National Volunteer Week is here: Let’s Ignite Volunteerism!
In Alberta, volunteerism is part of who we are. It shows up in the neighbour who lends a hand, the coach who stays late, the organizer who brings people together, and in many more meaningful ways. Volunteers step up when it matters, and their acts of kindness enrich our communities and spark a spirit of care across our province. This National Volunteer Week (April 19–25), we celebrate and thank everyone who helps ignite volunteerism in Alberta. Your commitment to helping others is what fuels our communities and keeps possibilities burning bright. Thank you!
Attend a National Volunteer Week event near you
Check out our list of National Volunteer Week Events happening around the province! If you don’t see an event near you, contact your local FCSS or volunteer centre to find out what’s happening in your community for National Volunteer Week.
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.
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 Partners
We are grateful to our Community Partners for their support of National Volunteer Week. Through their generous contributions, 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
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.
- Please ensure to acknowledge the Government of Alberta and Volunteer Alberta on all promotional materials; please use logo package below.
- Share your celebrations with us on social media by using these hashtags: #IgniteVolunteerism #IVY2026 #NVW2026 #VolunteerAlberta
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!
Planning your NVW Celebrations
Looking for ideas and resources? Volunteer Canada offers several resources to help you plan your celebrations:
- NEW – Register for their NVW webinar on April 23
- Marketing materials to promote your NVW events:
- Customizable letters and cards:
- Share your volunteer impact story through their “365 stories” campaign
- Check out their nonprofit one-pager for getting involved
- Learn about this year’s theme: Ignite Volunteerism
- Learn about the National Volunteer Action Strategy
- NVW E-store is now open year-round for volunteer appreciation items (Volunteer Canada Members receive 10% off with discount code)
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.