Making monetary donations is an important way to support the not-for-profit organizations you’re passionate about—but it’s not the only way. Volunteering is another important way to help fulfill your philanthropic goals while helping to further the objectives of the organizations you support. That’s because many organizations rely heavily on volunteers to carry out their missions both locally and nationally.
According to the National Council of Nonprofits, many organizations would not be able to conduct programs, raise funds, or serve their clients without volunteers.1 That includes organizational oversight and governance. The vast majority of board members who serve on charitable nonprofit boards are volunteers. More individuals helping out at all levels means more opportunities for organizations to increase their impact and broaden the reach of their programs.
The best part is that you don’t have to choose between donating money or volunteering your time and talent. One study reported that:2
- 62% of charitable donors are also recent volunteers, indicating active and enthusiastic involvement in the causes they care about
- 39% supported a nonprofit by volunteering before they made financial donations
If you’re considering volunteering, but aren’t sure where to start:
- Ask about available volunteer opportunities at organizations you already support financially or at local schools, churches, hospitals, food banks, etc.
- Ask friends or colleagues who volunteer if you can shadow them to get a feel for different organizations and activities
- Consider opportunities to put your unique talents, skills, or hobbies to work, such as teaching, mentoring, fundraising, bookkeeping, gardening, crafting, building, etc.
- Visit an online volunteer database like Volunteer.gov, AmeriCorps.gov, PointsofLight.org, or VolunteerMatch.org to find opportunities by organization, type, and location
1)“Volunteers.” Councilofnonprofits.org, https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/employment-hr/volunteers, Accessed 28 OCT 2024.
2)“Depicting Volunteerism Today.” Fidelitycharitable.org, https://www.fidelitycharitable.org/insights/the-role-of-volunteering-in-philanthropy.html, Accessed 28 OCT 2024.
This information was written by KRW Creative Concepts, a non-affiliate of the broker-dealer.
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