Thank you for celebrating NVW with us!
National Volunteer Week 2026 left a spark that’s still glowing!
The VA team had the privilege of visiting communities across the province during NVW, and everywhere we went, the spirit of volunteerism was burning bright. From volunteer fairs to community celebrations, every stop showed us what’s possible when people come together to ignite volunteerism.
Thank you, volunteers and volunteer-engaging organizations, for the time, effort, and care you pour into your communities every single day. Your dedication is the spark that keeps volunteerism thriving, and your efforts are felt in every act of kindness and every community lifted.
Read our newest blog post: Four Ways to Make Volunteer Recognition More Meaningful
Thoughtful, personal, and timely recognition helps volunteers feel valued and fosters a true sense of belonging. Explore our latest blog for simple ways to make recognition meaningful all year long.
NVW Grant Final Report Deadline is May 22, 2026
Please send completed Final Report Word Document Forms to grants@volunteeralberta.ab.ca. VA will release funds to each organization as soon as their Final Report is reviewed.
Other important information for grant recipients:
- If you are collaborating with one or more organizations, all collaborating organizations must complete and submit one copy of the Memorandum of Agreement prior to Friday, May 22, 2026.
- A Direct Deposit Form must be submitted either through the online submission form or by sending it to VA via email at grants@volunteeralberta.ab.ca prior to Friday, May 22, 2026.
Thank you to our National Volunteer Week Sponsors!
Regional Partner
We’re grateful to Panago Pizza for their generous support of National Volunteer Week. With their support, 14 organizations have been selected to host pizza parties, bringing people together to share a slice (or two) and recognizing the volunteers who show up, give back, and help make our communities great places to be. We’re proud to partner with them to recognize and uplift volunteerism in Alberta.
Community Partner
We are grateful to our Community Partner for their support of National Volunteer Week. Through their generous contribution, they’ve helped us extend our reach across the province to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of Alberta’s volunteers. We thank them for making it possible to highlight the many ways people give their time, energy, and care to others.
We are a society run by volunteers. We [volunteer] to make our communities a better place. Volunteers spend a lot of their time helping, working, and making things happen in our communities and a lot of the time don’t get noticed. People know things are getting done…but do not realize the time and commitment that it takes. So it’s nice when volunteers are recognized—we don’t do it for the thanks, but it is nice to get it.
– Roberta R. from the Hanna Agricultural Society
Friends of National Volunteer Week
Big thanks to our Friends of National Volunteer Week for their support! We thank them for helping us amplify and celebrate the many ways volunteers make a difference every day.
About National Volunteer Week
National Volunteer Week (April 19–25, 2026) is a nationwide celebration led by Volunteer Canada every April that recognizes, celebrates, and promotes volunteerism across the country.
This year’s theme, “Ignite Volunteerism,” invites Canadians to reconnect with their communities through acts of service, civic action, and mutual support. It encourages people from all backgrounds to “Find Your Thing,” discovering personal ways to contribute, whether through local events, grassroots initiatives, or ongoing volunteer commitments.
In Alberta, Volunteer Alberta and the Government of Alberta have supported communities in celebrating volunteers through the NVW Enhancement Funding Grant for 32 years. Last year, the grant was awarded to 90 recipients, enabling 1,300 nonprofit organizations to participate in NVW celebrations across Alberta.
National Volunteer Week 2026 marks an especially meaningful moment
The United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development, and Volunteer Canada has launched a National Volunteer Action Strategy to revitalize and strengthen volunteerism. Together, these initiatives make NVW2026 a unique opportunity to elevate the visibility, value, and impact of volunteering in Alberta.
These grants, provided by the Government of Alberta and distributed by Volunteer Alberta, offer a fantastic opportunity to thank and recognize your volunteers for their contributions. We can’t wait to see how you will celebrate the wonderful volunteers who have ignited positive change in your community!
2026 is the International Year of Volunteers
This is a landmark year for volunteerism. The United Nations has dedicated 2026 to celebrating volunteers and their impact on sustainable development, and Volunteer Canada’s year-long Ignite Volunteerism Campaign is keeping the spark burning bright!
Check out Volunteer Canada’s resources to recognize and celebrate volunteerism in your community:
- Learn about Ignite Volunteerism and how you can get involved
- Share your volunteer impact story as part of their “365 stories” campaign
- IVY2026 logos, graphics and Thank you Card
- Volunteer Canada’s e-store is open year-round for volunteer appreciation items
- Learn about the National Volunteer Action Strategy to improve how we recruit, engage, and support volunteers across Canada
Volunteer Alberta, in partnership with the Government of Alberta for 32 years, aims to support communities throughout the province in celebrating the outstanding contributions of volunteers, past, present, and future, through the National Volunteer Week (NVW) Enhancement Grant. NVW Enhancement Grant is designed to supplement other sources of funding and celebrate volunteerism on behalf of your entire community. Connect with your local Volunteer Centre or municipality to get involved. Successful Grant Recipients must adhere to the grant guidelines and acknowledgment requirements.