[What We Do ]

Certifying Organizations

A Certifying Organization is an organization that has been granted authority through an application and review process to give out the PVSA to volunteers. Certifying Organizations verify and certify that a volunteer has met the requirements to receive a PVSA within a 12 month period specified by the Certifying Organization. Only Certifying Organizations can certify volunteers’ eligibility for the PVSA and order awards.

Certifying Organizations must be established and operate in the United States, its territories (Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands), or on overseas U.S. military and state installations. Additionally, Certifying Organizations must receive or facilitate volunteer service.

Hours Required to Earn Awards in Each Age Group

Volunteers must complete qualifying volunteer hours. GKT as a certifying organization must follow presidential service awards program requirements as following:

* United States citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States

 (i.e., green card holder)

* Must be at least five years old.

* Completes eligible service within a 12-month period 

* Unpaid acts of volunteer service benefitting others