Inspire Volunteering Awards 2026 - Nominations open next week

The Inspire Volunteering Awards opens for nominations on Monday, 2 February - just one week to go!

Stirling’s volunteers are the heart of the community, dedicating time, passion and energy into improving the lives of others. The Inspiring Volunteer Awards celebrates these local champions by recognising and celebrating their achievements and contributions.

Inspire Volunteering Awards will now be held during Volunteers Week on the 3rd of June, instead of its usual date of September. 

This allows us to celebrate alongside a campaign which highlights the importance of volunteering nationally. Aligning with Volunteers’ Week gives the Inspire Volunteering Awards greater visibility, strengthens collaboration across the sector, and allows us to amplify the recognition already happening locally.

This year's awards categories are:

Heart of Gold

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

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

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.