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Join us for the 40th annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards!
The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are Middle Tennessee's largest annual celebration of volunteerism. This inspiring event is held in partnership with the family of Mary Catherine Strobel, a community volunteer best remembered for her tireless, joyful commitment to those in need. Award recipients will be announced at a celebration on Thursday, May 7, 2026, where they will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.
Nominations open February 2nd!
Join us as a 2026 Strobel Awards sponsor
2026 Strobel Volunteer Awards Categories
Youth Volunteer Award
Recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2025 to help the community. Volunteers ages 5-20 are eligible.
Adult Volunteer Award
Recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2025 to help the community. Volunteers ages 21-59 are eligible.
Older Adult Volunteer Award
Recognizes individuals who contributed significant volunteer time, energy, and/or resources in 2025 to help the community. Volunteers ages 60+ are eligible.
Social Justice Impact Award
Recognizes individuals whose volunteerism in 2025 centered on dismantling or calling out systemic injustice and oppression and lifting up disenfranchised communities.
Disaster Response Award
Recognizes individuals who made a significant contribution to disaster relief, preparation, or mitigation and prevention in 2025.
The Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award
Recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the community from their volunteer service and have inspired others to create positive change. This award is named in honor of Mary Catherine’s son Charles who dedicated his life to service and recognized the dignity in all people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for a 2026 Strobel Award?
The 40th annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards celebrate Nashville-area volunteer service performed during 2025. Individual volunteers and volunteer groups are eligible to be nominated.
What is the process for becoming a finalist?
Hands On does not choose the finalists. After nominations are in, we invite about 30 community leaders across Middle Tennessee to review the submissions and make the challenging decision of selecting the Strobel Award finalists.
How do finalists become award recipients?
Hands On does not choose the award recipients. A panel of judges made up of community leaders meet and review each of the Strobel Award finalists’ stories. The judges select the award recipients based on community impact, time volunteered, and the level to which the volunteer exemplifies the spirit of the category.
How many nominations can I submit?
As many as you'd like! Just make sure you're nominating in the best category for the service described.
Can I nominate myself or my group?
No, but you can lobby a friend or loved one to nominate you or your group.
What about volunteers who receive payment or benefits for their service?
Award nominations are open only to volunteers who do not receive payment or benefits in exchange for their service. Employees who began the year as volunteers for their organization and were hired on later are eligible to be nominated for the portion of their service that was voluntary and not considered employment. Please be sure to clearly explain the situation in the nomination form!
What if I'm not sure what category a nomination should be in or I have a question not answered on this page?
Email handson@unitedwaygn.org and we’d be happy to help.
Keep up with the celebration!
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