NAVPLG Achievement Awards

We are excited to announce that NAVPLG has refreshed its awards program to better recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of individuals, agencies, and programs in volunteer engagement. We are proud to introduce these new and refined award categories, which highlight the innovation, dedication, and leadership that drive positive change and strengthen our communities.

The National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG) is dedicated to recognizing excellence in volunteer engagement within public agencies and community programs. The NAVPLG Achievement Awards celebrate the commitment, innovation, and leadership of individuals, government agencies, and organizations that advance volunteerism and public service. These awards honor those who demonstrate outstanding achievements in creating inclusive, impactful volunteer programs, fostering community partnerships, and exemplifying NAVPLG’s core values of leadership, education, advocacy, networking, and information exchange. Each award highlights the dedication and innovation that contribute to the vitality of communities and the success of public sector volunteer initiatives.

Award Season and Nominations Opening in 2025

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Lifetime Achievement Award: This prestigious award celebrates an individual who has dedicated their career to advancing volunteer engagement and has made significant, lasting contributions to the field.

New Volunteer Professional Award: This award recognizes a NAVPLG member with 3 to 5 years of experience in volunteer administration, whose primary responsibility involves volunteer leadership, and who has shown exceptional promise and dedication to the field.

Outstanding Public Official Award: This award acknowledges a nominated, elected, or appointed public official—such as commissioners, board members, or state and federal representatives—who has been an influential advocate for volunteer engagement, significantly benefiting a NAVPLG member agency.

Outstanding Volunteer Professional Award: This award honors a NAVPLG member with more than five years of experience in volunteer administration. The recipient must demonstrate exemplary leadership in volunteer management and embody NAVPLG’s core pillars: Leadership, Education, Advocacy, Networking, and Information Exchange.

AGENCY AWARDS

Community Engagement Excellence Award: This award recognizes a government agency or tribal nation represented by a NAVPLG member for outstanding achievements in engaging volunteers to strengthen their local community.

Innovative Program Award: This award honors the remarkable accomplishments of a government or tribal program led by a NAVPLG member that has designed and implemented a creative and impactful volunteer-driven program or service benefiting local government and the community.

OTHER AWARDS

Award of Merit: The NAVPLG Board bestows this award to recognize exemplary contributions by both members and non-members in the field of volunteer administration. The award may be presented in the following categories:

  • Individual: Recognizes an individual for exceptional work in volunteer engagement.
  • Organization: Honors a commercial, non-profit, or government organization that has made significant contributions to advancing volunteer engagement.
  • Program: Acknowledges programs that have overcome significant challenges—such as budget constraints, staffing shortages, or leadership transitions—and have achieved successful outcomes.

Community Collaboration Award: This award is given to a NAVPLG member or their affiliated government agency that has demonstrated exceptional leadership or partnership in public and private community collaboration. Recipients are recognized for volunteer engagement initiatives that have measurably improved quality of life in their local communities. This award highlights innovative programs that address pressing local issues, including public health, education, environmental sustainability, and social equity, showcasing a strong commitment to creating sustained, positive community change.

Previous Award Recipients

2020 - 2029

2010 - 2019

1997 - 2009