Volunteer Awards You Can Earn: A Guide to Recognition for Your Service

Volunteers make the world a better place — and their efforts deserve to be celebrated! Whether you’re a student, a corporate volunteer, or someone who simply loves to give back, there are awards that recognize your dedication to community service. Here’s a comprehensive list of some of the most respected volunteer awards available in the United States and around the world.

🏅 National Volunteer Awards (U.S.)

1. President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)

One of the most well-known awards in the country, the PVSA honors U.S. citizens and permanent residents who demonstrate outstanding volunteer service.

  • Who Can Earn It: Ages 5+

  • Award Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Lifetime Achievement

  • Recognition: Certificate, letter from the President, and optional pin or medal

  • How to Apply: Through a Certifying Organization like the Global Volunteer Recognition Program. Visit our PVSA information page for more information. 

2. The Congressional Award

This award from the U.S. Congress recognizes personal goal-setting and community involvement for youth.

  • Who Can Earn It: Youth ages 13.5 to 24

  • Award Areas: Voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration

  • Award Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold medals and certificates

  • Learn More: congressionalaward.org

3. Daily Point of Light Award

This daily award highlights individuals who are creating positive change through service.

  • Who Can Earn It: All ages, open worldwide

  • Recognition: Featured on the Points of Light website and official certificate

  • Nominate Someone: pointsoflight.org

4. Jefferson Awards for Public Service

Organized by Multiplying Good, this prestigious award honors both youth and adult volunteers at the local and national levels.

  • Categories: Individual, business, and community awards

  • Recognition: Medals, media features, and national spotlight

  • More Info: multiplyinggood.org

👧 Youth and Student Volunteer Awards

5. America's Youth Celebrate Service (formerly Prudential Awards)

An initiative in partnership with Points of Light to recognize young changemakers.

  • Who Can Earn It: Students in grades 5–12

  • Award: Certificates and scholarship opportunities

  • Get Involved: Check opportunities via pointsoflight.org

6. DoSomething.org Scholarships

This platform empowers youth to take action and rewards them with scholarships.

  • Who Can Earn It: Ages 13–25

  • Award: Cash scholarships and digital badges

  • Campaign Participation: dosomething.org

7. The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes

This award celebrates young people making a big difference in the world.

  • Who Can Earn It: Youth ages 8–18 in the U.S. and Canada

  • Award: $10,000 for service projects

  • More Info: barronprize.org

🌍 Global & International Volunteer Awards

8. United Nations Volunteer Awards

The UN recognizes individuals and groups for advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through volunteer work.

  • Who Can Earn It: Global changemakers

  • Categories: Youth, innovation, peacebuilding, and more

  • Learn More: unv.org

9. International Volunteer Awards (IAVE)

These awards honor outstanding global volunteer leaders and organizations.

  • Categories: Individual, Organization, Corporate, Youth

  • More Info: iave.org

🏢 Community & Corporate Volunteer Awards

10. L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth

Celebrating extraordinary women who volunteer to help others.

  • Award: $25,000 grant and national media exposure

  • Who Can Apply: U.S. women with a nonprofit cause

  • Nominate or Apply: womenofworth.com

11. Walmart Community Playmakers

Walmart honors local heroes making a positive impact in their neighborhoods.

  • Recognition: Local awards and community grants

  • More Info: Check with your local Walmart or their community page

🔁 Lifetime & Organizational Programs

12. Girl Scout & Boy Scout Community Service Awards

Both organizations offer recognition for long-term volunteer projects.

  • Girl Scouts: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards

  • Boy Scouts: Eagle Scout Service Project

  • Recognition: Highest honors within each program

13. Global Volunteer Recognition Program

We offer monthly challenges, custom awards, and celebration opportunities year-round.

  • Who Can Earn It: Volunteers of all ages worldwide

  • Recognition: Medals, certificates, volunteer spotlight features, and in-person awards at our annual Volunteer Award Gala and Retreats. 

  • Join Us: globalvolunteerrecognitionprogram.com

💬 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving meals at a food pantry, mentoring youth, or cleaning up parks, your time and heart matter. Volunteer awards are more than just certificates — they’re a way to highlight your impact, inspire others, and grow your leadership potential.

👉 Know of an award we missed? Reach out to us and we’ll add it to the list!

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