 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Nominations Open
Nominations for the 2026 Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Awards are now being accepted! Nominations must be submitted online or postmarked by January 21, 2026; honorees will be recognized during a special ceremony at the Capitol in April. Details and nomination materials can be found on the Volunteer Iowa website.
Induction into the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame is the highest state-level honor volunteers can receive; the people selected have changed the community, the state, the nation, or the world through the gifts of their time and talent. Inductees are recognized both during a special ceremony held in the State Capitol Building and by having their names engraved on the Volunteer Hall of Fame plaque on permanent display in the State Historical Museum. Since the award’s inception in 1989, nearly 180 Iowans have been honored.
Any Iowa individual, national service member (current or alum), family, group, organization, nonprofit, business, or corporation, who has made a long-lasting positive and meaningful difference in the lives of people through their volunteer service activities, may be nominated for the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame.
Anyone with questions or needing assistance with the nomination form can contact Rebecca Gernes.
 AmeriCorps State Request for Applications
Volunteer Iowa has announced a request for applications for organizations interested in operating an AmeriCorps State program in 2026-2027. Applicants for this funding will need to reference the Request for Applications (RFA) posted to the AmeriCorps State grants page of the Volunteer Iowa website. Applications will be accepted only from organizations seeking funding to operate a program wholly within the state of Iowa (multi-state applicants apply directly to the Corporation for National and Community Service). Multi-state AmeriCorps National Direct applicants that intend to place members in Iowa must consult with Volunteer Iowa regarding these intended placements using the process and link provided in the RFA. Questions? Email americorps@volunteeriowa.org.
  Announcing Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits and Cities
Applications are now open for three “Training + Implementation Funding” programs to empower change through volunteer engagement, culminating in a 9/11 Day of Service. Ten organizations will be selected for each opportunity. At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that volunteering is a cornerstone of strong, vibrant communities. When nonprofits and cities harness the power of volunteers effectively, they can achieve extraordinary results.
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Service Enterprise Program: Funding of up to $4,000 and access to a national, research-based organizational accreditation program in volunteer engagement designed to empower nonprofits to extend their mission and budget through strategic volunteer engagement. Application deadline is December 5, 2025. An informational webinar was held in November. Watch the recording here. Contact Jana Daisy with any questions.
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Youth Service Board Development: Each awarded organization will receive $3,000 to develop a youth service board at their organization. This youth board will collaborate and plan a September 11th Day of Service for 9/11/2026 that inspires other youth in the community to volunteer and launch others into service beyond that day. Watch an overview of this funding opportunity. Application deadline is December 19, 2025. Contact Kamryn Ryan with questions.
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Family Volunteer Initiative: Participating organizations will receive $3,000 to support the development of a family volunteer program that will specifically target engaging children and their legal guardian(s) in service opportunities that will culminate in launching a Day of Service for 9/11/2026 that engages a minimum of 50 family volunteers and community members in service by September 30th, 2026. Watch an overview of this funding opportunity. Application deadline is December 19, 2025. Contact Kamryn Ryan with questions.
Each program includes comprehensive training and capacity building, implementation funding, and individualized coaching. Participants will implement what they learn and host a 9/11 Day of Service in their community.
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