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Volunteers can provide critical support for nonprofits, helping organizations fill important gaps and devote more resources to their missions. But recruiting and retaining enough volunteers — especially those with the right skills and availability — can be challenging. One potential source of helping hands may be closer than you think: businesses in your community.

Look for a natural fit

The best volunteer partnerships generally are those in which the nonprofit’s mission aligns with the business’s goals or areas of expertise. A good fit can make it easier to engage employees and may open the door to volunteers who can contribute relevant skills and expertise. It can also help turn a one-time volunteer event into a longer-term relationship.

Many businesses seek one-day volunteer opportunities that can accommodate groups of employees. If your organization has a project or event that requires many helping hands, a corporate volunteer team can provide valuable short-term support and help you accomplish more with limited resources.

However, you shouldn’t create work simply to accommodate volunteers, especially if planning activities or managing participants will strain staff resources. Be cautious about accepting last-minute offers, too. Successful corporate volunteer events require planning and coordination to ensure volunteers can contribute productively without burdening your organization.

Focus on your organization’s needs

If a corporate volunteer opportunity isn’t a good fit for your organization, don’t be afraid to decline it. Explain your concerns clearly, including any demands the arrangement could place on staff time, budgets or other resources. Also consider potential risks and whether your insurance coverage and volunteer policies are adequate.

Group volunteer events aren’t the only way employees can support your organization. Some businesses offer paid time off for volunteering, skills-based volunteering or other programs that enable employees to contribute individually. Others provide financial support to nonprofits where their employees volunteer.

To connect with volunteers, explore resources such as Points of Light and Idealist. To identify potential corporate partners, reach out to local businesses, chambers of commerce and community networks. Once you establish a partnership, invest time in maintaining it. Look beyond a single event for ways to build an ongoing commitment.

Build lasting partnerships

A successful corporate volunteer relationship should benefit both your nonprofit and the business providing the volunteers. Be clear about the help you need, allow enough time for planning and look for opportunities to turn one-time participation into an ongoing relationship. If limited staff or volunteer resources make it difficult to achieve your organization’s objectives, it may be time to reassess priorities. Contact us to discuss how to do more with your current budget — and how your nonprofit may be able to increase revenue.

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