The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards (GVSA) recognize individual volunteers through a statewide award program to highlight the importance of volunteerism and community service in the State of Illinois. U.S. citizenship is not required for nomination. Illinois state residency is required. There is no required timeline for volunteer activities.
All volunteer efforts and ongoing projects are considered. If a person is deceased at the time of the awarding process, the award can be given posthumously and be accepted by family members. Self-nominations and nominations of more than one person per application will be automatically disqualified.
Applications should provide information about the individual’s volunteerism efforts, including how they have met the need of the community, its impact, and innovation, as well as supporting documents showcasing the impact of their work.
Awardees are divided by geographical regions and include the following outstanding
volunteer categories:
- Senior Volunteer (65+)
- Adult Volunteer (18-64)
- Youth Volunteer (19 & Under)
- AmeriCorps Seniors Member (Foster Grandparent, RSVP, or Senior Companion)
- AmeriCorps Member
Interested individuals can apply from September 23rd to October 23
rd at 4:00 PM
CST.
To apply, please select this 2025 Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards Nomination
Form
Winners will be formally recognized at an in-person award luncheon in the Spring. - Questions may be sent to: DHS.ServeIllinois@illinois.gov.
- Click here to learn more about Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards