For Immediate Release: May 29, 2025
Contacts: Office of the Governor:Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.govOffice of the Governor:Peter Finocchio, Peter.finocchio@governor.virginia.gov | Serve Virginia: Sarah Lawson, sarah.lawson@dss.virginia.gov |

Governor Glenn Youngkin Announces Volunteerism & Community Service Awards Nomination Period is Open

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin announced that the nomination period is open for the 2025 Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards, an annual award program coordinated by Serve Virginia and the Virginia Service Foundation, recognizing Virginians who volunteer their time to make a difference in their communities. Nominations will be accepted from the public through Monday, June 23, 5:00pm ET.  

“Virginia is a Commonwealth built on the spirit of service,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “Time and again, we see the heroism of volunteers lift up Virginians in times of need, proving that small acts of service can make a lasting impact. Each year, these Awards shine a spotlight on the individuals, organizations, and businesses making a meaningful difference across the Commonwealth.” 

The Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards recognize volunteers across a wide range of focus areas. Past honorees have positively impacted the lives of thousands, increasing access to medical care and healthy food, supporting youth and families, enhancing first responder programs, and inspiring students to become Virginians who give back, among other service areas.  

“Participation in volunteer activities continues to grow across Virginia at a rate that outpaces most other states and territories,” said Serve Virginia Director Kathy J. Spangler. “We are thrilled to foster this growth by honoring Virginians of all ages who dedicate themselves to serving others and making a difference in their community, as well as the groups, organizations, and businesses that are committed to community service.” 

The Awards honor individuals and groups in the following categories:  

• Individual, youth (aged 18 and under)  
• Individual, young adult (aged 19-30)  
• Individual, adult (aged 31-59)  
• Individual, senior (aged 60+)  
• Independent Group (family, friends, or other informal group) 
• Community Organization (nonprofit or government) 
• Faith-based Group (spiritual community) 
• Educational Organization (K-12 school or higher education institution)  
• Small Business (for-profit, 0-50 employees) 
• Corporation (for-profit, 51+ employees)  

Virginia Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards honorees will be recognized in a ceremony at the Executive Mansion this Fall. Additional information about the Awards and nomination process, as well as the form to submit a nomination, is available through Serve Virginia at ServeVirginia.org/governors-awards. 

Serve Virginia aspires to build a culture of service and volunteerism in all corners of the Commonwealth by inspiring individuals and organizations to engage, connecting them with the resources they need to make a difference and celebrating the tremendous impacts we make together. Learn more at ServeVirginia.org.

The Virginia Service Foundation supports the activities of the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism. The purpose of the Virginia Service Foundation is to promote volunteer involvement, civic engagement, and citizen participation in the programs to serve the needs of the Commonwealth of Virginia and its communities. Learn more at ServeVirginia.org/about-us/virginia-service-foundation.  

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