The President's Volunteer Service Award

We are one of thousands of certifying organizations in the national PVSA program, which is managed by Americorps and the Point of Light Foundation.

We are now accepting nominations and applications from individuals, businesses, and organizations who have committed to volunteering in their community for the 2024-2025 term and over a lifetime.

The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes, honors, and celebrates citizens who make a positive impact as engaged and profoundly committed volunteers. The Award enables community organizations to express their appreciation for their most devoted volunteers alongside the President of the United States. 

The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation established the President's Volunteer Service Award in 2003 to recognize the significance of volunteers to the strength and national identity of the United States, as well as to honor those volunteers whose service is multiplied by the inspiration they provide to others. 

The President's Volunteer Service Award is presented to United States citizens and lawfully admitted, permanent residents of the United States who have completed the required number of service hours over a 12-month period or cumulatively over a lifetime. 

Presidential recognition distinguishes you among your colleagues. It is an incredible privilege. Even if you are not seeking recognition, your actions can send a message that inspires others to take action.  

RiseHer is proud to be a part of the crucial task of encouraging and recognizing men, women, boys and girls for their dedication to a better world.

As a certifying organization, we review  and approve PVSA submissions once per year. Approved applicants will be recognized at the  Illuminating Hope  Awards Dinner Gala held in Atlanta, Ga in February 2026.

• United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., green card holder)
• Must be at least five years old
• Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards)

Eligible Service:

• Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefitting others
  • Service through National service programs that provide a stipend (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) may count towards the Lifetime Achievement Award, but not for the annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards)
  • Travel stipends, transit/parking passes, membership passes, expense reimbursements, and other nominal volunteer support do not impact service eligibility

Eligible Service does not include:

• Donating funds
• Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
• Religious instruction
• Conducting worship service
• Proselytizing
• Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service
• Serving only family members

****NOMINATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE CLASS OF 2025!****

The deadline to apply for the President’s Volunteer Service Award is on 

December 1, 2025.

 Eligible activities must take place between December 2nd to December 1st of the award year.