Background: 

Established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) was created to acknowledge the vital contributions of volunteers to the strength and national identity of the United States. This prestigious award celebrates individuals whose volunteer efforts have a positive impact on communities across the nation, inspiring others to also take action. The PVSA has remained a constant recognition program through various administrations, applauding the dedicated volunteers who devote their time and skills to address some of the nation’s most challenging issues.

For more information, please visit the PVSA website directly at: https://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/about

Eligibility Requirements: 

Volunteer Eligibility:

1. Must be a United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., a green card holder).

2. Minimum age requirement to participate: five years old.

3. Eligible service must be completed within 12 months for the annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards and over a person’s lifetime for the Lifetime Achievement Award

Eligible Service:

– Unpaid acts of volunteer service that benefit others.

– Service through national service programs that provide a stipend (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) may count toward 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.