Spirit of America Award: Gorham Public Nominations
The Town of Gorham is now accepting public nominations for the 2026 Spirit of America Award.
This award honors local individuals, organizations, or projects whose service reflects the best of community spirit, volunteerism, civic responsibility, and meaningful contributions to the Gorham community.
2026 Nomination Timeline
Nominations Open: May 20, 2026
Submission Deadline: June 12, 2026
Expected Recipient Announcement: Summer 2026
Nominations must be submitted through the form on this page.
About the Award
The Town of Gorham’s Spirit of America Foundation Tribute recognizes individuals, organizations, or projects that have made meaningful contributions to the community through volunteerism, civic leadership, and selfless service.
Nominees may be recognized for long-term commitment, quiet acts of service, leadership in community efforts, or projects that have created a broad and positive impact for Gorham residents.
The award is intended to honor those whose contributions strengthen the quality of life in Gorham and reflect the spirit of service that helps make the community a better place to live, work, and gather.
What is the Spirit of America Foundation?
The Spirit of America Foundation is a Maine-based 501(c)(3) public charity established in Augusta in 1990 to honor volunteerism. The Spirit of America Foundation Tribute is presented in the name of Maine municipalities to recognize local individuals, organizations, and projects for commendable community service. Since the first Spirit of America Award was presented in Augusta in 1991, the tribute has been presented at more than 500 ceremonies across Maine.
To learn more about the original foundation, visit the Spirit of America Foundation website.
Who Can Be Nominated?
Nominations may include local individuals, organizations, or community projects that have demonstrated outstanding service to Gorham.
Strong nominations may include examples of:
- Volunteer service
- Civic leadership
- Community-building efforts
- Long-term commitment to Gorham residents
- Projects or initiatives that improved quality of life
- Contributions made without expectation of recognition
How Nominations Will Be Reviewed
Nominations will be reviewed by a 3-person subcommittee of the Gorham Economic Development Corporation (GEDC), which will apply a scoring matrix to each submission based on the strength, clarity, and community impact described in the nomination.
Each nomination may receive up to 20 total points, with up to 4 points available in each of the following categories.
Scoring Criteria
1. Positive and Meaningful Community Impact
Reviewers will consider how clearly the nomination describes the nominee’s impact on Gorham residents, organizations, programs, or the broader community.
2. Volunteerism, Civic Leadership, and Selflessness
Reviewers will consider how the nominee has demonstrated service, leadership, generosity, and a willingness to contribute time, energy, or expertise for the benefit of others.
3. Scope and Longevity of Service
Reviewers will consider whether the nominee’s service reflects a one-time effort, ongoing commitment, long-term involvement, or lasting contribution to the community.
4. Distinction and Uniqueness of Contribution
Reviewers will consider what makes the nominee’s contribution especially meaningful, unique, or worthy of recognition.
5. Overall Strength and Clarity of Nomination Narrative
Reviewers will consider how clearly and thoroughly the nomination explains the nominee’s service, impact, and connection to the Spirit of America Award.
Submit a Nomination
To nominate an individual, organization, or project for the Spirit of America Award, please complete the nomination form below.
For questions about the nomination process, please contact:
Kevin Jensen
Economic Development Director
Town of Gorham
kjensen@gorham.me.us
207.222.1628