Wet Mountain Valley Volunteer of the Year Nomination Form & Guidelines
Please submit by March 31, 2026
Nomination Categories
To ensure clarity, accessibility, and broad recognition, WMVCF shall offer three Volunteer of the Year awards annually, based on age at the time of nomination:
- Youth & Young Adult Volunteer of the Year
Up to age 25
Recognizes young individuals who demonstrate leadership, initiative, and meaningful community service. - Adult Volunteer of the Year
Ages 26–59
Honors individuals whose volunteer service has made a significant and positive impact on the community. - Senior Volunteer of the Year
Age 60 and older
Celebrates individuals whose sustained volunteer service reflects long-term commitment, mentorship, and community spirit.
WMVCF reserves the right to present fewer than three awards in any year if suitable nominees are not identified.
Eligibility Criteria
Nominees must:
- Be a resident of, or provide volunteer service within, the Wet Mountain Valley
- Have provided unpaid volunteer service
- Have demonstrated meaningful service within the previous 12–24 months
- Be nominated by an individual or organization (self-nominations are not permitted)
Ineligible Individuals
The following individuals are not eligible for nomination:
- Current WMVCF board members
- Current WMVCF staff or contractors
- Immediate family members of current WMVCF board members or staff
Former WMVCF board members become eligible one year after completing their board service.
Selection Criteria
Nominations shall be evaluated using the following guiding criteria:
- Community Impact
The extent to which the nominee’s service has positively affected individuals, organizations, or the broader community. - Commitment & Reliability
Demonstrated consistency, dedication, and sustained involvement in volunteer activities. - Leadership & Initiative
Willingness to take responsibility, mentor others, solve problems, or inspire participation. - Community Spirit
Reflection of generosity, collaboration, and values aligned with the mission of WMVCF.
Selection may be made by a designated committee, staff, or the WMVCF Board, as determined annually.
Recognition & Award
Each Volunteer of the Year recipient shall:
- Receive public recognition during National Volunteer Week or another designated WMVCF event
- Be honored through WMVCF communications and media outreach
- Have a donation made, in their honor, to a WMVCF-held or other qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization of their choice
Repeat Recipient Policy
To promote broad community recognition and ensure equitable opportunities:
- An individual may receive a Volunteer of the Year award no more than three consecutive years
- After receiving the award in three consecutive years, the individual must wait one year before becoming eligible again
- Past recipients remain eligible for consideration in a different award category, if applicable
WMVCF may maintain a recognition list or “Honor Roll” of past recipients to acknowledge ongoing service.
Administration & Review
WMVCF staff shall administer the nomination process, timelines, and communications in accordance with this policy. The Board of Directors retains final authority over award determinations.
This policy may be reviewed and amended by the WMVCF Board of Directors as needed to reflect organizational priorities and community needs.
Nominations are closed. Stay tuned for award announcements.