Spirit of Volunteerism Award Nominations

Volunteer McKinney hosts The Spirit of Volunteerism Awards every year to recognize and honor individuals
and groups for their outstanding contributions to community service and volunteerism in Collin County.
This annual event celebrates the spirit of giving back and inspire others to get involved in meaningful ways.

Deadline for volunteer award nominations is January 24, 2025.

VOlunteer Nomination Form

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Guidelines & Eligibility

The Volunteer McKinney’s Spirit of Volunteerism Awards event abides by the following guidelines to maintain fairness and transparency.

Previous winners are ineligible for a nomination for five years after receiving a Volunteer McKinney Spirit of Volunteerism award.

Volunteer service must have been performed in Collin County, Texas.

A significant portion of volunteer service must have been performed during the last calendar year (January 2024 – December 2024), except for the Pete and Nancy Huff Award.

Review each award category for additional eligibility requirements.

Nominators may only submit one nomination per nominee.

Your submission may be modified and read aloud during the Awards Ceremony.

If deemed appropriate, Volunteer McKinney reserves the right to move a nominee to a different category.

The Awards Committee will only consider information provided in the nomination form.

Nominations must be submitted through the Spirit of Volunteerism Awards online nomination form.

Award Categories

Individual Awards

Volunteer of the Year Award

Presented to an individual who exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism through giving time and/or talents to support individuals in need, nonprofits, and/or community projects in the Collin County area.

This individual demonstrates a passion for service by their contributions to one or more of the many worthy needs of the community.

This person goes the extra mile in their work by providing exceptional leadership and dedication to address community challenges.

Youth Servant Leader of the Year Award

Presented to an individual under the age of 21 years who demonstrates exemplary service through volunteering efforts and/or philanthropic endeavors to support in the Collin County area.

This nominee mobilizes others to achieve measurable impact on critical issues within our community and demonstrates leadership, commitment to service, and the ability to inspire others of all ages to serve.

Pete & Nancy Huff Community Service Legacy Award

Pete and Nancy Huff Founded Volunteer McKinney in 1998, so this award is presented to someone that reflects the Huff’s character and contribution. Presented to an individual who has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to the community through passion and dedication to volunteerism, board service, and/or leadership of groups or nonprofit organizations.

This person has been championing and meeting the needs of worthy charitable causes in the Collin County area for over 10 years.

Group Awards

Nonprofit of the Year (New!)

This award is presented to a nonprofit organization that is being recognized specifically for its outstanding volunteer program. This honor acknowledges an organization that recruits, trains, empowers and celebrates its volunteers; emphasizing volunteerism as a foundational value.

This Nonprofit has successfully cultivated a vibrant community of dedicated volunteers, fostering a strong culture of service and collaboration. Their commitment to volunteer engagement not only enhances the organization but also enriches the entire community.

Volunteer Group of the Year Award

Presented to a distinct group of volunteers who have joined together in volunteer service to others by contributing time and/or talents to a Collin County area nonprofit organization and/or cause and demonstrating a passion for meeting the worthy needs of our community.

This can be an organization or an informal, grassroots group.

Business Service Award

Presented to a for-profit business for their demonstrated contributions of time, talents, and/or finances within the community.

This business actively empowers its employees to serve our community by including volunteerism as a core value of their business.

Additionally, the business supports nonprofits through employee engagement programs and/or sponsorship of worthy community events.

Since the business itself is the recipient, whether or not staff is compensated during service hours is not considered.

Education Champion Award
(Group or Individual)

Presented to a volunteer or organization that demonstrates an unwavering commitment to enhancing educational opportunities and outcomes for students. This recognition is reserved for individual volunteers, groups like PTO/PTAs or similar service organizations that work tirelessly to strengthen school systems, provide vital support for educators, and create opportunities that inspire and empower learners of all ages.

Nominees exemplify a deep commitment to education through initiatives such as advocating for school improvements, offering extracurricular programs, and fostering partnerships that enhance academic success. Their efforts ensure students and educators have access to the resources, support, and enrichment needed to thrive academically, socially, and personally.

VOlunteer Nomination Form