VIVA Awards 2026: (Valuing Involvement and Volunteering Achievements)
Volunteering is a key, but often under recognised, social bond supporting the communities of West Dunbartonshire. Volunteers provide essential services, willingly giving their time and skills for no financial reward. Whatever you do and wherever you go, it’s likely you will come into contact with a volunteer at some point in your day – though you may not realise it.
The VIVA awards, organised by West Dunbartonshire CVS the third sector support agency, are a celebration of the unique contribution volunteers make across the authority.
Submissions will be assessed by an independent judging panel, and three individuals or organisations shortlisted in each of the following categories:
Award Categories
Recognising an exceptional adult individual making a meaningful impact in their community through their dedication, service, creativity, teamwork, and leadership.
Recognising young volunteers aged 11–25 making an active and meaningful contribution in their community and demonstrating a genuine commitment to creating positive social change.
Recognising any volunteer-led group/organisation run by three or more people delivering services that effectively meet a community need. It should be run locally, recognised and respected by the community and the people who benefit.
Recognising the contribution of Managers and Coordinators, whether paid or voluntary, who go above and beyond to support, inspire, and enable the effective involvement of volunteers in their setting or beyond.
Celebrating a remarkable individual who quietly goes above and beyond. They make a positive difference in the lives of others and/or bring the community together through their kindness, dedication.
This award recognises an adult volunteer or coach (aged 25 and over) who has made a significant contribution to the development and delivery of sporting opportunities across West Dunbartonshire through their passion, commitment, and dedication.
Recognising a young sports volunteer or coach aged under 25 years, who dedicates their time to supporting an individual club or community sport in general, and making a meaningful impact in their community.
Recognising a group or initiative leading the way in climate action locally. Celebrating their inspiration in promoting positive environmental action, sustainability, and creating lasting impact.
Who can apply
The VIVA Awards are open to any third sector organisation or public sector agency whose activities benefit local people and who are not for private profit.
You can start nominating on 1st September 2026 on the form linked here.
Completing your nomination
Please remember nominations will be judged by an independent panel, so please give as much detail on the form as you can. Remember we can only use what you tell us.
VIVA Awards – How to Write a Great Nomination
Not sure how to nominate someone for a VIVA Award? Our awareness session will give you some simple tips on how to write a strong nomination that really highlights the difference someone has made.
We’ll look at what makes a good nomination, what information to include, and how to share real examples of the person’s contribution, achievements and impact.
You can join the awareness session by clicking on the ‘Teams’ link at the designated time.
What happens next
Nominations will close on 14th October 2026. Our panel of judges will then shortlist up to 3 volunteers/organisations in each category. Everyone shortlisted, will be contacted by 12th November 2026.
How we use the information you give us
We ask for nominee and nominator contact information to allow us to contact you with any queries and to invite you to the awards ceremony. WDCVS will not share this information with anyone external to our organisation. Only the nominees name and information of their activity will be shared with the judging panel, including individuals who are external to our organisation.
The Finalists List will be shared on 2oth November and our ceremony will be held on Wednesday 2nd December 2026 at the Golden Jubilee Conference Hotel.
For previous winners, you can view the results and images from the VIVA Awards 2025