Submit an online nomination for a GIVE Award!
History of the GIVE Awards
The GIVE (Governor's Initiative for Volunteer Excellence) Awards were begun in 1993 by former First Lady Patricia O. Fordice and Governor Kirk Fordice to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of Mississippi's volunteers. Since 1993, over 180 individuals and organizations have been recognized with a GIVE Award.
Purpose of the GIVE Awards
The GIVE Awards are presented by the Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service in cooperation with the Office of the Governor. These awards recognize individuals, organizations, or communities for volunteer efforts which have made a significant difference to the state or to local communities, establishing high standards for volunteer involvement and effectiveness and multiplying resources for communities. The GIVE Awards are presented at the closing luncheon of "Reinventing Mississippi: The Conference for Nonprofits and Volunteers" in Jackson.
The 2010 Awards will be given on April 21, 2010 at the Jackson Marriott.
GIVE Award Categories
I = Individual Award, G = Group Award
Lifetime Achievement in Volunteer Service -
Individual who, over the course of his or her lifetime, has made significant contributions to Mississippi through volunteer efforts (either as a volunteer, or manager of volunteers, or both). The judges may elect not to present this award in any given year. Individual award only
Awards for Achievement in Volunteer Service -
Individual or group awards for significant contributions to volunteer efforts/programs that serve as models and inspiration to other volunteers, by age categories: (all Individual or Group awards)
Achievement in Volunteer Service by Youth - ages 18 and younger
Achievement in Volunteer Service by Adults - ages 19-59
Achievement in Volunteer Service by Senior Adults - ages 60+
Achievement in Volunteer Service in the Arts and Humanities -
Individual or group award to volunteers who have devoted a significant portion of their volunteer careers to artistic, cultural, and/or humanities organizations, including libraries, historical societies, museums, theater, etc. Individual or Group award
Achievement in Volunteer Service by a Public Servant -
Individual or group award to an elected or appointed official or employee (or group of officials or employees) of federal, state, county, or municipal government who has made an outstanding contribution to volunteer service. Individual or Group award
Achievement in Faith-Based Volunteer Service -
Institution, organization, or individual award to a church, synagogue, temple, or other religious organization (or person) that has made an outstanding contribution to the state or community through volunteer service. Individual or Group award
Achievement in Volunteer Service by a Business or Corporation -
Employee group award to a for-profit business or corporation that has made an outstanding contribution to the state or community through volunteer service, recognizing that volunteer commitment enhances financial commitment and creates better communities. Group award only
Achievement in Volunteer Service by a Media or News Organization -
Employee group or individual award to a media or news organization (or person) that has promoted and supported volunteer service through the organization's work. Individual or Group award
Achievement in Volunteer Service by a Community Partnership -
Partnerships among community organizations, schools, businesses, government agencies, corporations, and others - including national service - that demonstrate how cooperation and combining resources bring significant advantages to volunteer service (group award only). Group award only