Many not-for-profit organizations are stretched thin and could use more workers to help raise funds and conduct other activities furthering their mission. But it's not always possible to hire more workers in this budget-conscious environment. Of course, volunteers can pitch in and you don't have to pay them, but these charitable-minded people are often hard to recruit. Yet there may be another option: Partnering with a business entity, or combination of entities, to form a corporate volunteer program.
These partnerships can be a match made in heaven. For companies, setting up a volunteer program raises their visibility, polishes their reputation in the community and enhances teamwork within the workplace. It may also improve employee morale and reduce employee turnover.
For nonprofits, the benefits of a corporate volunteer program can be even more pronounced, especially if you consider its potential effect on your revenue stream. Nevertheless, certain risks are attached to these programs. Notably, your organization may expend more time and effort than it can afford.
For new nonprofits, it helps to have more hands on deck. Teaming up with a well-known company can raise your organization's profile with the public. Even for established nonprofits short of staffers — particularly to the point of postponing major projects — corporate volunteers can be lifesavers. Employees who participate in a corporate program might eventually become permanent volunteers. And volunteers often continue to support an organization after they leave the company partnered with it.
In the best case-scenario, the not-for-profit's core mission and the company's business model are in sync. For example, if a nonprofit provides after-school athletics for low-income children, a sneaker company could be a good corporate match.
Frequently, companies arrange for a single employee volunteer day. For instance, a company's workers might help decorate a hall where you'll hold a fundraising event or stock shelves in your food pantry. When coming up with ideas for a one-day volunteer event, make sure the scope of your project is appropriate given the number of hands and amount of time you'll have and that your staffers will be able to provide support for volunteers.
Be careful about accepting corporate offers to volunteer on short notice. You generally will need time to plan a fulfilling experience that will encourage volunteers to return and potentially donate to your organization. Also recognize that if your nonprofit isn't going to benefit from a volunteer partnership, it's not worth your while. But be sensitive about turning down corporate volunteers. Whenever feasible, suggest alternatives that might work better for both of you.
Some factors are simply beyond an organization's control. For example, you can't know for certain what motivates a company and its volunteers or whether they'll be willing to follow directions and cooperate. Nor can you foresee every problem that's likely to crop up. On the other hand, you can boost the chances for success by taking the following steps:
There are plenty of opportunities to gain much-needed volunteer help through a corporate partnership. But to avoid wasting your time and resources, look for a synergistic match and plan activities down to the last detail.
Get in touch today and find out how we can help you meet your objectives.
