Volunteer recognition initiatives in Poland

Various organizations and local governments in Poland have launched calls for nominations for 2026 volunteer recognition awards.

In Kutno, the Mayor has invited nominations for the ‘Volunteer of the Year 2026’ to honor those providing selfless assistance to residents and supporting local NGOs. Submissions can be made by local institutions, NGOs, or residents supported by at least 20 citizens, with a deadline of October 23, 2026. Recipients will be honored during a gala on December 9, 2026, at the Kutno Cultural Center.

On a national level, the National Institute of Freedom – Center for the Development of Civil Society is conducting its 7th edition of the Volunteer of the Year and Coordinator of the Year competitions, focusing on those supporting vulnerable groups such as the homeless, seniors, and patients in hospices. The deadline for these national submissions is October 12.

Regional and specialized initiatives include Lubin County, which is seeking candidates for its Volunteer of the Year title until November 5 to recognize diverse social activities; winners will be announced at a gala on December 10. In Rybnik, the Center for the Development of Social Initiatives and the Forum of Non-Governmental Organizations of the Western Subregion of the Silesian Voivodeship are accepting nominations for individuals, groups, or school clubs until November 2, 2026. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education has launched the nationwide ‘Every Gesture Matters’ competition for school volunteer clubs, inviting students to submit creative documentation of activities through November 15, 2026.