How much funding does Governor's Volunteer Awards provide?

Funding amounts vary. Check the grant details for specifics.

Governor's Volunteer Awards

THE ONESTAR FOUNDATION

Foundation Annual Grants for Nonprofits Grants for Youth Programs Grants for Education

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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

June 30, 2026

83 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Governor's Volunteer Awards

Administrator: OneStar Foundation in partnership with the Office of the Texas Governor

Geographic Scope: Texas statewide

Overview:
The Governor's Volunteer Awards recognize exemplary individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to improving their communities through outstanding service and volunteering. This is the 42nd annual award cycle (as of 2026). Awards are presented during National Volunteer Month in April at the Governor's Mansion, hosted by the First Lady as Honorary Chair.

Award Categories (9 total):
1. Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award - Honors individuals with exceptional long-term dedication to community service
2. First Lady's Rising Star Award - Recognizes young or emerging leaders showing exceptional promise in service
3. Volunteer of the Year Award - Celebrates outstanding individual volunteer contributions
4. Volunteer Family of the Year Award - Honors families whose members volunteer together
5. Community Champion Award - Recognizes organizations driving significant community impact
6. Education Champion Award - Acknowledges commitment to education and student success
7. Corporate Champion Award - Honors corporate/business service contributions
8. Rebuild Texas Disaster Impact Award - Recognizes service in disaster recovery and resilience
9. AmeriCorps Legacy of Service Award - Honors AmeriCorps alumni and their continued service

Selection Criteria:

Exceptional dedication and service

Significant community impact

Leadership and commitment

Category-specific eligibility requirements

Recent Awardees (41st Annual, 2025):
17 recipients recognized including:

Ruth Jordan (San Angelo) - Lifetime Achievement

Wayne Riley Maynard (Dallas) - Lifetime Achievement

Hannah Ho (Fort Worth) - Rising Star

Miriam Khan (Spring) - Rising Star

Shreya Poladia (Texas Hill Country) - Rising Star

Samir Becic (Houston) - Volunteer of the Year

Eric A. Duvoe (Round Rock) - Volunteer of the Year

The Aghili-Jacquier family (Pflugerville) - Volunteer Family of the Year

PCCA (Fort Bend), ServiceMaster of Wichita Falls, Thrivent - Corporate Champions

Texas Health Community Hope, Town of Addison, Universal City Volunteer Corps - Community Champions

Contact:
OneStar Foundation
2200 East Martin Luther King Blvd, Suite 100
Austin, TX 78702
3000 Pegasus Park Dr, Suite 718
Dallas, TX 75247
onestarfoundation.org

Website: onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards

How to Apply

1. Visit the official nomination website at onestarfoundation.org/governors-volunteer-awards

2. Review award categories and eligibility guidelines for each of the nine award categories

3. Submit a nomination with required information about the nominee(s)

4. Include supporting details:
- Description of service and community impact
- Category-specific information
- Contact information
- Any relevant documentation or letters of support

5. Submit online through the nomination portal

Nomination Requirements:

Detailed nomination form

Evidence of exceptional service and dedication

Community impact documentation

Category-specific supporting materials

Contact information for nominees

Timeline:

Nominations typically open in late summer/early fall

Nominations close in September (specific date varies by year)

Awardees announced in March/April

Awards ceremony held in April during National Volunteer Month at the Governor's Mansion