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Cabinet for Health and Family Services

Volunteers

Governor's Service Awards

​​​​Annual Service Awards​

​Serve Kentucky accepted nominations for the annual awards through Nov. 22, 2024, to honor individuals and groups and highlight the impact of volunteerism and service. Judging is complete, and nominators have been notified of the results for their nominees. An awards ceremony is planned for April 2025. Contact Shannon Ramsey for additional information. 

About the ​Awards ​​Program​​

EthanAlmighty2022.jpg​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. Over the years, it has been our distinct privilege 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 AmeriCorps ​​​service across the Commonwealth.​

Nomination Guidelines and General Information​​​

  • In partnership with the Office of the Governor, the Kentucky Governor’s Service Awards program is administered by Serve Kentucky to highlight the importance of volunteer and national service across the Commonwealth.
  • 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 must submit a photo of your nominee. Additional information about your nominee may also be requested for the award ceremony, ​press inquiries, etc.
  • Information from nominations may be released to the media and elected officials.
  • Winners from the past five years are not eligible for an award.​

Email Shannon Ramsey if you ​​​​have questions ​about the awards.

Award Categories and Criteria

Volunteer Service Award

Classifications: ​Youth (18 or younger), Adult (19-59), Senior (60+), Veteran (any age), Volunteer Support (any age)
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

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.

Disaster Relief Service Award

Recognizes an individual or team who has demonstrated exceptional courage, dedication, and selflessness in the face of disaster. Whether through immediate response efforts or long-term recovery, this volunteer has gone above and beyond to provide critical support, resources, and aid to communities in need during times of crisis.​

Group Service Award

Classifications: Nonprofit, Faith-based, General, Youth, Civic Association ​
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 a national service program (AmeriCorps State and National; AmeriCorps VISTA; AmeriCorps NCCC; or AmeriCorps ​Seniors 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.

Archiv​es

28th ​Annual Service Awards

 

Gov. Andy Beshear recognized exceptional volunteerism and service contributions at the 28th Annual Governor’s Service Awards at The Foundry in Frankfort on April 16, 2024.

27th Annual Governor Service Awards

 

​​​The Serve Kentucky Governor's Service Awards reception and awards ceremony was held on May 17, 2023, at the Mellwood Art Center in Louisville. Honoring the Governor's Service Awards winners with Governor Beshear and CHFS Secretary Friedlander was a privilege for Serve Kentucky. Check out the highlight video on YouTube, see photos on Facebook, and read the press release.​​

26th Annual Governor's Service Awards

25th Annual Governor's Service Awards

24th Annual Governor's Service Awards

For information about past award programs and/or winners, contact Shannon Ramsey.