We are delighted to announce that the Inspire Volunteering Awards will once again take place in 2026, hosted by SVE, and will be held during Volunteers’ Week for the very first time! 

This new timing places the Awards at the heart of a national week of recognition, creating a dedicated space to celebrate the individuals, groups, and organisations whose volunteering makes a tangible difference across Stirling and Stirlingshire. 

The 2026 Awards will honour volunteering in all its forms, from committed individuals to dynamic teams working within charities, social enterprises, community groups, and local organisations. Nominations are open for your inspiring volunteers, your tireless trustees, your energetic sports clubs, your dedicated community councils, and your volunteer-led groups that quietly and consistently strengthen local life. If someone in your organisation or community has gone above and beyond over the past year, this is your opportunity to recognise their impact and share their story. 

The categories for the 2026 Inspire Volunteering Awards are as follows: 

Heart of Gold sponsored by Scottish Fire & Rescue 

Nominations for this award are open to individuals or groups of volunteers who have gone above and beyond, demonstrating exceptional kindness, compassion, and dedication. This award recognises and celebrates volunteers who have made a real difference to the lives of others, and have created positive, lasting change. 

Community Champion sponsored by the Thistles Stirling.

 This award recognises individuals or groups of volunteers who have shown extraordinary commitment to supporting or improving their local community, for example through fundraising, community initiatives or contributing to an impactful local project. Nominations should highlight the positive impact the nominee has made in championing their community. 

Young Volunteer of the Year 

Nominations are open to individuals or groups aged 25 and under who have shown outstanding dedication to volunteering. This award celebrates the energy, passion, and commitment young people bring to supporting their communities and helping others. 

Outstanding Trustee 

This award recognises trustees or board members who have shown exceptional leadership, governance, and dedication to their organisation. Nominations should demonstrate how their vision and commitment have helped build a resilient and sustainable organisation, strengthened its direction, enhanced services and made a lasting difference. 

Health, Wellbeing & Sport 

Nominations are open to individuals, teams, or groups who have made positive contributions to promoting health, wellbeing, or physical activity in their community. This could include supporting exercise or sports activities, mental health or befriending groups, community projects that reduce loneliness, or initiatives that encourage healthy and active lifestyles. 

Culture, Arts & Faith 

This award celebrates volunteers who enrich their communities through culture, arts, or faith-based activities. Examples could include leading community theatre or music groups, running creative workshops, supporting local art exhibitions, helping at cultural festivals, volunteering with faith-based charities, or assisting uniformed organisations in community activities. 

Environment & Heritage sponsored by FEL Scotland

Nominations are open to individuals or teams of volunteers who actively support the protection, improvement or celebration of Stirling’s local environment or heritage. This could include projects that conserve green spaces, preserve historic sites, or encourage community engagement with nature or local heritage projects. 

Inspire Volunteering Award 

The winner of this award will be chosen from all nominees across the other categories. This award recognises an individual or team who has demonstrated exceptional impact and commitment in 2026, serving as an outstanding example of volunteerism and dedication to their community. 

The Lord Provost Award 

This year, the Inspire Volunteering Awards includes a very special new honour, the Lord Provost Award, to recognise organisations that go the extra mile for their volunteers. Volunteers know how much difference a great organisation can make, helping them feel welcomed, supported, and truly valued. Unlike other awards, which celebrate individual volunteers, this award highlights the crucial role organisations play in creating positive, meaningful volunteering experiences. 

It celebrates organisations that put time, care, and leadership into welcoming volunteers, offering meaningful roles, providing training and support, listening to feedback, and showing appreciation. These organisations create a friendly, inclusive culture where volunteers can thrive, stay motivated, and make a real difference in their communities. Chosen by the Lord Provost, the award reflects civic pride in the local third sector and recognises the excellence, leadership, and lasting impact these organisations have on volunteers and the wider community. 

If the organisation you volunteer with goes above and beyond to create a supportive and inspiring environment, this is your chance to shine a light on them by nominating them for this prestigious award. 

The Lord Provost Award has a separate nomination form which you can find here.

Nomination Guidance 

Before you fill in the nomination form for the other categories, please read the following guidance. 

Nominations should tell a story about the volunteer, describing why they deserve the award. You may also include quotes, photos, videos, or any other evidence to support your nomination. The main categories will be judged against the following criteria, so please include as much detail as possible for each category. 

Alignment to the Category 

Does the volunteer clearly demonstrate the qualities described in the award category? Give specific examples of how they fit the category and show why they are an ideal nominee. 

Impact 

What difference has the volunteer made? Include details about how many people have been affected and what positive changes have occurred as a result of their volunteering. Examples could include community improvements, support for individuals, or initiatives led by the volunteer. 

Inclusivity 

Does the volunteer make an effort to include others and ensure everyone can participate equally? Describe how they welcome diversity, encourage involvement, or support those who might otherwise be excluded. 

Dedication

How does the volunteer show their commitment to their role? This could include the length of time they have volunteered, the frequency of their volunteering, or the consistency of their positive attitude and reliability. Dedication can be demonstrated in many ways beyond time spent. 

Personal Growth

How has volunteering benefited the nominee personally? Consider skills they have developed, increased confidence, empathy, leadership, or new social connections. Explain how volunteering has contributed to their personal development and growth. 

You can find the nomination form here. 

Nominations close on March 9th.