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The Institute of America is proud to be an Official Certifying Organization for the President's Volunteer Service Award!
The President's Volunteer Service Award
(IOA Certifies Volunteer Hours for IOA members or students ONLY)
The President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a civil award bestowed by the President of the United States. Established by executive order of President George W. Bush, the award was founded by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation to recognize the important role of volunteers in America’s strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action, too. The award can be granted to individuals, families, and organizations located throughout the United States. Depending on the number of service hours completed, individuals can receive the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and/or the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Institute of America has been granted authority to give out the PVSA to volunteers as an Official Certifying Organization. Certifying Organizations verify and certify that a volunteer has met the requirements to receive a PVSA within a 12 month period specified by the Certifying Organization. Only Certifying Organizations can certify volunteers’ eligibility for the PVSA and order awards.
Volunteer Eligibility
- United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (i.e., green card holder)
- Must be at least five years old
- Completes eligible service within a 12-month period (for annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards) and over a lifetime (for Lifetime Achievement Awards)
Eligible Service:
- Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefitting others
- Service through National service programs that provide a stipend (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) may count towards the Lifetime Achievement Award*, but not for the annual Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards)
- Travel stipends, transit/parking passes, membership passes, expense reimbursements, and other nominal volunteer support do not impact service eligibility
Eligible Service does not include:
- Donating funds
- Political lobbying (Non-partisan voter registration is an eligible activity)
- Religious instruction
- Conducting worship service
- Proselytizing
- Volunteer service performed as part of court-ordered community service
- Serving only family members
| Age Group | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime Achievement Award* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kids (5–10 years old) | 26–49 hours | 50–74 hours | 75+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Teens (11–15) | 50–74 hours | 75–99 hours | 100+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Young Adults (16–25) | 100–174 hours | 175–249 hours | 250+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
| Adults (26+) | 100–249 hours | 250–499 hours | 500+ hours | 4,000+ hours |
* The Lifetime Achievement Award is not available to be awarded at this time.
*IOA Certifies Volunteer Hours toward PVSA for IOA members or students ONLY.
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