The Daily Point of Light Award honors individuals and volunteer groups that have made a commitment to connect Americans through service to help meet critical needs in their communities. Each weekday, one volunteer or volunteer effort in the country receives a Daily Point of Light Award.

What is the history of Daily Point of Light Awards?
The program was established by the administration of former President George H.W. Bush as part of "A movement to engage all individuals, families, businesses, groups and organizations in America to solve community problems." Between 1989 and 1993, President Bush distributed 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards during his presidency, placing volunteer service at the top of its agenda. He continues to sign all of the awards today.

The Daily Point of Light Awards program was reinstated on January 1, 1998, by the Points of Light Foundation and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The program has continued through all of the presidential administrations that followed, including the current Obama administration.

Who may apply?

• Any individual, organization, group, family, business or labor union actively engaged in voluntary service* directed at domestic or international problem-solving may apply for a Daily Point of Light Award.
• Award nominees must be legal residents of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia and consent to be nominated.
• The Nominee's volunteer activities may have occurred in the continental United States or around the world.
• All volunteer activities of the Nominee must be unpaid and cannot include court-ordered community service. However, nominees who receive a nominal stipend for their service (such as in connection with a national service program) may be eligible.
• To be eligible, the volunteer activity should have lasted for at least six uninterrupted months and should be ongoing.

* Employees and members of the board of directors and committees of the Points of Light Foundation and employees and members of the board of directors of the Corporation for National Service are not eligible to receive the award.

How are the nominees judged?
The Daily Point of Light Awards are given to individuals who find innovative ways to meet community needs, efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. The following criteria are utilized in reviewing and judging nominations:

• Community needs and solution (30%) — Activity must meet a community need or concern and serve those who are disconnected from the larger community. Is there a long-term solution, or does the effort give the recipient the tools they need to achieve a solution on their own?
• Connections building (20%) — Hands-on service that results in building connections between the community and those who may be isolated from it.
• Ongoing involvement (10%) — To be eligible, an activity should be at least six months in duration. One exception is the category of disaster relief. Nominations that do not meet these criteria may be held for later consideration.
• Impact (30%) — Demonstrated real impact from the activity. How much funds were raised? How many people were impacted by the nominee's service?
• Innovation (10%) — Activity should reflect innovative or unique approaches to solving serious social problems.

How are Daily Point of Light honorees recognized?
Daily Point of Light honorees join an esteemed group of volunteers. They will be recognized on the Points of Light home webpage for one day and the staff of the Points of Light Institute will contact the honoree's local press and government officials to bring additional light to their community service.

* No grants or scholarships are affiliated with the Daily Point of Light Award.

How can I submit a nomination?
To nominate a volunteer, fill out the online nomination form.