Volunteer recognition
Get a free full HeartBadge for helping during disasters.
Your contribution matters whether you served in the field or supported relief from behind a screen.
Applications are not yet open. We are finalizing secure verification and badge issuance. This page describes the program we are preparing.
What counts as a qualifying contribution.
If you helped people prepare, respond, or recover—on the ground or online—your service may qualify.
- Coordinating public needs and information
- Crowdsourcing and verifying reports
- Building maps, APIs, and response tools
- Translating and supporting accessibility
- Organizing volunteers and communications
- Moderating crisis channels
- Helping communities connect with assistance
What your badge is—and isn't.
Recognition of verified disaster-response service. Your free full badge provides the same standard member status and access as a purchased HeartBadge.
- Not wages or compensation for volunteer time
- Not an investment
- Not a guarantee of a cash award
Full members may participate in Real Compassion Today programs under their published terms. Any monetary awards are discretionary, not guaranteed, and subject to separate eligibility, funding, and tax rules.
How to request your free badge.
Submit a request
Share the incident, dates, a summary of your contribution, and any public or authorized evidence. An organizer confirmation is optional.
Verification review
RCT reviewers verify the contribution using proportionate evidence.
Decision
Approved requests are queued for issuance. Declined requests receive a reason and an appeal route.
Badge issued
Your complimentary full HeartBadge is issued through the authorized issuer.
Privacy & safety
Never submit any of the following with your request:
- Survivor names
- Medical details
- Precise or live rescue locations
- Any other sensitive personal information
Public documents—like a shared coordination sheet—can be referenced as evidence, but they are never a substitute for secure intake.
Ages
Ages 16 and older may apply with guardian consent; ages 13–15 apply via a guardian; under 13 is not accepted. On-site field service requires 18 or older.
Every request moves through submitted → verified → approved → issued, and one badge is issued per person.
Participation awards are a separate program.
A free badge alone does not guarantee any cash award. Any participation awards are discretionary, never guaranteed, and governed by separate published terms.
Real Compassion Today Inc. is a Kentucky nonprofit corporation (KY organization no. 1628374).