The pandemic forced many businesses to shut their doors and the businesses that have remained open continue to struggle when it comes to finding workers. In the non-profit sector, groups continue to scramble to find volunteers, which means they have to come up with creative approaches to make their missions stand out among a crowded field of like-minded organizations.
According to a Gallup poll released in December 2021, donations to charities have mostly returned to the level experienced by non-profits before the pandemic. However, just 54 percent of respondents stated they had volunteered during the past year, which is down from the 6 percent measured in 2017.
With a shortage of helping hands, your nonprofit should consider forming partnerships with companies that operate in your community.
Match Your Mission with a Company’s Mission
The volunteer relationships that last the longest, as well as deliver the greatest return on the investment of volunteering hours, are the relationships that match a nonprofit’s mission with the mission of a company willing to donate time and money. You can find several examples that cross the industry spectrum. For example, a chain of health clubs makes the ideal volunteer sponsor for a cause that raises money for cancer by organizing and managing a 5k run and walk event.
Many companies incentivize workers to volunteer. Nonetheless, volunteers can be less than enthusiastic if the work put in is not something they want to do. In addition, your non-profit does not want to create volunteer work just for the sake of getting contributions from a company’s employees.
To discover potential partners in the private sector, check out the group Points of Light Foundation. When you choose a corporate partner, dedicate the time required to build a long-lasting relationship with the corporate partner. Chances are you run annual charitable events, which means when you get a corporate partner solidly on board, you can turn to the corporate partner for volunteers every year your organization holds the same event.
Make It Personal
Companies represent one source of volunteers that you can tap into for assistance. Your current team of volunteers represents another source of volunteers. Friends and family members tend to volunteer together for the same charitable cause. By reaching out to your current team of volunteers, you might find more volunteers waiting in the wing to help your organization. You also can get personal on social media sites by promoting your nonprofit and explaining how it helps members of your community.
Although the pandemic has become less of a major crisis, there is always the possibility another strain emerges, especially during the colder months of the year. Prepare for the worst-case scenario today by adding volunteers to your organization.