10 Tips to Increase Your Odds of Writing a Winning Volunteer Award Nomination
In a world where acts of kindness and community support often go unnoticed, volunteer awards provide a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who dedicate their time and energy to making a positive impact. Writing a winning volunteer award nomination is an art that requires both heartfelt storytelling and strategic presentation. Whether you’re nominating a community hero or a dedicated team, this guide will help you craft a compelling nomination. Let’s explore ten tips to enhance your odds of success.
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Understand the Criteria
Explanation
Before you begin writing, familiarize yourself with the award’s criteria. Each award has specific requirements that nominees must meet, ranging from the scope of their work to the impact they’ve made.
Practical Tips
- Read the Guidelines: Thoroughly read through the nomination guidelines provided by the awarding body. Pay attention to any key phrases or themes.
- Take Notes: Jot down the main points that need to be addressed in your nomination. This will serve as your roadmap.
Real-World Example
The “Exceptional Volunteer Program Award” requires nominees to provide their 13-month Volunteer Program unduplicated headcount as of June 30, 2025,* and to describe the number of hours offered by those volunteers. By highlighting the organization’s 515 registered annual volunteers, 300 one-time event volunteers, and 124 credit-seeking service members, the 10,000+ donated hours positively impacted the community, directly addressing this criterion.
2. Tell a Compelling Story
Explanation
Humans are naturally drawn to stories. A well-told narrative can make your nomination stand out by creating an emotional connection with the judges.
Practical Tips
- Start Strong: Begin with a powerful anecdote or a surprising fact about the nominee.
- Emphasize Impact: Highlight how the nominee’s actions have positively transformed lives or communities.
Real-World Example
“For years, Maria has been the heart of our local animal shelter. Her tireless work has saved over 300 animals, giving them a second chance at life and bringing joy to countless families.”
3. Gather Testimonials
Explanation
Including testimonials from people directly impacted by the nominee’s work can add authenticity and depth to your nomination.
Practical Tips
- Diverse Voices: Collect quotes from a variety of sources – beneficiaries, fellow volunteers, and community leaders.
- Specificity Matters: Encourage contributors to provide detailed accounts of how the nominee has made a difference.
Real-World Example
A testimonial from the director of a local food bank: “John’s innovative approach to sourcing donations has increased our food supply by 40%, allowing us to serve more families in need.”
4. Use Data to Support Your Claims
Explanation
Statistics and data can provide a factual backbone to your nomination, demonstrating the nominee’s impact in quantifiable terms.
Practical Tips
- Collect Relevant Data: Gather statistics that illustrate the nominee’s contributions, such as hours served or funds raised.
- Visual Aids: Consider including charts or graphs to make the data more accessible and engaging.
Real-World Example
“Since Sarah joined the literacy program, student success rates have risen by 25%, a testament to her innovative teaching methods.”
5. Highlight Unique Qualities
Explanation
What distinguishes your nominee from others? Highlighting unique qualities or approaches can make your nomination memorable.
Practical Tips
- Focus on Uniqueness: Identify what sets the nominee apart, whether it’s a rare skill, a creative approach, or an exceptional dedication.
- Personal Touch: Include personal anecdotes that showcase these unique traits.
Real-World Example
“Despite being a full-time nurse, Tom dedicates every weekend to organizing community health fairs, providing free check-ups and wellness advice.”
6. Involve Local Businesses
Explanation
Local businesses can play a pivotal role in community volunteer efforts. Highlighting their support can strengthen your nomination.
Practical Tips
- Show Collaboration: Describe how the nominee has worked with local businesses to achieve their goals.
- Highlight Mutual Benefits: Explain how these partnerships have benefited both the community and the businesses involved.
Real-World Example
“Through partnerships with local grocery stores, Anna has secured weekly food donations, reducing waste and providing nourishment to those in need.”
7. Keep it Concise and Focused
Explanation
Selection committee members often have many nominations to review. A concise and focused nomination is more likely to hold their attention.
Practical Tips
- Avoid Jargon: Use clear and simple language. Avoid using jargon or overly complex terminology.
- Stick to the Point: Ensure each section of your nomination has a clear purpose and directly relates to the award criteria.
Real-World Example
Instead of a lengthy narrative, use bullet points to list key achievements, making it easy for selection members to identify the nominee’s accomplishments.
8. Proofread and Revise
Explanation
Errors in grammar or spelling can detract from the professionalism of your nomination. Proofreading is essential.
Practical Tips
- Multiple Rounds: Read through your nomination several times, focusing on different aspects (e.g., grammar, clarity, impact).
- Peer Review: Have someone else review your work to catch mistakes you might have missed.
- Use Grammarly, or Microsoft’s Grammar check for readability scores.
Real-World Example
A polished and error-free nomination not only looks professional but also ensures that the focus remains on the nominee’s achievements.
9. Leverage Community Support
Explanation
Demonstrating community support can add weight to your nomination, showcasing the nominee’s broad impact.
Practical Tips
- Social Media Campaigns: Utilize social media to rally support and share stories about the nominee’s contributions.
- When letters of support are not permitted, like in the SAVMA Volunteer Awards, community support can be incorporated into the nomination itself.
Real-World Example
A community letter signed by over 200 residents supporting Jane’s nomination for her work in rejuvenating local parks.
“Jane’s work rejuvenating local parks has been recognized by more than 200 neighbors that use the parks. She has even been awarded our agency’s Volunteer of the Year!”
10. Submit Early
Explanation
Submitting your nomination early shows preparedness and allows time for any unforeseen issues.
Practical Tips
- Avoid Last-Minute Rush: Schedule your writing and revision process to ensure a timely submission.
- Double-Check Requirements: Ensure all necessary documents and forms are complete and attached.
Real-World Example
By submitting early, you have the opportunity to make last-minute improvements and ensure everything is in order.
Conclusion
Writing winning volunteer award nominations can be a rewarding process that honors the unsung heroes of our communities. By combining heartfelt storytelling, data-driven evidence, and community engagement, you can craft a nomination that truly stands out. Remember, your words have the power to amplify the incredible work of volunteers and inspire others to contribute to their communities.
As you embark on this journey, consider these questions: How can you showcase the unique impact your nominee has made? What stories will capture the essence of their contributions? And how will you engage the community in celebrating their achievements? With these tips in hand, you’re well-equipped to write a nomination that makes a lasting impression.
SAVMA Awards 2026 nominations are dues July 31st.