the state through volunteer service in 2025.
Nomination categories include Youth Individual, Leadership Group/Team and Young Environmentalist Stewardship. In addition, nominations can be made for Adult Individual, Group/Team, Corporate/Business, and Paul Wilkinson Lifetime Achievement Award.
An award ceremony will be held with recipients recognized in May 2026. The ceremony will celebrate nominees across every category for their outstanding dedication to the well-being and growth of Delaware communities.
The Governor’s Youth Service Award Nomination form for those 17 and younger can be found here while the adult nomination form can be found here.
The 2024 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards went to Sashara Chandolu, Heather Smyth and Roshik NagaSai Patibandia in the Youth Category. Cathleen Rossi-McLaughlen, Bryan Couzens and Helana Rodriguez received awards in the Adult Category. The CAUSE Production Crew received the Group award.
For more information, contact Diane Frebert, Volunteer Services Administrator via email or visit the Volunteer Delaware website. The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are proudly sponsored by the State Office of Volunteerism and the Governor’s Commission on Community and Volunteer Service.
