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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.
