Recognize the unique contributions of Triangle-area volunteers through the Key Volunteer of the Year Awards, a long-standing tradition of the Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center for more than 50 years.

Established in 1973, the Key Awards began as part of a national program championed by JCPenney, designed to allow local volunteer centers to recognize the significant contributions of volunteers across the country. Since then, TNVLC has continued this tradition, celebrating volunteer leadership across the Greater Triangle.

The Key Awards honor volunteers in categories based on the type of volunteer in distinct categories, including youth, senior, corporate, board members, etc. By focusing on the type of volunteer, the Key Awards provide an opportunity to highlight contributions in a way that reflects the different roles and capacities of each group. For example, youth volunteers and retirees both make meaningful contributions, but their available time and opportunities to serve can differ.

TNVLC manages the Key Volunteer Awards nomination process for all Triangle counties, including those covered by the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. While we utilize the same form and process for the majority of nominations submitted for the Governor’s Awards, we often conduct a separate, shortened nomination process for additional categories that recognize important forms of volunteer service not specifically covered by the Governor’s Award program.

All nominees are featured on TNVLC’s website and social media as Volunteers of the Week, regardless of whether they are selected as category winners. There is no cost to submit a nomination.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT YOUR ONLINE NOMINATION

A downloadable form in Word is also available. To request, please email Margie Jones.

NOMINATIONS CLOSE ON MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2026