Star Awards recognize outstanding achievement in membership, insurance, council programming and activities, and overall operations. Earning a Star Award is the marker of a high performing Knights of Columbus unit and the goal to which every council, district, and assembly should strive. Star Council, Star District and Star Assembly Awards can be earned by completing criteria designed specifically for each division of the Knights of Columbus.
2024 – 2025 Star Council Winners
Star Council
Columbian Award
The Columbian Award recognizes council excellence in programs and activities aligned with the vision of our Founder, Blessed Michael McGivney, and the mission of the Knights of Columbus.
The requirements for this award have changed significantly. Award requirements can be found here:
- Requirements for Councils in the United States and Canada
- Requirements for All Other Councils (International)
Complete the Columbian Award Application by June 30 to qualify. Please note: entries will not be accepted until January 1, 2027. Any applications submitted before that time will not be considered.
Training for the 2026-27 Columbian Award can be accessed here.
Father McGivney Award
This award recognizes excellence in your council’s membership growth. To earn this award your council must meet or exceed its yearly membership quota. The quota is a 6% increase in the council’s membership as of July 1 (intake only, minimum of five and maximum of fifteen). Your specific council quota can be found under the Membership tab in Officers Online. There is no application for the Father McGivney Award. Eligibility is automatically determined by the Supreme Council.
Councils that attain Star Council status and achieve 200 percent of their gain goal will receive the Double Star Council Award. Councils that achieve 300 percent of their gain goal will receive the Triple Star Council Award.
All membership transactions must be received, processed, recorded, and released at the Supreme Council office by June 30.
Founders’ Award
The Founders’ Award recognizes excellence in the promotion of our insurance and fraternal benefits. To earn this award, a number equal to 10% of Associate members on the July 1 council roster must meet individually with a field agent for a financial review (minimum of five and maximum of fifteen). A financial review with an insurance agent is a personalized check-in to evaluate your current financial protection, identify gaps or changes in your needs, and ensure your insurance and long-term financial strategies still align with your goals, family, and future plans.
Complete the Founders’ Award Application (#11077) by June 30 to qualify.
Training for the 2026-27 Founders’ Award can be accessed here.
Star District
Star District Award
2026 – 2027 Fraternal Year
The Star District Award recognizes outstanding achievements in membership, insurance and overall excellence by the councils within the territory of a district deputy.
Membership Growth
The district reaches 70% of combined council membership quotas. You can track district membership on Officers Online.
Promotion of Our Insurance and Fraternal Benefits
The Founders Award is earned by at least 50% of the councils within the district.
Overall District Excellence
- At least two councils in the district earn the Star Council Award. Districts with one council are not eligible.
- Submit a District Deputy Annual Report on Council Status (#944) for each council in your district, which is due on 9/15. The report should be submitted for all councils – even councils that are currently suspended or inactive.
- Every council in district must submit the Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (PDF also available) (#1728), Report of Officers Chosen for the Term (#185), Service Program Personnel Report (#365), and Annual Audit (#1295).
Star Assembly
Star Assembly Award
2026 – 2027 Fraternal Year
The Star Assembly Award recognizes outstanding achievements in membership, programs and overall excellence. The following criteria is required to earn the award:
Membership Growth
Reach growth quota of 6% growth in membership, intake only.
Programs:
Civic Award
Conduct and report at least four varied patriotic programs
Submit the Civic Award Application (#2321) – Due 6/30
To Be A Patriot Award
To Be A Patriot Award Application (#TBP-2) – Due 5/31
Complete the form to enter the competition
Overall Assembly Excellence
- Submit Report of Assembly Officers Chosen for the Term (#186) – Due 7/1
- Submit Annual Assembly Audit Report (#1315) – Due 8/1
- Submit Annual Survey of Fraternal Activity (PDF also available) (#1728) – Due 1/31