2026 Spirit of NH Awards

Spirit of NH Awards Frequently Asked Questions

Pre-Event Questions

Q. I am an awardee. Do my guests need to RSVP to the event?

A. No. Guests do not need to RSVP. The only people we ask to RSVP are the awardees.

Q. My group/organization has been selected to receive an award. Does everyone attending need to RSVP?

A. Not everyone needs to RSVP. We ask that the group/organization complete one RSVP form that provides the names of 1-2 people who will represent the whole group. These 1-2 people will go on stage to receive an award.

Q. I am an awardee. Do I need to prepare anything or bring anything with me to the event?

A. There is nothing you need to prepare or bring with you. Awardees will have a brief snippet of their service read aloud when they go up to receive their awards. No awardees will need to give a speech.

Event Questions 

Q. Where is the event?

A. The Spirit of NH Awards will take place at the Capitol Center for the Arts in Concord, NH. The pre-event reception will take place downstairs in the Governor’s Hall. The actual event will take place upstairs in the theatre.

Q. Is the venue accessible for those with disabilities?

A. Yes, there is accessible seating in the theatre and an elevator to bring attendees from the reception to the main theatre.

Q. I am an awardee. Is there a limit to how many friends, family, and/or coworkers I can invite to attend the event?

A. As we are at the larger Capitol Center for the Arts Venue, there is no limit to how many people you can invite! Everyone is welcome. We are also planning to livestream the event for anyone who is unable to attend in-person. More information will be provided about the livestream at a later time.

Q. What time should I get to the event?

A. The pre-event reception starts at 5:45pm and goes until 6:15pm. Due to set-up and other work the staff have to do, please do not come to the venue before 5:45pm. You are welcome to come to the event anywhere between 5:45 and 6:30pm. The ceremony will begin at 6:30pm.

Q. Will there be food provided at this event?

A. There will be an optional small reception with a cash bar and some light snacks from 5:45pm-6:15pm. However, as we are anticipating a large number of attendees, we strongly encourage awardees to eat beforehand. Treat yourself to a dinner out on the town – you’ve earned it!

Q. What does the parking look like at the venue?

There is street parking along the road as well as a couple of nearby parking garages for your convenience. 

Q.What are the different types of awards given at this event?

A. There are five different award categories (Youth/Young Adult, Adult, Senior, Group, and Volunteer Champion). 

In each category, there are typically 10-30 awardees receiving recognition. In addition, there is one Outstanding awardee in each category. The Outstanding awardees are notified in advance and receive additional recognition at the event.

Q. Are there surprise awards at this event?

Yes. The public is able to vote for the People’s Choice Award winner. Voting opens before the event and the winner is announced during the ceremony. 

Out of the Youth/Young Adult, Adult, Senior, and Group categories – One awardee will be chosen as the overall Spirit of NH Award winner. This is the highest recognition at the event. Typically, this awardee does not know in advance that about the award and the winner is announced at the end of the night.

Other Questions

Q. I can’t make the event. Is there a virtual option?

A. Yes! Volunteer NH is planning on partnering with ConcordTV to provide a livestream of the event. The recording of the livestream will also be made available on our website afterward.

Q. I have questions about the event. Who should I reach out to?

A. If you have questions about the event, please reach out to Jamie Browder (jamie@volunteernh.org; 603-271-7206)