North Carolina 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award
The United Way of Iredell County is excited to announce nominations are open for the 2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award! As part of our ongoing commitment to recognizing the invaluable contributions of the volunteers in our community, we will once again be acting as county coordinators for the nomination process.
Volunteers are the backbone of our community, dedicating their time, skills, and passion to support our mission. The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals, groups, and organizations who significantly contribute to their community through volunteer service.
Created by the Office of the Governor in 1979, this annual program honors North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers—individuals, groups, and organizations whose selfless service strengthens communities and improves lives across the state. Through the years, the award has been bestowed on thousands of North Carolinians who have shown concern and compassion for their neighbors by volunteering in their local community.
Each county may submit up to five nominations, including one for a paid Director of Volunteers. From these, one nominee may be recommended for the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Award, presented to approximately the top 20 volunteers statewide. A local review committee will evaluate and recommend Iredell County’s final selections.
A Volunteer Recognition event hosted by the United Way of Iredell County will be held in Spring 2026, where we will honor all nominated Iredell County volunteers, celebrate their achievements and express our gratitude for their unwavering support.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Nominees must have volunteered for at least one year in North Carolina (service outside the state is not eligible).
- Volunteer service must be unpaid, uncompensated, and not required by employment, court, or school.
- Self-nominations and family nominations are ineligible.
- Previous recipients within the past 10 years are not eligible.
To strengthen a nomination, nominators are encouraged to provide clear and descriptive statements that highlight specific examples and measurable outcomes—such as the number of people served, funds raised, or hours contributed. The nomination should explain how the volunteer’s service advances the organization’s mission and meets a demonstrated community need. Focus on service performed within the past year and ensure the nominee statement is at least 150 words.
The deadline for Iredell County nominations is February 11, 2026. All nominations must be submitted or post-dated no later than February 11th to be considered by the United Way of Iredell County’s committee.
Nominators can complete an online application and provide references supporting their nominee at this link:
2026 Governor’s Volunteer Service Award
Or nomination forms can be printed and submitted by email to Iredell County’s award coordinator Linda Wahlberg at lwahlberg@uwiredell.org.
See Links Below to Print:
2026 Governor’s Volunteer Award Nomination Form
