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CCUSA Volunteer of the Year Nomination

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Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 National Volunteer of the Year Award. Through this award, CCUSA recognizes and honors volunteers who have answered God's call to ease the suffering of those in need. In our goal to reduce poverty in America, Catholic Charities is able to serve more of our brothers and sisters due to the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

As an agency, Catholic Charities of New York is able to submit up to three volunteers across our CCCS programs. We welcome you to enter any volunteers you feel are eligible for this award. All submissions are due by midnight on Friday, February 23rd. The Volunteer Services Team will notify you if your volunteer is formally submitted to the CCUSA Nomination Committee.

The Volunteer Services department will also use these nominations for our monthly Volunteer Spotlight; thank you for sharing your talent with us!

CCUSA judges use four weighted criteria to guide their evaluation of the nominations:

Fulfills the mission of Catholic Charities: The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures, and to call the entire church and people of good will to do the same.
Demonstrates real impact (outputs and outcomes) from the activity.
Reflects innovative or unique approaches to helping those in poverty.
Demonstrates commitment to his or her service.

Please limit your nominations to volunteers. Year of Service participants (AmeriCorps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, etc.) and board members are not eligible.

Nominator's Information (Catholic Charities Staff)

Nominator First Name

Nominator Last Name

Nominator's Title

Nominator's Program

Please list the division and program you represent within CCCS. Regional agencies can do the same!

Nominee (Volunteer) Information

Nominee's First Name

INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEERS ONLY

Confirm Nominee's First Name Confirm Nominee's First Name

Nominee's Last Name

Nominee Address

Street

City

State

Zip/Postal Code

Nominee's Impact

Name of the Division & Program(s) where the nominee volunteers.

Number of Volunteer Hours, Monthly

Approximate number

Number of Years Nominee Has Volunteered With Your Program

This award is for volunteers with sustained impact in your program. Volunteers with less than one year of commitment are likely not the right fit for this nomination.

Short Answer Questions

In 250 words of less, describe the work of your nominee. Include what the volunteer does and where they serve.

In 250 words or less, who does your nominee impact (clients, staff, other volunteers)? How is the community impacted by your nominee?

In 250 words or less, how does your nominee demonstrate a commitment to service and volunteering within your community?

In 250 words or less, why should your nominee be the recipient of Catholic Charities USA's National Volunteer of the Year? Feel free to share any relevant information that was not highlight through the questions above. Why is the volunteer passionate about service within your agency? Why do they do what they do?

In 250 words or less, how does your nominee fulfill the mission of Catholic Charities? The mission of Catholic Charities is to provide service to people in need, to advocate for justice in social structures and to call the entire church and people of good will to do the same.

Consent

Volunteer Nomination Consent

This field is required

The volunteer has given their consent for this nomination and use of story in CCUSA's publications and online channels. If chosen, they will be available for interviews and accept the award.

National Volunteer Week

This field is required

If my nominee is selected as a finalist, I understand that he/she will be highlighted by CCUSA during National Volunteer Week, April 20-24.

Photo/Bio Consent for Finalists

This field is required

If selected as a finalist, by April 6th, the nominee will submit a high-resolution portrait photograph, a completed media release form (which will include the permission from the nominee to publish the photo in CCUSA media), and a short biography.

Finalist Video

This field is required

If my nominee is selected as the Volunteer of the Year, I will facilitate a video shoot by Catholic Charities USA at my location with the volunteer and others (staff, clients, other volunteers who can speak to his or her impact). This video shoot will be scheduled in advance and will take place likely in May/June.

Submit