Award Information:
- Athletics departments being nominated for this award will have consistently demonstrated qualities of compassion, and service to either one organization or a variety of volunteer activities in the 2025-26 school year.
- The winning institution will be one that exemplifies the best in volunteering and demonstrates a responsibility for helping others, thus connecting citizens and addressing community issues.
- The award should not be for a single student-athlete or team, but the overall athletics department.
- The top-three finalists will be interviewed by the Selection Committee during the week of May 4. The winner will be awarded with the NACDA Community Service Award presented by Fiesta Bowl and $25,000 Legacy Grant.
- For more information about the Community Service Award, please click here.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Institutions must be a paid NACDA Division I member institution.
- Nominations must be submitted by a staff member of the athletics department, the member institution, or the conference.
- A particularly compelling news article, video link, letter of recommendation or other background material related to community service activities can be included with the nomination.
- Nominations must be submitted using this form. Other formats will NOT be accepted.
Judging Criteria:
- What was the goal/objective and was it reached?
- Delivery of impactful community service.
- Percentage rate of the overall athletics department participation.
- How many specific community service hours were logged.
- The degree to which services/actions have made a lasting or meaningful contribution or impact on the community.
- The extent to which the service or action might be considered above and beyond the call of duty.
- The extent to which the service or action would be recognized and valued by peers/community leaders.
NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY Monday, April 13, 2026 at 8 p.m. EST.
Any questions regarding the nomination process should be directed to Dana LeRoy.