Our Iowa Character Awards celebrate Iowans who model integrity, leadership, responsibility, and service in their communities.
You can help ensure the role models in your life receive the recognition they deserve. A thoughtful nomination makes a lasting impact — your words help us understand the character, leadership, and influence of those you are recommending.
All nominations must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Take the time to recognize someone who is making a difference — and help us shine a light on character across Iowa.
Individuals, organizations, and communities who have not received an Iowa Character Award in the last 5 years are eligible.
Previous nominees and Honorable Mention recipients are eligible.
Youth nominees should be between the ages of 10 -19 as of May 2, 2026.
Anyone can submit a nomination. You can nominate family, friends, co-workers, and community members. You can nominate your own school, organization, or company.
Besides telling us who you’re nominating, you’ll answer three prompts:
You’ll also be able to attach supporting materials, like letters of recommendation, newspaper articles, etc.
Nomination Tips
You don’t have to complete the form all at once. Create a username/password to save your nominations and return to it later.
Give examples. A successful nomination will include specific examples of the nominee showing good character.
Ask for help. You don’t have to complete the nomination alone. Ask the nominee’s friends, families, or co-workers for examples of the nominee’s good character. You can also attach letters of recommendation.
Being recognized for good character is a big deal! We’ll make sure nominees and recipients are honored in meaningful ways.
All nominees will receive a formal certificate of recognition, and we’ll celebrate our award recipients in three ways.
Presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character.
Presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character.
This award is presented to an educator or administrator who impacts students by using innovative character education practices.
The Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory with Honor Award is presented to an athletic team or athletic organization that consistently shows good character.
This award is presented to a school or district that who impacts students by using innovative character education practices.
This award is presented to a student organization that consistently shows good character.
Presented to a company or organization that demonstrates good character through their work.
Iowa Character Awards have been presented since 2005.
Award Categories
Iowans make up the volunteer award selection committee.
These awards are annually chosen by The Ray Center’s National Advisory Council and team.
