We appreciate you
New York Cares celebrates and honors the diversity of our volunteers and their reasons for volunteering. We strive to recognize you in ways large and small throughout the year, including some of the official recognition programs and awards listed below.
Volunteer recognition
Volunteer Service Awards
Beginning in 2026, New York Cares is proud to introduce the New York Cares Volunteer Service Awards—honoring dedicated volunteers who give 100 or more hours of service in a year. Award recipients will receive a certificate and commemorative pin in recognition of their impact.
The New York Cares Volunteer Service Awards follows a model similar to the Presidential Volunteer Service Award program, offering three levels of recognition based on total hours served within the calendar year.
| Age | Bronze | Silver | Gold |
| Youth (5-17) | 50-74 hours | 75-99 hours | 100+hours |
| Adult (18+) | 100-249 hours | 250-499 hours | 250+ hours |
| Lifetime Achievement Award: 4,000+ Hours (All Ages) | |||
Volunteer recognition
Mayoral Service Awards
Volunteers who have completed over 50 hours in a calendar year are eligible to receive the Mayoral Service Award.
Letter of Service
Need a record of your service? You can print a copy from your Project Dashboard or we are happy to provide an official letter from New York Cares.