19th Annual Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards

Honoring the Heart of Our Community

📅 Date: Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026
📍 Location: Franklin Theatre

The community is invited to come together on Wednesday, Feb. 18, to join as volunteers and organizations in numerous categories are honored as part of Franklin Tomorrow’s 19th annual Exemplary Community Volunteer Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre in Historic Downtown Franklin.

Doors will open at 5 p.m., and thanks to the generosity of partners, including presenting partner Williamson Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Services, there is no cost to attend this year’s event, but RSVPs are requested at https://events.humanitix.com/2026ftvolunteerawards.

More than 40 nonprofits, other organizations and individuals submitted nominees for the awards, which carry a cash prize to the nonprofit of the recipients’ choice.

With the significant number of nominees in this year’s awards, visit www.franklintomorrow.org or click the links below to see nominees in the following categories: Emerging Leader, Youth Initiative, Volunteer Spirit, Civic Group, Corporate Achievement Award, and Individual Corporate Achievement.

Also, a special In Memoriam program will honor community leaders, volunteers and individuals who have passed away over the last year.

Franklin Tomorrow will also present additional awards, including the Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award and the Charles M. Sargent Leadership Award. Franklin Tomorrow Board Chair Peggy Kidd will also have awards.

Each award carries a cash prize to the nonprofit of the recipients’ choice.

In addition to Williamson Memorial, Franklin Tomorrow wishes to thank Buerger Moseley Carson, PLC; and the following elected officials for their support — County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Property Assessor Brad Coleman, County Clerk Jeff Whidby, Trustee Karen Paris, Register of Deeds Sherry Anderson, Circuit Court Clerk Debbie Barrett, Juvenile Court Judge Sharon Guffee, District Attorney Stacey Edmonson, Sheriff Jeff Hughes, and Juvenile Court Clerk Margaret Mahew. Franklin Tomorrow’s Sustaining Partners, Atmos Energy, PAPE-DAWSON and Williamson Health, also support this event. State Sen. Jack Johnson is also a partner in the awards.

It is not too late to be a sponsor and those interested can email CEO Mindy Tate at mindy@franklintomorrow.org.

Civic Group Nominees

Corporate Award Nominees, Group & Individual

Emerging Leader Nominees

Neighbor to Neighbor Nominees

Volunteer Spirit Nominees

Youth Initiative Nominees

Award Categories

Volunteer Spirit Award
Honoring individuals who transform their surroundings through service and a heart for their community.

Youth Initiative Award
Recognizing volunteers under 21 years old involved in diverse community activities or significantly contributing to one organization.

Neighbor to Neighbor Award
Celebrating individuals or organizations that go above and beyond in generosity and giving back to Williamson County.

Emerging Leader Award
Awarding young professionals (ages 20–40) making a positive impact through their professional or volunteer efforts.

Corporate Volunteerism Award
Acknowledging companies or organizations with exemplary volunteer programs that engage employees and create meaningful community impact.

Special Recognition

In Memoriam Program
A tribute to community leaders, volunteers, and individuals who passed away in 2024, celebrating their lasting legacy.

Anne T. Rutherford Exemplary Community Volunteer Award
Recognizing outstanding dedication and impact as a community volunteer. This award is determined by Franklin Tomorrow’s committee, ensuring the recipient exemplifies the highest level of service.

Charles M. Sargent Leadership Award
Honoring exceptional leadership that drives positive change in our community. The recipient of this prestigious award is also selected by Franklin Tomorrow’s committee to reflect the values and legacy of Charles M. Sargent.

Board Chair Awards
Presented by Franklin Tomorrow Board Chair to recognize extraordinary contributions.

Award Perks

Each award includes a cash prize for the recipient’s nonprofit of choice, allowing their impact to continue.

How to Nominate a Volunteer or Organization

Do you know someone who deserves to be recognized for their dedication and impact? Submit a nomination by clicking the link below!

Nomination Deadline: Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026

Nomination Requirements:
To complete your nomination, please include:

• A one-page statement describing the nominee’s service, including:
  • The estimated number of volunteer hours logged in 2025.
  • The value and impact of their volunteerism on the community.
• A high-quality photo of the nominee (headshot or action photo preferred).

Nomination Tips

Here are some tips to writing nominations that really stand out and reflect the true commitment of your nominees. Remember that you may know your volunteer really well, but the one-page description you submit is how the Awards Committee gets to know your nominee.

Include compelling examples and/or stories of the nominee’s volunteer service with the agency and/or clients.

• Describe how the nominee stands apart from all the rest.
• Cite any special challenges the nominee has overcome.
• Discuss the impact of the nominee’s service on the overall work of the agency or organization.

Taking the time to write a thorough nomination could provide a wonderful, lifetime memory for your volunteer or organization.