Volunteer of the Year 2026 – Volunteer Waterford

In partnership with the Waterford PPN Community & Voluntary Awards

We’re proud to once again team up with Waterford Public Participation Network (PPN) to recognise and celebrate the Volunteers of the Year at the 22nd Waterford Community &Voluntary Awards.

The Waterford Volunteer Awards celebrate the people who give their time, skills and energy to make a difference in their communities.

Volunteering comes in many forms. It can be a few hours a week, helping out at an event, supporting a local group, sitting on a board, welcoming people, organising activities or simply being there when someone needs a hand.

You don’t have to be a superhero to be a great volunteer. These awards are about recognising the people who show up, get involved and make a difference.

Eligibility – All Categories

The organisation or project where the nominee volunteers must be registered with Waterford Volunteer Centre.
Organisations that are not currently registered can register with Waterford Volunteer Centre.
The volunteer must volunteer in Waterford County and/or with an organisation or project based in Waterford County.
Nominations should tell us about the volunteer, what they do and the difference their contribution makes.

The Waterford Volunteer Centre is delighted to sponsor three individual categories this year

Rising Star Volunteer of the Year

The Rising Star Volunteer of the Year celebrates a young person who is getting involved, giving their time and making a positive difference.

They may be new to volunteering or already making a big contribution. What matters is their enthusiasm, commitment and the difference they are making to others.

We want to hear about young people who are getting involved in their community, learning new skills, supporting others and showing what volunteering can mean to them.

Nominate Here

Waterford Volunteer of the Year 2026

The Waterford Volunteer of the Year celebrates a volunteer who gives their time and makes a positive difference to their organisation, community or the people they support.

They don’t need to have done something extraordinary. Sometimes the most important contributions are the everyday ones — turning up, helping out, listening, organising, supporting others and being someone people can rely on.

Tell us about a volunteer who has made a difference in 2026 and why their contribution is important.

Nominate Here

Volunteer Legacy Award

The Volunteer Legacy Award celebrates people who have given their time to their community over many years and whose contribution has made a lasting difference.

This could be someone who has been volunteering with the same organisation for many years, a board member or trustee who has helped an organisation grow, an Age Friendly volunteer who has supported their community, or someone whose time and commitment have left a lasting mark on the people around them.

A legacy doesn't have to be something big or formal. It might be the people they have helped, the organisation they have supported, the knowledge they have passed on, or the difference they have made to their community over the years.

Nominate Here

Know someone making a difference in your community?

Nominate them online here: Individual Nomination Form

Each category winner receives a plaque/trophy and certificate.

Please Note:

There are no cash prizes for individual award winners.
An independent jury will carefully review all nominations and select the award recipient. Please note that submitting multiple nominations for the same volunteer will not influence the jury’s decision.

For GROUP Nominations, visit Waterford PPN

Closing Date

Closing date for receipt of nominations is WEDNESDAY, 9th of SEPTEMBER 2026

Information

For nomination forms, terms & conditions, and more details, visit: www.waterfordppn.ie
058 21198
waterfordppn@gmail.com