Texas has opened nominations for the 42nd Annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards, seeking to recognize exceptional volunteers statewide.
The awards highlight Texas’ commitment to honoring citizens who strengthen their communities through volunteer service. Winners will be celebrated at the Governor’s Mansion during National Volunteer Month in April 2026.
“Every day, Texans from all walks of life give their time and talents to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the fabric of our communities,” said First Lady Cecilia Abbott.
She encouraged Texans to nominate outstanding individuals and organizations “whose compassion and leadership are a testament to the Texas spirit.”
The awards program, administered by the OneStar Foundation, spans nine categories, including the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the First Lady’s Rising Star Award. Other categories recognize volunteer families, community champions, education advocates, corporate partners, disaster response efforts, and AmeriCorps service members.
OneStar President and CEO Chris Bugbee emphasized the program’s broader significance.
“Through this partnership with the Governor and First Lady, we celebrate the perseverance, generosity, and impact of Texans who are building stronger, more connected communities across our state,” Bugbee said.
The awards ceremony will take place at the Governor’s Mansion with First Lady Abbott serving as Honorary Chair. Interested nominators can find submission guidelines, eligibility requirements, and deadlines here.
The program enters its fifth decade of recognizing Texas volunteers who demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service. Past recipients have included individuals and organizations from diverse backgrounds across the state’s 254 counties.
Comments