It’s important to recognize the individuals and organizations making a positive difference in our communities. You can help make that happen by participating in the Iowa Character Awards nominations.
Here’s what you need to know about the award benefits, how to nominate, who is eligible, and how to get started. Plus, more information is available online.
How To Nominate
Anyone can submit a nomination. You can nominate family, friends, co-workers, and community members. You can even nominate your own school, team, organization, or company. Nominations are due May 3, 2020.
The easy online nomination form includes 3 sections:
- Introduce us to your nominee.
- How has your nominee impacted your life and/or the lives of others?
- In what ways does your nominee show good character?
Plus, you have the option to upload letters of recommendation and other attachments.
Awards Benefits
• • • Prime-Time TV Special • • •
Award recipients will be featured in a one-hour Iowa Character Awards prime-time special that will air in the summer/fall of 2022.
The special includes features on each award recipient. Check out our playlist of the 2021 recipients.
• • • Awards Dinner • • •
Each year, more than 400 people gather to honor Award recipients. All nominees are invited to attend the celebration.
The 2022 Iowa Character Awards dinner will be held on Friday, July 29, 2022, in Altoona, IA.
• • • Hometown Celebration • • •
Award recipients will also be honored in their hometowns during a special event organized by The Ray Center. We’ve honored recipients at football games, school assemblies, family events, and more.
• • • All Nominees Are Recognized • • •
All nominees will
- receive a certificate of nomination and a copy of their nomination form,
- be provided with two complimentary tickets to attend the Iowa Character Awards recognition dinner,
- have their name listed in the printed program at the awards dinner.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Individuals, organizations, and communities who have not received an Iowa Character Award in the last five years are eligible. Previous nominees and Honorable Mentions recipients are eligible.
Individuals must be Iowa residents, and organizations must have locations in Iowa.
Youth nominees should be between the ages of 10 -19 as of May 1, 2022.
Learn more and start a nomination.
— Amy Smit, Robert D. & Billie Ray Center