Nominations Open for Texas' 42nd Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards to Celebrate Community Heroes

The State of Texas has announced the opening of nominations for the 42nd Annual Governor's Volunteer Awards, as administered by the OneStar Foundation. Recognized as a prestigious accolade honoring community service, the awards aim to celebrate individuals and organizations that have significantly contributed to their communities through volunteer work.

According to an announcement, First Lady Cecilia Abbott remarked, "Every day, Texans from all walks of life give their time and talents to lift up their neighbors and strengthen the fabric of our communities." Moved by the stories of service across the state, she and Governor Greg Abbott encourage nominations to honor those embodying the Texas spirit through exceptional compassion and leadership. With the nominations opened, Texans now have the chance to put forward names for nine award categories, celebrating a diverse range of contributions to community service and volunteerism.

In a statement obtained by gov.texas.gov, OneStar President, and CEO Chris Bugbee said, "As we launch the 42nd Governor’s Volunteer Awards, we are proud to recognize the everyday heroes who remind us that service is not only an action but a legacy." The nine categories for nominations include the Governor’s Lifetime Achievement Award, First Lady’s Rising Star Award, Volunteer of the Year Award, and several other awards recognizing family, community, education, corporate, disaster response, and AmeriCorps service.

Nomination details, including eligibility guidelines and submission deadlines, can be found on the OneStar Foundation's website. According to the Governor's official site, the fortunate awardees will be honored during National Volunteer Month in April 2026 at the Governor’s Mansion. First Lady Abbott, who serves as the Honorary Chair of the Governor's Volunteer Awards, will host an awards ceremony that celebrates dedication and service in the heart of Texas communities.