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Volunteer Recognition Awards & Wording Ideas

Is your organization among the many that literally can’t survive without the efforts of volunteers? If you’ve answered in the affirmative, honoring the people that selflessly provide you with support is a responsibility that you shouldn’t take lightly. To ensure that volunteers feel appreciated for work done, you should not only express your gratitude verbally, but you should also convey it in a palpable way such as with a plaque. If this concept has just occurred to you and you don’t know where to start with your appreciation plaque wording, this guide will get you started.

9 Things to Keep In Mind When Recognizing a Volunteer

  1. Remember the 5 W’s:
    - What the name of the award is (i.e. “Outstanding Service Award” or “Volunteer of the Year Award”)
    - Who the award is for (i.e. name of recipient)
    - Why he/she is being awarded
    - Where is the award coming from (i.e. your organization),
    - When the award is presented.
  2. Consider the size of the plaque and then customize the appreciation plaque wording to fit in the available space.
  3. Consider the formality of the message and determine which between formal and informal tone is more appropriate.
  4. Consider whether it’s appropriate to utilize humor. If it is, ensure that it’s used tastefully.
  5. Double check the spelling of the wording to verify accuracy.
  6. Ensure the recipient’s name is larger and more prominent than other wordings on the plaque.
  7. Work out different fonts for each line to fit onto the plaque.
  8. Consider whether to include other text elements such as quotes, poems, or your organization’s slogan or motto.
  9. Consider whether to add flair to the plaque by including graphic elements such as your organization’s logo or emblem.
Ideas for Volunteer Awards

Top 10 Volunteer Appreciation Plaque Wording Ideas

Plaque Wording Idea #1

Your Organization's Name
Is proud to present
Recipient’s Name
With recognition for their achievement of
Volunteer of the Year Award
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #2

Name of Award (Outstanding Service Award)
Presented to
Name of Recipient
Thank you for your Generous Commitment, Time and Support
Name of Organization
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #3

Name of Award (Volunteer of the Year)
Awarded to
Name of Recipient
For your Extraordinary Service and Dedication
Organization Name
Slogan
Date

Plague Wording Idea #4

Outstanding Volunteer
Name of recipient
In appreciation for your devotion and dedication
Company name
Company Motto
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #5

Name of recipient
Is hereby presented with
Name of Award (Volunteer of the Year Award)
For Outstanding Service, Dedication and Leadership
Organization Name
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #6

Name of Award
Presented to
Name of Recipient
In gratitude and grateful recognition of
The enduring dedication to our company
Name of company
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #7

With Gratitude
Company Name
Is Proud to Present
Volunteer of the Year Award
To
Recipient’s Name
Quote
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #8

Name of Award
Date
Presented to
Name of Recipient
Recognizing and appreciating your efforts
And innumerable hours you’ve given to
Name of company
We truly appreciate all your contributions
Quote

Plaque Wording Idea #9

For your commitment and dedication
Name of Company
Presents
Name of award
To
Name of recipient
Date

Plaque Wording Idea #10

Name of Award
Presented by
Company Name
To
Name of recipient
In appreciation for your service
Date

Last Thing to Remember when Showing Your Appreciation to a Volunteer

Feeling appreciated for work done is crucial for everyone, paid or not. Since volunteers don’t expect to be paid, giving them plaques or any other award is a good way of expressing your gratitude. After settling on the appreciation plaque wording to use, be sure to check out Able Recognition for unique and outstanding recognition plaques and awards.