2025 NOMINATONS ARE NOW OPEN

Humanitarian Award

Each year, the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award is presented to an individual or couple who exemplifies the highest standards of community service.  Name after Tempe’s founder, Charles Trumbull Hayden, known affectionately as “Don Carlos,” this prestigious award honors those who have:
    

    • Given outstanding service to the Tempe community
    • Benefitted the underserved and people in need in lasting and meaningful ways
    • Helped make Tempe a better place to live

 If you know someone who has made a significant impact on the lives of others in Tempe, we invite you to submit a nomination. 

ElIgibility

Individual or couple who is currently or has been a Tempe resident or works in Tempe and has positively impacted the Tempe community.

Those currently serving in an elected position or on the Tempe Community Council Board of Directors are not eligible for the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award.  This award is not given posthumously.   

Award Announcement & Presentation

The recipient of the 2025 Don Carlos Humanitarian award will be announced in early August.  The award will be formally presented by Tempe Community Council at the 42nd Annual Don Carlos Humanitarian Awards on October 15, 2025.

SUBMITTING A NOMINATION

To nominate an individual, please complete the nomination form below.  All nominations must be received or submitted by June 16, 2025.    

To prevent loss of information before submission, we recommend your narrative responses in a separate document and then copying the text into the nomination form.  A confirmation message will appear upon successful submission.  Please save a copy of your full nomination and any support letters for your records.  

A strong nomination should include:

      • A comprehensive overview of the nominee, including personal and professional contributions to the community
      • Specific examples of how the nominee has demonstrated leadership and served the community
      • Description of the human service area(s) they have impacted (e.g., youth development, housing, mental health, senior services, etc.)
      • How the nominee’s volunteer activities and humanitarian efforts have made a significant and lasting impact on the Tempe community
      • Evidence of long-term commitment, consistent involvement, or a wide range of activities that demonstrate their dedication to service
      • A compelling story or anecdote from an individual, organization, or project that benefited directly from the nominee’s effort
      • Any relevant supporting materials which are optional, but encouraged,  (e.g., resume, CV, media, awards or recognition, that highlights the nominee’s work and impact)

Tips for submitting a strong nomination:

      • Inform the nominee in advance in case they are selected.
      • Meet with the nominee to gain a full understanding of their community involvement.
      • Gather detailed information to craft a compelling and clear narrative.
      • Collect support letters from respected individuals and organizations familiar with the nominee’s work (preferably one-page letters).
          • A minimum of one letter is required, but successful nominations often include 8–10 letters.
          • Request more letters than needed to ensure a strong collection.
          • Support letters should emphasize the humanitarian nature of the nominee’s work, including specific examples and impacts.

SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION

QUESTIONS

Call 480.858.2310 or Email >