What is the President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)?
In 2003, the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation founded the PVSA to recognize the important role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity, and honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation. This prestigious award is given to incredible leaders who go above and beyond to make the world a better place through volunteerism.
Volunteer Eligibility
Individuals that meet the criteria are eligible for the PVSA.
- Recipient(s) must be a United States citizen or a lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.
- Must be at least five years old.
- Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards).
Eligibility Services
- Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefiting others.
- Service through National service programs that provide a stipend (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) may count towards the Lifetime Achievement Award, but not for the annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
- Travel stipends, transit/parking passes, membership passes, expense reimbursements, and other nominal volunteer support do not impact service eligibility.
Eligible Service Does Not Include:
- Donating funds
- Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
- Religious instruction
- Conducting worship service
- Proselytizing
- Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service
- Serving only family members
Volunteer Hours Requirement
Hours are measured over a 12-month period and awards are designated based on cumulative hours. The awards are offered in multiple levels and are designed to recognize each milestone of your service achievement. Levels include bronze, silver, gold, and the highest honor — the President's Lifetime Achievement Award — for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime.
How to Apply
Candidates must document their volunteer activities and submit their documents to BC. Students must use and complete the official BC forms.
Please submit the online volunteer interest form first, then submit a volunteer application next.