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Nominate Now for the 2026 Iowa Character Awards by May 1, 2026

Iowa Character Awards 2026: Nominations Now Open for Exemplary Citizens

The search for Iowa’s finest citizens is underway as the call for nominations for the 2026 Iowa Character Awards has officially begun. The Robert D and Billie and Ray Center at Drake University is once again leading this initiative to recognize individuals and groups who consistently display outstanding character.

The awards celebrate those who consistently and visibly personify the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since its inception in 2005, more than 250 Iowans or Iowa-based organizations have received these honors, highlighting their exemplary contributions to their communities.

Interested parties have until May 1, 2026, to nominate deserving candidates through the online nomination form.

Each nominee will be acknowledged with a congratulatory letter and certificate. Those selected for the award will receive special recognition at the Iowa Character Awards Banquet, slated for August.

Hy-Vee, FOX 17, Prairie Meadows, Delta Dental, the Gartner Foundation, and Murphy Enterprises are proud sponsors of the 2026 Iowa Character Awards.

For more information on past honorees, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.

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