Indian Head Community Champion of the Year Award

🏆Celebrating the Heart of Our Town

Every town has people who make life better in ways that aren’t always seen — the neighbor who checks in on elders, the coach who mentors after hours, the volunteer who shows up before anyone else, or the quiet helper whose kindness ripples out farther than they realize.

Here in Indian Head, those people are the heartbeat of who we are.
And this year, we’re taking an important step to honor them.

Voice of Indian Head, in partnership with the Town of Indian Head, is proud to present the Annual Community Champion of the Year Award — a tradition to recognize the individuals whose service, integrity, and compassion strengthen our town from within.

– Nomination Form –

 Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below for Terms and Conditions prior to submitting!

About the Nominee
(Person, or Person on Behalf of Group Being Nominated)
Full Name of Nominee *
If on behalf of an organization, include the organization name in the Affiliation field.
Nominee Email Address *
A valid email is required (we must contact every nominee for permission to publish)
Nominee Phone Number
Optional, but helpful as we attempt to connect with the nominee
Mailing Address
Optional, but helpful if known.
Affiliation or Role in the Community *
(e.g., volunteer, teacher, coach, neighbor, civic leader, youth mentor)
About You
(The person nominating. Self-nominations are accepted and encouraged, just duplicate the info)
Your Full Name *
Your Email Address *
Your Phone Number
Optional, but might help avoid delays.
Relationship to Nominee *
(e.g., colleague, friend, student, fellow volunteer)
Reason for Nomination
Please share why this person or group deserves to be recognized as a Community Champion.
We encourage you to include specific examples, projects or acts of service, and tangible outcomes that show their impact.
Example prompts:
What specific difference have they made in the Indian Head community?
Who has benefited from their work or service?
How do they demonstrate integrity, empathy, or gratitude in what they do?
What inspires you most about their example?
Narrative and Supporting Information *
Specific details, measurable outcomes, and examples are key to a winning nomination.
Acknowledgement *
Please affirm your understanding of the following:
Who can be nominated?
Any individual who lives, works, volunteers, or serves in and around Indian Head may be nominated.
Nominees may be affiliated with a church, nonprofit, school, or civic organization, but the award recognizes people for their contributions, not organizations directly.
Who can submit a nomination?
Anyone.
You do not need to hold a formal role or position to nominate someone. Neighbors, friends, colleagues, students, parents, pastors, and fellow volunteers are all encouraged to participate.
Can I nominate myself?
Yes. Self-nominations are welcome.
We recognize that many people serve quietly, and this is an opportunity to share your story and impact.

More importantly, this award is not just about recognizing the champion… but also about highlighting to the community the model, the exemplar for civic engagement that should be emulated.  In that regard, we need all champions lifted up.

Nominating yourself isn’t self-serving, get over that thought… it is a means to help Voice of Indian Head show the community how to contribute through the example of those that do.

Nominating yourself isn’t self-serving, get over that thought… it is a means to help Voice of Indian Head show the community how to contribute through the example of those that do.

How many nominations can I submit?
You may submit more than one nomination, but each form must be completed separately.
Can a nominee receive more than one nomination?
Yes! If multiple people or organizations independently nominate the same individual (with unique nominations), it reflects positively on the impact that individual has had, and is encouraged.  A copy-paste nomination campaign will be negatively viewed, however.
When do nominations close?
Nominations close on January 31st.  For example, the 2025 Community Champion of the Year Award nomination window is open until January 31, 2026. This will be a rolling window for all future years.
I missed the deadline, can I still submit?
Nominations for a year close on January 31st of the following year.  No exceptions.  However, we intend to accept nominations year round so do feel free to submit your nomination at any point in the year.
What kind of service qualifies someone as a Community Champion?
There is no single definition. We are looking for individuals who:

  • Serve others consistently and selflessly
  • Demonstrate integrity, empathy, and gratitude
  • Make a tangible, positive impact on the community
  • Inspire others through action, not recognition

Service may be formal or informal, long-term or recent.

Does the nominee have to accept the nomination?

Yes.
Finalists will be asked to participate in a brief, informal conversation with VOIH prior to publication and recognition. This helps ensure accuracy and allows us to tell their story respectfully and authentically.

What happens after I submit a nomination?
Once submitted:

  1. VOIH will review the nomination for completeness.
  2. The nominee may be contacted to confirm eligibility and acceptance.
  3. A three-member selection panel will review all eligible nominations.
  4. The selected Community Champion will be notified privately before public announcement.
What is a "qualified" 501(c)3 as it pertains to the prize $?

A “qualified” 501(c)3 as it pertains to the Community Champion of the Year Award is an active non-profit organization in good standing and recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a non-profit under section 501(c)3.  Voice of Indian Head was formed to serve the Town and surroundings, and by our bylaws can only donate to causes directly supporting qualified charities serving this area.  For example, a local charity/church/shelter/youth organization would qualify, an international relief organization (albeit noble) or other entity without direct on-the-ground impact in the Indian Head area would not.

Does the nominee or their charity have to be in the Town of Indian Head?

Not exactly.  Voice of Indian Head was formed to support the incorporated Town of Indian Head and the immediate surrounding communities (the postal code of Indian Head which extends beyond the incorporated border).  The recipient doesn’t have to necessarily LIVE in that zone, but only service supporting that region will be considered.  Moreover, see the answer above regarding which charities are “qualified” to receive the donation under these rules.

Who selects the Community Champion?
The recipient is selected by a three-member panel representing:

  • The Town of Indian Head
  • Naval Support Facility Indian Head
  • Voice of Indian Head

The process is designed to be fair, non-political, and community-focused.

What does the Community Champion receive?

The honoree will:

  • Be recognized publicly at the Town Hall Meeting or other scheduled, public venue as appropriate.
  • Be featured on VoiceOfIndianHead.org
  • Receive a $2,000 charitable donation made in their name to a qualifying local 501(c)(3) organization of their choice that benefits the broader community

No cash award is made to the individual.

Is this a political or faith-based award?
No.
Voice of Indian Head is strictly non-partisan, and this award is civic in nature. While nominees may be affiliated with faith or civic organizations, the recognition is based on service and community impact, not belief or politics.
Is my information kept confidential?
Yes.
Personal contact information is used only for nomination verification, communication, and award administration. VOIH does not sell or share personal data.
How can I get help or ask additional questions?
We’re happy to help.
Email us anytime at info@voih.org.

Together, we build a better Indian Head.