IMPACT Award for Volunteer Service

Tell us about your outstanding volunteer and how this person significantly impacts your agency. By completing and submitting the IMPACT Award nomination form, your agency becomes eligible to receive a $15,000 or $5,000 grant from United Way in honor of your volunteer.

Award History 
Previously named for the late Senator John Heinz III, the Senator John Heinz Award was established in 1992 by United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s Tocqueville Society to acknowledge a local volunteer whose efforts exemplify the late senator’s heartfelt commitment to and support of individuals and local families.

Renamed the IMPACT Award in 2024, the grants will be presented annually with the goal of encouraging continued, dedicated volunteerism in our community. We are reviving this critical awards program to recognize the resurgence and importance of volunteers post pandemic.

Award Criteria

This award honors an individual who exemplifies volunteerism and whose commitment to bringing hope, promise and opportunity into the lives of others has left a lasting positive impact on a person, group or community at large. Nominees should meet the following criteria:

• All nominees must volunteer with a United Way partner agency in Armstrong, Allegheny, Butler, Fayette or Westmoreland counties.
• Agency is a United Way partner agency who has received a Welcome Back Summer grant, 2023- 2026 Impact Fund grant or be part of the 2025 Free Tax Prep Coalition.
• Shows dedication to your organization’s values and mission, embodying its principles and contributing to its overall goals.
• Has made a positive impact on the organization or community they serve, demonstrating the significance of their contributions.
• Is reliable and available to support the organization’s activities or initiatives.
• Works well with others, contributes positively to the team’s dynamics and collaborates effectively with fellow volunteers or staff members.

Apply here