Why Nominate a Volunteer?
Volunteers give their time, energy, and expertise to make a difference in their communities. Recognizing their contributions with an award does three important things:
- Motivation: Public acknowledgment encourages continued engagement.
- Retention: Volunteers who feel valued are more likely to stay longterm.
- Visibility: Highlighting exceptional service inspires others to get involved.
Writing a strong nomination letter is the first step toward granting that welldeserved recognition.
Essential Structure of a Nomination Letter
A clear, concise, and persuasive letter follows a predictable format. Below is a stepbystep breakdown.
- Header Include your name, title, organization, address, phone, and email. Place the date and the award committees address beneath.
- Opening Salutation Address the committee or specific recipient (e.g., Dear Volunteer Awards Committee).
- Introduction State the nominees name, position, and the award you are nominating them for. Capture attention with a compelling opening sentence that hints at the impact.
- Body Paragraphs
- Impact Overview Summarize the volunteers overall contributions, length of service, and areas of involvement.
- Specific Examples Provide 24 detailed anecdotes that illustrate leadership, initiative, problemsolving, or community impact. Include measurable outcomes when possible (hours served, people helped, funds raised, etc.).
- Personal Qualities Highlight traits such as reliability, empathy, teamwork, and innovation.
- Closing Argument Reaffirm why the nominee exemplifies the awards criteria and why they deserve the honor.
- Signature Block Sign your name, add your title, and optionally attach supporting documents (letters of appreciation, statistics, photos).
Key Writing Tips
- Be Specific Vague praise (great volunteer) is less persuasive than concrete facts (organized a fundraiser that generated $12,500).
- Use Active Voice She coordinated a neighborhood cleanup reads stronger than A cleanup was coordinated by her.
- Quantify Impact Numbers create credibility. Mention hours, dollars, participants, or percentage improvements.
- Show, Dont Tell Illustrate qualities through actions rather than simply naming them.
- Stay Within Word Limits Most award forms request 500800 words; keep your letter concise.
- Proofread Errors undermine professionalism. Read aloud or ask a colleague to review.
Sample Nomination Letter
Jane Doe
Community Outreach Coordinator
River Valley Community Center
123 Main St, Anytown, ST 12345
Phone: (555) 1234567
Email: jdoe@rvcenter.org
June 5, 2026
Volunteer Awards Committee
National Volunteer Service Association
456 Grant Avenue
Capital City, ST 67890
Dear Members of the Volunteer Awards Committee,
I am honored to nominate Michael Thompson for the Exceptional Service Volunteer Award. Michael has been a dedicated volunteer with the River Valley Community Center for the past six years, contributing over 1,350 hours of service across three distinct programs: youth mentorship, senior outreach, and emergency disaster response.
Impact Overview
Michaels commitment is evident in the breadth of his involvement. As a mentor, he has guided 28 atrisk high school students, helping 19 of them achieve a GPA increase of 0.7 points and secure scholarships totaling $45,000. His senior outreach initiative, Golden Connections, reduced social isolation among participants by 62% as measured by pre and postprogram surveys.
Specific Examples
1. Disaster Relief Leadership Following the March 2024 floods, Michael organized a rapidresponse team of 45 volunteers, secured donations of food and blankets worth $8,200, and coordinated distribution to 312 families within 48 hours.
2. Fundraising Innovation He designed a virtual charity run that attracted 1,200 participants nationwide, raising $23,400 for the Centers afterschool program.
3. Program Development Michael authored a mentorship curriculum now used by three partner schools, increasing participant retention from 58% to 91%.
Personal Qualities
Michael demonstrates unwavering reliabilityhe never misses a scheduled shift and frequently volunteers extra hours. His empathy shines through his patient listening, while his collaborative spirit fosters strong teamwork among staff and volunteers alike.
For these reasons, I believe Michael embodies the spirit of the Exceptional Service Volunteer Award. His measurable achievements, innovative approach, and heartfelt dedication have had a lasting, positive effect on our community.
Thank you for considering this nomination. I am happy to provide any additional information you may need.
Sincerely,
Jane Doe
Community Outreach Coordinator
River Valley Community Center
Ready to honor a deserving volunteer? Start drafting your nomination today and give them the recognition they deserve!
