President's Volunteer Service Award (PVSA)
Apply NowThe President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a prestigious national honor established in 2003 by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation under President George W. Bush.
It recognizes the vital role of volunteers in enhancing America’s strength and national identity.
The Sankara Healthcare Foundation Inc. is proud to be an authorized Certifying Organization (CO) for this award, enabling us to bestow this honor upon our dedicated volunteers.
Award Overview:
The PVSA acknowledges individuals who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to volunteer service over a 12-month period, from August 1st of the current year to July 31st of the following year. Recipients receive a certificate, a medal or coin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States. Award announcements are made annually in September.
Eligibility Criteria:
To qualify for the PVSA through the Sankara Healthcare Foundation, volunteers must:
Project HEAL Participation:
Contribute a minimum of 12 hours or 20% of the required service hours (whichever is greater) by cooking for Project HEAL, provided it is available in your area. For instance, for the Bronze award in the 11-15 age group, at least 12 hours must be dedicated to Project HEAL; for the 16-25 age group, a minimum of 20 hours is required.
Service with External Organizations:
Volunteers are encouraged to propose service opportunities with external organizations that align with Sankara’s mission — focusing on health, wellness, nutrition, environmental and animal welfare, mental health, and related education. These opportunities require prior approval:
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Submission Timeline: Submit the external service request form at least 14 days before the intended service date.
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Verification: After completing the approved service, provide official verification documents by the end of each month.
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Exclusions: Activities such as lobbying or fundraising for external organizations are not eligible.
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Consistency: Once an external service is approved, subsequent identical activities with the same organization do not require re-approval.
Age Group | Bronze | Silver | Gold | Lifetime Achievement Award |
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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 selection process involves a thorough review by the Sankara Board, and their decision is final.
For detailed information or assistance, please contact us at volunteering@giftofhealth.us or pvsa-user@giftofhealth.us
Earning the President’s Volunteer Service Award through the Sankara Healthcare Foundation not only honors your dedication to community service but also enhances your personal and professional development.