The Community Award program celebrates changemakers who devote their energy to improving lives, creating spaces of care, resilience, beauty, and inclusivity. Often working behind the scenes, their efforts inspire others and have a lasting impact. This recognition emphasizes the transformative power of service and generosity in shaping vibrant, dynamic communities.
By highlighting stories of leadership and selflessness, the award cultivates gratitude and pride, showcasing that acts of service are the cornerstone of thriving societies. The award serves as a call to action, reminding us that communities are built on collective care and commitment while honouring those who lead the way.
– Marcus Mosely, 2024 Community Award recipient & Mitchell Award of Distinction
AWARD PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Community Award (COM) program celebrates British Columbians who go above and beyond in their dedication and service to others. It honours individuals who devote their time and energy to making their communities more caring, dynamic, beautiful, resilient, and inclusive.
WHY NOMINATE
The COM program provides an opportunity to publicly acknowledge the transformative efforts of individuals who raise the quality and character of their community and, in doing so, inspire others to do the same.
DATES TO REMEMBER (2025 award program)
February 15, 2025 – Deadlines to submit for the 2025 award program
April 2025 – Awardees Announced
Spring 2025 – Award Presentation Ceremony @ Government House
The completed nomination form and all materials must be by submitted by February 15 @ 11:59 p.m. for the nomination to be considered for the 2025 award program.
Please do not inform the nominee of their nomination.
All nominations are confidential. The large number of applications we receive means recognition cannot be given to all nominees.
Should your nominee be unsuccessful, you will be informed by email. Your nomination will also be considered in the following year’s selection process as nominations are valid for three years.
Nominators are encouraged to update their nomination as the jury appreciates reviewing recent information about the nominee.
Save and Continue Later – If you don’t have all the information on hand, click on the ‘Save and Continue Later’ button at the bottom of the online nomination form – you will be prompted to enter your email and will receive a link that you can access and complete your nomination prior to the deadline.
CHECKLIST – BEFORE YOU START
NOMINATOR ELIGIBILITY
Any person, group or organization may submit nominations for the award with exceptions noted below:
NOMINEE ELIGIBILITY
An eligible nominee must:
A nominee’s contributions must have taken place in BC either through volunteer or professional work in the areas including, but not limited to:
Nominations of any individual under the age of 19 must be accompanied by a letter of permission from the nominee’s parent or guardian stating that they are aware of the nomination.
The following are ineligible to receive the Award:
*Visit BC Achievement’s Awardees webpage to see if your nominee is a past recipient of the award.
SELECTION OF AWARDEES
An independent jury of community leaders from throughout British Columbia reviews the nominations and selects the awardees. The decision of the independent jury is final. Nominees are notified only if selected for an award. Nominators are informed as to whether or not they have been successful with their application.
RECOGNITION
Award recipients are recognized at a formal ceremony held in Victoria at Government House. The Lieutenant Governor and a representative of the BC Achievement Foundation are invited to present the awardees with the BC Achievement medallion and lapel pin designed by renowned artist Robert Davidson, OC, OBC, along with a commemorative plaque certificate and letter from the Premier of BC recognizing their achievements.
HOW TO NOMINATE / APPLY
Download the COM Nomination Guide for tips on submitting a compelling nomination.
Emerging Leader Designation
The Emerging Leader designation recognizes and celebrates the strength, courage, and skill of young people (35 years and under by February 15, 2025) who are making a difference in their communities and striving to make BC a better place.
Nominators should indicate if the nominee is eligible to receive this designation.
The nominator must complete the online Nomination form and include the following:
Additional Materials – optional, but strongly recommended
*Each link submitted is considered one additional material.
UPDATING A NOMINATION
To update a nomination:
Nominations are valid for three years including the first year of nomination and two subsequent years.
Nominators are strongly encouraged to update their nomination for consideration by the following year’s jury panel if their nominee was not recognized in the previous year’s awardee cohort.
We are happy to send the documents previously submitted for your nominee. Please email kristin@bcachievement.com to make your request.
All updates should be submitted by February 15 @ 11:59 PM
PRIVACY POLICY
BC Achievement is committed to protecting the privacy of people through responsible management of information received. Nominations are kept confidential between the nominator and BC Achievement.
Photographs and information about the award recipients may be used for the promotion of the award program and other promotional activities (i.e., on BC Achievement’s website, social media channels, in media releases etc.).
MITCHELL AWARD OF DISTINCTION
Named in honour of Keith Mitchell, QC, past Chair of the Foundation, and its guiding light for over 13 years, the award recognizes leadership that empowers others to engage. Recipients of the Mitchell Award are:
Past Programs
Supporting the Community Award program helps celebrate and amplify the inspiring stories of British Columbians whose dedication strengthens communities, enriches the fabric of our province, and provides powerful models of community service and leadership for others to follow.
BC Achievement is an independent foundation established in 2003 that honours excellence and inspires achievement in British Columbia.
Tel: 604.261.9777
Email: info@bcachievement.com