National Volunteering Week: Nonprofits to Support
National Volunteering Week is an annual event that takes place in many countries around the world, usually during the month of April.
It is a week-long celebration of volunteering and its importance in society, and it provides an opportunity for organizations and communities to recognize and thank volunteers for their contributions.
During National Volunteering Week, there are often a variety of events and activities organized to promote volunteering and encourage more people to get involved. These may include volunteer fairs, community service projects, and recognition ceremonies for outstanding volunteers.
The week also serves as a reminder of the many different ways that people can volunteer their time and skills, from working with non-profit organizations to helping out in schools, hospitals, and other community organizations.
Overall, National Volunteering Week is a great opportunity for people to come together and celebrate the spirit of volunteering, and encourage others to get involved and make a positive difference in their communities.
Here is a list of nonprofit organizations to support for National Volunteering Week:
Team Rubicon
Team Rubicon is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2010 by two military veterans, Jake Wood and William McNulty. The organization's mission is to provide disaster relief and humanitarian aid to people affected by natural disasters and other crises.
Team Rubicon is unique in that it is primarily staffed by military veterans who have experience in disaster response and recovery operations. The organization leverages the skills and expertise of these veterans to provide effective and efficient disaster relief efforts.
The organization's disaster response efforts include search and rescue, debris removal, and home repairs. In addition to responding to disasters in the United States, Team Rubicon has also provided aid to people affected by natural disasters and conflicts in countries around the world, including Haiti, Nepal, and the Philippines.
Overall, Team Rubicon's unique approach to disaster relief and humanitarian aid has made it a highly respected and effective organization in the nonprofit sector.
Points of Light
Points of Light is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1990 by former U.S. President George H.W. Bush. The organization's mission is to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take action that changes the world.
Points of Light operates in over 200 countries and territories. The organization works with both individuals and organizations to promote volunteerism, community engagement, and social responsibility.
The organization offers a variety of programs and initiatives to support these goals, including:
- The Points of Light Global Network: This network includes hundreds of organizations and individuals who are working to promote volunteerism and civic engagement in their communities around the world.
- The Civic Accelerator: This program provides training and support for social entrepreneurs who are working to address important social and environmental issues.
- The Daily Point of Light Award: This award recognizes individuals and organizations who are making a difference in their communities through volunteerism and service.
- The Conference on Volunteering and Service: This annual conference brings together thousands of leaders and practitioners from the nonprofit, corporate, and government sectors to share ideas and best practices for promoting volunteerism and community engagement.
Through its various programs and initiatives, Points of Light has become a leading organization in the nonprofit sector, helping to inspire and empower people around the world to take action and make a positive difference in their communities.
Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2003 by Carolyn Blashek. The organization's mission is to express gratitude to U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families by sending care packages and letters of appreciation.
Since its founding, Operation Gratitude has shipped over 3.7 million care packages to U.S. service members deployed overseas and to their families and veterans at home. The care packages include a variety of items, such as snacks, hygiene products, entertainment items, and letters of appreciation from volunteers and supporters.
In addition to sending care packages, Operation Gratitude also organizes events and programs to support military personnel and their families. These programs include the Battalion Buddy Program, which provides stuffed animals to children of deployed service members, and the Veterans Day Parade Float, which honors veterans and their families.
Operation Gratitude relies on the support of volunteers and donors to carry out its mission. Volunteers from across the country contribute their time and skills to assemble care packages and write letters of appreciation. Donors provide the funding and materials needed to create the care packages and support the organization's programs.
Overall, Operation Gratitude is a highly respected and effective nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact in supporting U.S. military personnel, veterans, and their families.
Youth Volunteer Corps
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1987 with the mission of engaging youth ages 11-18 in meaningful volunteer service. The organization's goal is to inspire a lifetime commitment to service and to develop the skills and abilities of young people to become effective community leaders.
YVC operates in over 50 communities across the United States and Canada, and partners with schools, youth-serving organizations, and community groups to provide service opportunities for young people. YVC programs typically consist of a variety of service projects that focus on issues such as hunger and homelessness, the environment, and senior care.
The organization emphasizes the importance of meaningful service experiences. It works to ensure that youth have the opportunity to engage in service that is both rewarding and impactful. YVC programs also aim to build leadership skills and promote personal growth and development through activities such as team building, leadership training, and reflection.
YVC also offers a number of special initiatives and programs, such as the YVC Global Youth Service Day, which is a day of service that takes place each year in April, and the YVC Summer of Service, which is a summer program that provides intensive service experiences for young people.
Overall, Youth Volunteer Corps is a highly respected and effective nonprofit organization that has helped to inspire and engage thousands of young people in meaningful volunteer service. By promoting a lifelong commitment to service and leadership, YVC is helping to create a better future for communities across North America.
VolunteerNow
VolunteerNow is a nonprofit organization based in Dallas, Texas, that provides services and resources to support volunteerism and community engagement. The organization's mission is to connect people with meaningful volunteer opportunities and to build capacity for effective community engagement.
VolunteerNow offers a variety of services to support volunteerism, including a volunteer matching platform that connects individuals and groups with volunteer opportunities in their communities. The organization also provides training and support for nonprofit organizations and community groups, to help them build their capacity to engage volunteers effectively.
In addition to its volunteer matching and capacity-building services, VolunteerNow also provides a variety of other resources to support community engagement. These resources include a volunteer center accreditation program, which recognizes organizations that meet certain standards for volunteer engagement, and a corporate volunteerism program that helps companies develop and implement effective employee volunteer programs.
VolunteerNow is also actively involved in promoting and supporting national days of service, such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service and National Volunteer Week, and works to raise awareness of the importance of volunteerism and community engagement.
Overall, VolunteerNow is a highly respected and effective nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact in promoting volunteerism and community engagement in the Dallas area and beyond. By connecting people with meaningful service opportunities and building the capacity of nonprofit organizations and community groups, VolunteerNow is helping to create a stronger and more engaged community.
Volunteers of America
Volunteers of America (VOA) is a national nonprofit organization that was founded in 1896 with the mission of serving people in need and creating opportunities for individuals and communities to thrive. The organization provides a wide range of services to help people in need, including affordable housing, job training, and employment services, substance abuse treatment, and mental health services.
VOA operates in over 400 communities across the United States and serves more than 1.5 million people each year. The organization's programs and services are designed to address a variety of social and economic issues, including poverty, homelessness, addiction, and mental illness.
One of the organization's core programs is its affordable housing services, which include the development and management of low-income housing units for individuals and families in need. VOA also provides a range of support services for residents of its housing units, such as case management, employment services, and life skills training.
In addition to its housing services, VOA also provides a variety of other programs and services, including job training and employment services, substance abuse and mental health treatment, and services for veterans and their families. The organization's programs are designed to address the unique needs of the individuals and communities it serves, delivered with compassion, respect, and a commitment to excellence.
Overall, Volunteers of America is a highly respected and effective nonprofit organization that has made a significant impact in improving the lives of people in need across the United States.
Adopt One Block
Adopt One Block is a nonprofit organization that encourages individuals and groups to take responsibility for the cleanliness and upkeep of their local communities. The organization's mission is to promote a sense of civic pride and responsibility by empowering individuals and groups to take ownership of their neighborhoods and to work together to keep them clean and well-maintained.
Adopt One Block encourages individuals and groups to "adopt" a block in their community, which involves committing to keeping that block clean and free of litter and debris. The organization provides resources and support to help adopters organize cleanup efforts and to connect with other individuals and groups who are also committed to keeping their neighborhoods clean.
In addition to its focus on community cleanups, Adopt One Block also works to promote environmental sustainability by encouraging the use of reusable materials and reducing waste. The organization also supports education and outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of community involvement in maintaining clean and healthy neighborhoods.
By promoting a sense of civic pride and responsibility, Adopt One Block is helping to create stronger, more connected, and more vibrant neighborhoods.
All Hands and Hearts
All Hands and Hearts is a nonprofit organization that provides disaster relief and recovery services in communities affected by natural disasters and other crises around the world. The organization's mission is to help communities recover from disasters and to build back stronger and more resilient than before.
All Hands and Hearts provides a range of services to support disaster relief and recovery efforts, including debris removal, home and school rebuilding, and community development. The organization relies heavily on volunteers, both local and international, to provide these services. Volunteers receive training and support to ensure that they can contribute effectively to relief efforts.
One of the unique features of All Hands and Hearts is its focus on long-term recovery and rebuilding. The organization recognizes that the effects of natural disasters and other crises can be long-lasting, and works to support communities in their efforts to rebuild and become more resilient in the face of future disasters.
All Hands and Hearts has responded to disasters and crises around the world, including hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and wildfires.
The organization has a strong track record of delivering effective and impactful relief and recovery services and has received numerous awards and accolades for its work.
Spark the Change Colorado
Spark the Change Colorado is a nonprofit organization that works to empower young people and create positive change in communities across Colorado. The organization's mission is to inspire and support youth-led service projects that address critical community needs and help to build stronger, more connected communities.
Spark the Change Colorado works with a wide range of community partners, including schools, nonprofit organizations, and businesses, to identify community needs and develop service projects that are led and implemented by young people. The organization provides resources, training, and support to help young people develop leadership skills, plan and implement service projects, and make a positive impact in their communities.
One of the unique features of Spark the Change Colorado is its focus on youth-led service projects. By empowering young people to take a leadership role in service projects, the organization is helping to build a new generation of community leaders who are committed to creating positive change and making a difference in their communities.
Spark the Change Colorado has supported a wide range of service projects in communities across the state, including projects focused on environmental sustainability, health and wellness, and social justice.
Related resources
Unlocking Philanthropy: A Ready-to-Use Corporate Giving Policy for Modern Businesses
Sample Corporate Giving Policy You Can Use Today
In today’s socially conscious environment, more companies than ever are recognizing the value of corporate philanthropy. Not only can a robust giving policy boost a brand’s image and reputation, but it can also play a pivotal role in community development and global betterment. If your company is considering the establishment of a formal corporate giving policy or refining its existing strategy, this sample policy might be the perfect starting point for you.
Pillars of a Strong Corporate Giving Policy
Corporate giving programs range from employer donation matching programs to full blown corporate social responsibility programs with grantmaking and volunteerism. Many companies find somewhere in the middle that aligns with their size, budget, geographic presence and most importantly company values and commitment to diversity and inclusion. But what truly makes a corporate giving policy stand out? Let’s delve into the key features, from donation matching to the strategic use of platforms like Groundswell.
1. Donation Matching: Doubling the Impact
One of the most effective tools in a giving policy is donation matching. This is where companies match employee donations to eligible non-profits, effectively doubling the contribution. Such programs not only amplify the impact but also motivate employees to participate, knowing their chosen cause will receive twice the support.
2. Charitable Stipends: Encouraging Employee Choice
Charitable stipends are allowances given to employees to donate to a non-profit of their choice. This not only encourages a culture of giving but also empowers employees to support causes they’re passionate about. The stipends can be a fixed amount annually or can vary based on the employee’s role or tenure.
3. Dollars for Doers: Volunteering Translated to Contributions
“Dollars for Doers” programs convert volunteer hours into monetary donations. When employees volunteer their time for a cause, the company makes a donation equivalent to the hours spent. This fosters a culture of hands-on involvement and ensures that both time and money are being donated to valuable initiatives.
4. Corporate Grants: Sowing Seeds for Bigger Change
Beyond individual employee contributions, companies can set aside a dedicated fund for corporate grants. These grants can be given to non-profits, research initiatives, or community projects that align with the company’s CSR objectives. Such grants can lead to substantial, long-term changes and foster strong partnerships with community leaders and organizations.
Why Choose Groundswell for Your Giving Initiatives?
Incorporating these elements into a giving policy requires streamlined management, transparency, and ease of execution. This is where platforms like Groundswell come into the picture.
Groundswell offers an efficient and affordable solution for companies aiming to elevate their philanthropic endeavors. Here’s why it’s the ideal choice:
- User-Friendly Interface: Groundswell’s platform is designed for both companies and employees, ensuring smooth navigation and straightforward donation processes.
- Versatility: Whether it’s donation matching, handling charitable stipends, or managing corporate grants, Groundswell offers solutions tailored to each company’s unique needs.
- Cost-Effective: Groundswell provides a comprehensive suite of tools at competitive prices, ensuring that more of your money goes towards the cause rather than platform fees.
- Transparency: Track donations, monitor employee involvement, and generate detailed reports to measure the impact—all in one place.
Conclusion
An effective corporate giving policy is a blend of structure, employee engagement, and impactful contributions. By incorporating elements like donation matching, charitable stipends, “Dollars for Doers,” and corporate grants, businesses can create a ripple effect of positive change. And with platforms like Groundswell, executing these initiatives becomes not just feasible but also highly efficient and cost-effective.
5 Tips to Boost Engagement & Impact on Giving Tuesday
Leverage GivingTuesday to boost generosity
Every November, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving is known as GivingTuesday, which often serves as the unofficial start of end-of-year giving campaigns. This comes on the heels of holiday shopping deals on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. It is a worldwide phenomenon, inspiring millions to lean into the end-of-year holiday spirit with generosity and compassion. For many charities, GivingTuesday has become their biggest day for donations – and can help resource their ability to have an even greater impact in the year ahead.
For companies, GivingTuesday and the end-of-year giving season offers an opportunity to double down on their commitment to social responsibility, strengthen relationships with employees, and boost their impact in the community and broader world.
At Groundswell, we partner with companies all across the country to design and launch GivingTuesday campaigns – leveraging our easy-to-use platform that makes it easy for employees to participate and send donations to the causes and charities that they care most about. Below are some best practices to boost engagement and inspire generosity during the giving season.
1. Make Giving Easy:
A lot of giving platforms out there make it incredibly hard to donate. Some don’t have all 1.5 million IRS-approved charities listed. Others require employees to navigate through a web of intranet or sharepoint sites to find the giving program landing page. And others require that HR is notified of any donations an employee wants to make. At Groundswell – we are committed to removing all of the friction, and ensuring that employees can find charities easily, through a platform that is accessible from the palm of their hand, so they can give whenever they want to.
2. Launch a GivingTuesday Match Campaign:
Through Groundswell you can customize and launch a special GivingTuesday match campaign in a matter of minutes. Simply pick the nonprofits to include in the special campaign, select the start and end-date for the campaign, and then determine the match – 2x, 3x – along with any overall budget limits, then you’re done!
3. Boost engagement by involving ERGs:
Share nonprofit recommendations from Employee Resource Groups to provide inspiration around causes and nonprofits that matter to your employees. You can feature these nonprofits on dedicated ERG Corporate Spotlights and Campaigns that will be visible to all employees on their Groundswell dashboard.
4. Surprise (and Delight) Employees With A Gift to Give:
Consider sending a surprise “gift to give” to reward those already participating in your giving program (and to incentivize others to enroll). These gifts might be used to further maximize impact through the existing campaign, or to donate to other nonprofits your employees care about. Groundswell’s custom gift feature allows companies to easily schedule and send gifts with little to no administrative burden.
5. Level up with Volunteer Matching:
Groundswell’s Volunteer Matching program – sometimes known as Dollars for Doers – recognizes that some employees may not have funds to contribute, but have time – and rewards them in the same way. It’s an inclusive approach that invites everyone to participate in GivingTuesday, even those who may not be able to donate their own funds.
12 Employee Benefits Survey Questions Modern Companies Should Ask
In today's business environment, having the right and highest performing talent is more critical than ever. With benefits packages playing a vital role in these decisions, how can companies truly gauge their effectiveness? By initiating regular employee benefits surveys.
Scroll down for a free survey template below.
Let's dive in to the importance of asking the following questions.
Is our workforce satisfied with the current employee benefits package?
Gaining insights from "how satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?" can offer companies a quick pulse on the effectiveness of their benefits. A dip in satisfaction might signal a need for re-evaluation, especially if you're looking to maximize your budget.
How comprehensive are the employee benefits we offer?
Do employees feel that the organization covers a wide range of their needs? Asking, "do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?" can shed light on any potential gaps in coverage.
Are we showing true commitment to Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion through our benefits?
Are the company's efforts in promoting DE&I resonating? This can be gauged by asking if the benefits genuinely support diversity and inclusion. If they aren't, here's an opportunity to collect ideas directly from your employees.
Read more about how to make sure your giving program is equitable and inclusive.
Do our benefits reflect our company culture and values?
The question, "do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?" will highlight any potential discrepancies in practicing what you're preaching.
Did you know? Two-thirds of employees say it’s important for a company to align to their values.
Are we catering to the needs of a remote or multi-location workforce?
With remote work on the rise, is the company adapting its benefits accordingly? It's essential to find out if employees feel supported, regardless of their work setting.
Would employees recommend the company based on our benefits?
This is an easy one to skip, but it's a great question to ask. See how influential your benefits package is for employee referrals. Determining if employees would advocate for the company based on its benefits can be a key metric for recruitment.
How do specific benefit categories fare?
By querying satisfaction levels across various benefits – physical health, social impact, mental health, financial health, and fringe benefits – can companies discern which areas are thriving and which need enhancement?
What additional benefits do employees desire?
Is there a particular benefit that could make a difference in employee satisfaction and retention? Discovering this can be as straightforward as asking, "if you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?"
If your workforce desires a more meaningful benefit, see why decentralizing your corporate philanthropy strategy can achieve greater impact at scale.
How often should I send an employee survey about our benefits?
While every business has their own set of unique needs, conducing a quarterly employee survey at minimum can help you get a pulse check.
There will be some natural and unplanned peaks in valleys throughout the year that can drastically affect employee morale and company culture. By proactively seeking feedback through surveys, companies can foster a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring they remain at the forefront of employee satisfaction.
What are some affordable benefit options we can provide employees?
Corporate matching or giving programs can be a low-cost addition to your benefit offering that supports your employees’ unique passions and perspectives through charitable giving and boosts your company’s commitment to social impact. Groundswell offers a comprehensive solution with a simple implementation and nearly zero administration burden.
- How satisfied are you with our company’s benefits package?
- Do you feel our benefits package is comprehensive in its offering?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our cultural values?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion?
- Do you feel our benefits package supports our remote or multi-location workforce?
- How likely are you to recommend applying based on our benefits package?
- How satisfied are you with our physical health benefits (i.e. health care, sick leave, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our social impact benefits (i.e. corporate matching, volunteering, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our mental health benefits (i.e. vacation time, EAP, etc)?
- How satisfied are you with our financial health benefits? (i.e. retirement, student loan assistance, etc)
- How satisfied are you with our fringe benefits and perks? (i.e. fitness subsidies, stipends, etc)
- If you could choose one benefit not currently offered, what would it be?