The Governor’s Volunteer Stars Awards recognizes Tennessee’s exceptional volunteers who are making a lasting impact in their communities through volunteering and community service.  Participating counties lead a local process to select an adult and youth honoree and inspire people of all ages to get involved and make a difference in their communities.
 
Every year, 1.9 million Tennessee volunteers give over 134.7 million hours of service, contributing the equivalent of $4 billion to Tennessee’s economy. These volunteers are the backbone of our communities, and by giving of their time and talents to fulfill needs which would otherwise go unmet, they embody the spirit of giving. 
 
We are currently accepting individual nominations for the following counties: Carter, Cocke, Greene, Unicoi, & Washington. An individual from each county will be chosen to be recognized. Applications are due October 21st, 2026.

Business and Nonprofit Nominations

Want to nominate a business or nonprofit to be recognized? One business from each of Tennessee’s three Grand Regions will be selected for their outstanding volunteerism and community service.

Submit the Business Nomination Form or Nonprofit Nomination Form to submit to Volunteer Tennessee.

GVSA Nomination Form 2026

Nominee Profile

This is information about the individual you are nominating.
First and Last Name of Nominee
First and Last Name of Nominee
First Name
Last Name
Approximate Age
Physical Address
Physical Address
Street Address
Suite, Apt., Etc.
City
State
Zip
Mailing Address - (If Different from Physical)
Mailing Address - (If Different from Physical)
Street Address, P.O. Box, Etc.
City
State
Zip
This is the county they will be nominated for. Nominees must reside in the county they are being nominated for.
Does the nominee's service primarily take place in the county in which they reside?
Nomination Category
Nominations are accepted for Youth and Adults. One of each category will be awarded in each county.
Legal Guardian Name (If Nominee Under 18)
Legal Guardian Name (If Nominee Under 18)
First Name
Last Name

Nominator Profile

This is information about yourself.
Name of Nominator
Name of Nominator
First Name
Last Name
Address
Address
Street Address
Suite, Apt., Etc.
City
State
Zip
How did you hear about the Governor's Volunteer Stars Awards?

Nomination Narrative

Please explain why your nominee should be considered for a Governor’s Volunteer Star. The narrative must answer the following questions:

1. What organization(s) does the nominee serve with?
2. How long has the nominee completed volunteer activity with the organization(s)?
3. What type of service does the nominee perform?
4. What makes the nominee’s volunteer service unique and/or creative?
5. What is the extent to which the nominee’s service goes above the call of duty?
6. How does their service address or solve a local community need?
7. What is the degree to which their services/actions have made a lasting contribution or meaningful impact on their community?
8.What sets the nominee apart in terms of their character and/or commitment to the community?

0 of 200 max words

Additional Details

Summarize the nominee’s volunteer activities in 50-60 words. This should highlight what makes them a volunteer star. If your nominee is selected, this will be read at the GVSA Celebration as the honoree is recognized. Show the state why they are so amazing.

 

0 of 60 max words

Maximum file size: 10MB

Maximum file size: 10MB

An Initiative of
Volunteer Tennessee