Nominations Sought for 2016 Governor’s Service Awards
(compiled, Feb. 26, 2016) 
Lansing, MI -The Michigan Community Service Commission is pleased to announce that nominations are being sought for the 2016 Governor’s Service Awards.
The Governor’s Service Awards are given annually by the governor to individuals, organizations and businesses to acknowledge their commitment to serving their communities through volunteerism. This marks the 24th year of the awards, which will be presented at a celebration in August organized by the MCSC.
The 2016 Governor’s Service Awards Nomination is an online application. To apply, view detailed category descriptions, and review nomination instructions, please visit www.michigan.gov/governorsserviceawards. Nominations must be submitted by 5 p.m. Monday, March 21.
“The caring acts of service and do-something spirit exhibited by our state’s volunteers has had a positive impact on local communities and the whole state,” said Gov. Rick Snyder.  “This is a great opportunity to recognize these outstanding men and women who give their time. I encourage you to nominate an individual, organization or business in your community for a Governor’s Service Award.”
In 2016, awards will be presented in nine categories which reflect the diverse nature of volunteers throughout the state. The categories are:
Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteerism – honors an individual who has shown a lifelong commitment to community involvement and volunteerism.
Corporate Community Leader Award – honors corporations and businesses with 100 or more employees that excel in community involvement and demonstrate excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways.
Small Business Community Leader Award – honors corporations and businesses with fewer than 100 employees that excel in community involvement and demonstrate excellent corporate citizenship by giving back to their community in a variety of ways.
Outstanding National Service Program Award – honors an organization that provides a high-quality national service program which yields a significant impact in a Michigan community.
Outstanding Volunteer Program Award – honors organizations or clubs that make a positive contribution to community life.
Mentor of the Year – honors individuals who have made a significant difference in a child’s life through mentoring.
Senior Volunteer of the Year – honors individuals who are 65 and older who have taken action through service to make their community a better place to live.
Volunteer of the Year – honors individuals who strives to improve the lives of neighbors, friends, community or congregation through volunteerism.
Youth Volunteer of the Year – honors individuals who are age 21 or younger who have already begun making a significant difference in their community through service.
The Governor’s Service Awards celebration will be held on Aug. 30 in Saginaw. This will be Gov. Snyder’s sixth year of involvement in the Governor’s Service Awards, which were launched by Gov. John Engler in 1992 and maintained by Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm during her terms in office.
For additional information or questions, please contact the MCSC at 517-335-4295 or gsa@michigan.gov.
BACKGROUND
The Michigan Community Service Commission utilizes service as a strategy to address the state’s most pressing issues and empowers volunteers to strengthen communities. In 2015-2016, the MCSC is granting more than $7 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities, including 30 AmeriCorps programs. The Governor’s Service Awards, Volunteer Michigan and Mentor Michigan are also premier programs of the MCSC. The MCSC is housed in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. For more information visit http://www.michigan.gov/volunteer.