FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2/26/26
Media Contacts:
Katelyn Willoughby, Director of Marketing & Communications
707.890.8876
or
Linda Jacobs, CEO
415.448.0300
CVNL Announces Call for Nominations for the 11th Annual Heart of Napa Awards (TM)
Where Volunteers, Nonprofits, and Leaders Shine.
Nominations are open through Monday, March 23, 2026, at midnight.
NAPA COUNTY, 2/26/26 – Center for Volunteer & Nonprofit Leadership (CVNL) is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the 11th Annual Heart of Napa Awards, the county’s premier event celebrating the nonprofit leaders, organizations, and volunteers who make our community stronger. Each year, this inspiring event shines a light on the extraordinary people and programs advancing the health, equity, and well-being of Napa County.
$22,500 in award funds will be distributed across six categories, offering the community a meaningful opportunity to honor those driving positive, lasting change. The Presenting Sponsor is the Bank of Marin.
“While we stay mindful of the challenges facing our region, state, and nation, it’s local action that creates the most immediate and meaningful impact,” said Linda Jacobs, CEO of CVNL. “The Heart of Napa Awards celebrates the leaders, volunteers, and organizations who are making a real difference right here in Napa County.”
Nominations are now open in the following award categories:
- Corporate Community Service (sponsored by CVNL)
- Excellence in Board Leadership (sponsored by PG&E)
- Youth Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Redwood Credit Union)
- Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Syar Foundation)
- Excellence in Leadership
- Achievement in Nonprofit Excellence
Nominations can be submitted online at: https://cvnl.org/heart-of-napa/. Self-nominations are welcome, and individuals or organizations may submit nominations in multiple categories. To help the selection committee truly understand and celebrate the nominee’s impact, please follow each award criterion closely and provide thorough responses to all questions. Clear, complete answers allow the nominee’s story and accomplishments to shine.
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact: Linda Jacobs, CEO, CVNL – ljacobs@cvnl.org.
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About CVNL
Since 1964, CVNL has advanced nonprofits and volunteerism by strengthening leadership, encouraging innovation, and empowering individuals in their communities. Passion alone isn’t enough when it comes to creating strong nonprofits. That’s why we work with leaders and volunteers every day to help them build the skills and connections that can take their impact to the next level. Together, we offer comprehensive programs that support nonprofits and volunteers, including Learning & Leadership programs and training, executive search, customized consulting solutions, volunteer matching, and corporate engagement. Heart of Marin™, Heart of Napa,™ and Heart of Sonoma County™ events support nonprofits of every size and mission through recognition and cash awards. Other programs and services include Secret Santa, Court Referral Program, and Paratransit. We provide disaster preparedness training and serve as an Emergency Volunteer Center (EVC), overseeing spontaneous volunteers and donations for Napa, Marin, Sonoma, and Solano Counties in the aftermath of a disaster. We believe that with confident and prepared leaders and volunteers, our nonprofits will be better equipped to create healthy, happy, and more equitable communities. Visit www.cvnl.org to discover more.
