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.
Introducing the Global Volunteer Awards! Click here to learn more.
🏅 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.
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Who Can Earn It: Ages 5+
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Award Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Lifetime Achievement
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Recognition: Certificate, letter from the President, and optional pin or medal
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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.
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Who Can Earn It: Youth ages 13.5 to 24
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Award Areas: Voluntary public service, personal development, physical fitness, and exploration
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Award Levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold medals and certificates
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Learn More: congressionalaward.org
3. Daily Point of Light Award
This daily award highlights individuals who are creating positive change through service.
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Who Can Earn It: All ages, open worldwide
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Recognition: Featured on the Points of Light website and official certificate
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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.
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Categories: Individual, business, and community awards
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Recognition: Medals, media features, and national spotlight
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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.
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Who Can Earn It: Students in grades 5–12
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Award: Certificates and scholarship opportunities
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Get Involved: Check opportunities via pointsoflight.org
6. DoSomething.org Scholarships
This platform empowers youth to take action and rewards them with scholarships.
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Who Can Earn It: Ages 13–25
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Award: Cash scholarships and digital badges
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Campaign Participation: dosomething.org
7. The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
This award celebrates young people making a big difference in the world.
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Who Can Earn It: Youth ages 8–18 in the U.S. and Canada
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Award: $10,000 for service projects
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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.
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Who Can Earn It: Global changemakers
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Categories: Youth, innovation, peacebuilding, and more
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Learn More: unv.org
9. International Volunteer Awards (IAVE)
These awards honor outstanding global volunteer leaders and organizations.
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Categories: Individual, Organization, Corporate, Youth
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More Info: iave.org
🏢 Community & Corporate Volunteer Awards
10. L'Oréal Paris Women of Worth
Celebrating extraordinary women who volunteer to help others.
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Award: $25,000 grant and national media exposure
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Who Can Apply: U.S. women with a nonprofit cause
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Nominate or Apply: womenofworth.com
11. Walmart Community Playmakers
Walmart honors local heroes making a positive impact in their neighborhoods.
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Recognition: Local awards and community grants
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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.
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Girl Scouts: Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards
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Boy Scouts: Eagle Scout Service Project
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Recognition: Highest honors within each program
13. Global Volunteer Recognition Program
We offer monthly challenges, custom awards, and celebration opportunities year-round.
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Who Can Earn It: Volunteers of all ages worldwide
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Recognition: Medals, certificates, volunteer spotlight features, and in-person awards at our annual Volunteer Award Gala and Retreats.
💬 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!
