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Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Volunteers

Governor's Service Awards


2021 Awards

The Kentucky Governor’s Service Awards program is administered by Serve Kentucky, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, to highlight the importance of volunteer and national service across the Commonwealth.

Nominations will be accepted until May 20, 2021. Awards will be presented in five main categories: Volunteer Service, Group Service, Business Service, National Service, and Lifetime Achievement. Nominate an outstanding volunteer, nonprofit, group, or business in Kentucky today!

2021 Governor's Awards Online Nomination Form (PDF for reference only)

2021 Awards Press Release

Nomination Guidelines and General Information  

  • Volunteer service must have been performed in Kentucky, serving primarily Kentuckians. 
  • Members and staff of Serve Kentucky and the Awards Committee are not eligible for nomination.
  • Nominators will be notified of the results of their nominee(s). 
  • If your nominee is selected for an award, you will be required to submit a photo of your nominee. Additional information about your nominee may also be requested for press inquiries, awards ceremony, etc. 
  • Information from nominations may be released to the media and elected officials.

Email Serve Kentucky if you have questions about the awards.

About the Awards Program

The Kentucky Governor's Service Awards program offers a rare glimpse into the lives and achievements of Kentuckians who serve without expectation of compensation, recognition, or commendation. The Governor's Office launched the program in 1975. Since 1995, Serve Kentucky has managed the awards program. It has been our distinct privilege over the years to recognize a few of the thousands whose volunteer service contributes immeasurably to a better Kentucky. The program is offered through a partnership with the Office of the Governor to highlight the importance of volunteer and national service across the Commonwealth.

Email Serve Kentucky if you have questions about the awards.

Award Categories and Criteria

Volunteer Service Award

Classifications: Youth, Adult, Senior, Veteran
Recognizes individuals who have met a community need in an innovative and/or effective manner. Nominees may have made an impact through changed lives and/or community conditions as a result of service efforts. Nominees should demonstrate an ethic of service, compassion, and/or nature to inspire others to serve.

Business Service Award

Classifications: Small, Mid-size, Large, Entrepreneur/Partnership, Enterprise/Corporation
Recognizes businesses that have made an impact through innovation, volunteer hours, number of volunteers, monetary support, etc. It may recognize ongoing community involvement and/ or the historical record of supporting volunteerism through policies and practices.

Group Service Award

Classifications: Nonprofit, Faith-based, General
Recognizes nonprofits, faith-based, and/or general groups that demonstrate significant volunteer outreach and efforts to positively impact their community. It may recognize successful collaborations and/or management of an exceptional volunteer program.

National Service Award

Classifications: Individual, Program, Alumni
Recognizes an individual member and/or group of members of a national service program (AmeriCorps State/National; AmeriCorps VISTA, NCCC; or Senior Corps FGP, SCP, RSVP) who have demonstrated service beyond standard expectations of the designated program, an extraordinary example of the National Service spirit. It may recognize an alumnus whose commitment to embody service beyond their service term continues to bring about positive community change.

Lifetime Achievement Award

Classifications: Active, Posthumous
Recognizes a lifelong commitment to volunteerism and community service at a variety of levels, resulting in a substantial and/or sustained impact. It may recognize the outstanding service of an individual who has enhanced the delivery of social services in Kentucky. Nominees should demonstrate a minimum of 15 years of serving and engaging others in service.

Archives

25th Annual Governor's Service Awards

The awards ceremony was held virtually on October 24, 2020, to coincide with Make A Difference Day, an annual observance that emphasizes community service and volunteerism. Check out the press release and the full ceremony video on Serve Kentucky's Facebook page.

See the list of the 2020 award winners representing individuals, national service members, groups, nonprofits, and businesses from across the Commonwealth who have demonstrated extraordinary service to their communities.

24th Annual Governor's Service Awards

23rd Annual Governor's Service Awards

22nd Annual Governor's Service Awards

21st Annual Awards

For information about past award programs and/or winners, contact Shannon Ramsey. Review the list of Past Governor's Service Award Winners.