The medal is intended for an individual whose unpaid, voluntary contributions, behind-the-scenes, provide extraordinary help or care to individuals or groups in the community.[2] Nominees must have brought honour to Canada through their work, and may belong to any age group; recipients typically have not previously been recognized by a national or provincial honour.
An independent advisory committee meets to review submissions. Once a nomination for a candidate is received, research is undertaken to confirm facts and a summary of information about each candidate is presented to the advisory committee for review. The committee submits recommendations to the governor general.
The certificate and lapel pin are presented to recipients by a dignitary, such as a lieutenant governor, territorial commissioner, or mayor. On occasion, the governor general presents the medal during regional visits.
All previous recipients of the Caring Canadian Award received the Sovereign's Medal for Volunteers.[3]
Administration of the selection process has been indefinitely paused since the onset of COVID-19, and no awards are currently made.[4]