Zoos and aquariums play a vital role in wildlife conservation, education, and community engagement. However, these institutions rely heavily on the support of volunteers who dedicate their time and passion to help care for animals, educate visitors, and maintain facilities. One powerful way to amplify the impact of volunteer efforts is through volunteer grants, or corporate programs that provide financial donations to nonprofits based on employees’ volunteer hours.

Marketing volunteer grants effectively can unlock new streams of revenue and deepen relationships with your supporters. By educating volunteers about these opportunities and encouraging them to participate, zoos and aquariums can maximize both volunteer engagement and funding. This article explores why marketing volunteer grants matter, strategies to promote them, key messaging tips, and how to overcome common challenges specific to zoos and aquariums:

Why Marketing Volunteer Grants Matter for Zoos & Aquariums

Volunteer grants represent a unique intersection of community involvement and corporate philanthropy. For zoos and aquariums, which often operate on tight budgets and rely on public goodwill, tapping into these grants can significantly boost financial resources without requiring additional fundraising asks. When volunteers log their hours and apply for grants, companies donate money to the institution, effectively turning time into funding.

Beyond the financial benefits, marketing volunteer grants help to recognize and reward the commitment of volunteers. This recognition fosters a sense of appreciation and motivates continued involvement. Volunteers who understand that their time can translate into tangible support for the animals and programs they care about are more likely to stay engaged and encourage others to join.

Moreover, volunteer grants can enhance the visibility of your zoo or aquarium within corporate communities. As employees share their volunteer experiences and grant applications, your organization gains exposure to new audiences, potentially attracting additional volunteers, donors, and partners. This ripple effect strengthens your institution’s network and long-term sustainability.

In the context of zoos and aquariums, where conservation efforts often require ongoing funding for research, habitat improvements, and animal care, volunteer grants provide a critical supplement. They help bridge funding gaps and enable the continuation of vital programs that might otherwise face financial constraints.

Understanding the Volunteer Grant Landscape

Volunteer grants are offered by many corporations as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives. These programs typically require employees to volunteer a minimum number of hours before the company awards a monetary grant to the nonprofit where the volunteer served. The amount and eligibility criteria vary widely, so it’s important for zoos and aquariums to understand which companies offer these grants and how to guide volunteers through the process.

Many large corporations with headquarters or offices near your zoo or aquarium may already have volunteer grant programs in place. Identifying these companies and building relationships with their community engagement teams can open doors for collaboration and support. Additionally, some companies offer enhanced grants for environmental or wildlife-related causes, making zoos and aquariums particularly well-positioned to benefit.

The Impact on Volunteer Retention and Fundraising

Marketing volunteer grants effectively can lead to higher volunteer retention rates. Volunteers who see their efforts rewarded with corporate donations feel valued and motivated to continue contributing. This sustained engagement reduces recruitment costs and builds a loyal base of advocates for your institution.

Furthermore, volunteer grants complement traditional fundraising by providing an additional revenue stream that does not rely on direct appeals. This diversification strengthens your financial health and allows for more strategic allocation of resources toward mission-critical activities.

Strategies for Marketing Volunteer Grants to Zoos & Aquariums Supporters

To maximize the benefits of volunteer grants, zoos and aquariums need to implement targeted marketing strategies that educate and empower their supporters. Clear communication about the availability and process of volunteer grants is essential to encourage participation.

Start by integrating volunteer grant information into your volunteer onboarding materials. New volunteers should be made aware from the outset that their time can translate into financial support through corporate programs. Providing step-by-step guides, FAQs, and contact points for assistance can demystify the process and reduce barriers.

Utilize multiple communication channels to reach your audience. Email newsletters, social media posts, website content, and in-person events are all effective platforms to share volunteer grant opportunities. Highlight success stories where volunteer grants have made a tangible difference to your zoo or aquarium’s programs, showcasing the real-world impact of these donations.

Leveraging Technology for Volunteer Grant Marketing

Modern volunteer management and fundraising software can streamline the process of tracking volunteer hours and identifying eligible grants. By integrating these tools, zoos and aquariums can automate reminders, simplify grant applications, and provide personalized support to volunteers. This reduces administrative burden and enhances the volunteer experience.

Platforms that sync with corporate volunteer grant databases can alert volunteers when they qualify for grants and guide them through submission steps. This proactive approach ensures that fewer opportunities are missed and that volunteers feel supported throughout the process.

Creating Engaging Content Around Volunteer Grants

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect with your audience. Share narratives about volunteers whose efforts have led to successful grant awards and how those funds have been used to improve animal habitats, support conservation research, or enhance educational programs. Visual content such as photos and videos can make these stories more compelling and shareable.

Encourage volunteers to share their own experiences on social media using dedicated hashtags or by tagging your zoo or aquarium. User-generated content not only spreads awareness but also builds a community of engaged supporters who inspire others to get involved.

Key Tips for Volunteer Grant Messaging that Resonates with Zoos & Aquariums

Effective messaging is crucial to motivate volunteers to participate in grant programs. Tailor your communications to emphasize the direct connection between volunteer hours and the well-being of animals and conservation efforts. Volunteers want to know that their time makes a meaningful difference.

Use clear, concise language that explains what volunteer grants are, how they work, and what steps volunteers need to take. Avoid jargon and provide concrete examples to make the concept accessible to all supporters, regardless of their familiarity with corporate philanthropy.

Highlight the dual benefit of volunteer grants: they reward volunteers for their time and provide essential funding for your zoo or aquarium. This “double” appeal can increase motivation and foster a sense of shared purpose between volunteers and the institution.

Incorporate calls to action that encourage volunteers to log their hours promptly and apply for grants. Reminders sent at strategic intervals, such as after volunteer shifts or at the end of the month, can improve participation rates overall.

Personalizing Messages for Different Volunteer Segments

Not all volunteers have the same level of engagement or awareness about volunteer grants. Segment your audience based on factors such as volunteer frequency, role, or previous grant participation. Tailored messages that address the specific interests and needs of each group are more likely to resonate and prompt action.

For example, new volunteers may benefit from introductory content that explains the basics, while long-term volunteers might appreciate updates on new grant opportunities or success stories highlighting their impact.

Using Emotional Appeals to Connect

Emotions drive action. Craft messages that evoke the passion volunteers feel for animal care and conservation. Remind them that their volunteer hours not only help animals today but also contribute to a sustainable future for wildlife. This emotional connection can inspire volunteers to take the extra step of applying for grants.

Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Marketing Challenges for Zoos & Aquariums

Despite the benefits, marketing volunteer grants can present challenges. One common obstacle is volunteer awareness. Many volunteers may not know that volunteer grants exist or understand how to apply for them. Overcoming this requires consistent education and clear communication.

Another challenge is the perceived complexity of grant application processes. Some corporate programs have detailed requirements or require documentation that volunteers find cumbersome. Providing hands-on support, easy-to-follow guides, and dedicated staff or volunteer ambassadors to assist can alleviate these difficulties.

Data management can also be a hurdle. Tracking volunteer hours accurately and matching them to corporate grant criteria demands robust systems. Zoos and aquariums should invest in technology solutions that integrate volunteer management with grant tracking to ensure no opportunities are missed.

Finally, some organizations struggle with limited marketing resources. To address this, leverage partnerships, automate communications where possible, and prioritize high-impact channels to maximize reach without overextending staff.

Addressing Volunteer Motivation and Engagement

Volunteers may feel overwhelmed or unsure about the value of applying for grants. Reinforce the importance of their contributions and the tangible benefits of volunteer grants through regular recognition and feedback. Celebrating successes publicly can boost morale and encourage others to participate.

Ensuring Inclusivity in Volunteer Grant Marketing

Make sure your volunteer grant messaging is inclusive and accessible to all supporters. Use diverse imagery and language that reflects your community. Provide materials in multiple languages if needed and accommodate volunteers with varying levels of digital literacy by offering in-person assistance or printed guides.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Marketing volunteer grants at zoos and aquariums is a strategic way to enhance both volunteer engagement and financial support. By educating volunteers, leveraging technology, crafting compelling messages, and addressing common challenges, your institution can unlock the full potential of corporate volunteer incentive programs.

As you move forward, consider conducting an audit of your current volunteer grant marketing efforts and identifying areas for improvement. Engage your volunteer base in feedback sessions to understand their needs and preferences. Building strong relationships with corporate partners and continuously refining your approach will ensure sustained success.

Ultimately, volunteer grants not only provide critical funding but also deepen the connection between your supporters and your mission to protect and celebrate wildlife. Embracing these programs can help your zoo or aquarium thrive in an increasingly competitive nonprofit landscape.

Discover How Double the Donation Volunteering Can Help Your Zoo or Aquarium Raise More

Double the Donation Volunteering specializes in helping nonprofits tap into corporate volunteer incentive programs to boost engagement and revenue. Our innovative volunteer grant software seamlessly integrates with your existing fundraising tools, making it easier than ever to identify eligible volunteers, educate them about grant opportunities, and streamline the application process.

With Double the Donation’s platform, fundraising organizations can eliminate data silos, gain valuable insights, and increase funding without additional donation asks. If your nonprofit is ready to grow its volunteer grant revenue and deepen supporter relationships, request a demo of Double the Donation Volunteering to get started!

Volunteer grants represent a significant opportunity for large organizations to amplify their impact and secure additional funding streams. These grants, offered by corporations to reward their employees’ volunteer efforts, can translate countless hours of service into meaningful financial support.

As organizations grow in size and complexity, the challenge becomes how to efficiently manage and maximize these volunteer grant programs. Large organizations often have extensive volunteer bases and multiple departments involved in volunteer engagement, making it essential to adopt strategic approaches that centralize data, automate processes, and foster collaboration. By doing so, they can unlock the full potential of volunteer grants and build sustainable partnerships with national and international corporations. In this guide, we’ll cover:

Why Do Volunteer Grants Matter for Large Organizations?

For large organizations, volunteer grants are a critical component of scaling impact and meeting the expectations of corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships. These grants provide a way to convert the collective volunteer hours of thousands of supporters into tangible financial resources that can be reinvested into programs and infrastructure. Unlike smaller nonprofits that may focus on the immediate benefit of unrestricted funding, large organizations must consider how volunteer grants fit into a broader strategy of impact measurement and resource allocation.

Scaling Impact Through Centralized Systems

Large organizations benefit from implementing centralized volunteer management systems that track hours, employer information, and grant eligibility. These systems reduce administrative burden and ensure accurate reporting, which is essential for maximizing grant revenue. Centralization also facilitates cross-departmental collaboration, allowing fundraising, volunteer coordination, and corporate relations teams to work in harmony.

Meeting Corporate Social Responsibility Expectations

Corporations increasingly expect their nonprofit partners to demonstrate alignment with CSR objectives. Volunteer grants serve as a measurable way to showcase employee engagement and community impact. Large nonprofits that effectively leverage these grants can enhance their reputation and attract further corporate support.

Aligning with ESG and International Partners

Many large organizations operate on a global scale and engage with multinational corporations. Volunteer grants provide a mechanism to connect with these partners’ ESG initiatives, supporting sustainability and social responsibility goals worldwide. This alignment can open doors to new funding opportunities and collaborative projects.

Best Practices for Large Nonprofits to Grow Volunteer Grants

Turning volunteer time into funding requires intentional strategies, streamlined systems, and robust infrastructure, especially for large organizations with complex operations. Given the scale of volunteer engagement in large nonprofits, it’s essential to implement practices that not only manage large volumes of volunteer data but also foster collaboration and optimize volunteer grant revenue.

The key lies in automation, data integration, effective communication, and leveraging technology to scale efficiently. Here are some best practices to help large organizations grow volunteer grants:

Leveraging Automation and Data Integration

Automation is critical for large nonprofits to effectively manage and scale their volunteer grant efforts. By reducing manual data entry and follow-up tasks, staff can focus on high-priority initiatives such as engaging with corporate partners and volunteers. For instance, integrating volunteer databases with grant submission tools or platforms like Double the Donation can help organizations automatically track eligible volunteers, generate reports, and manage submitted grants.

This data-driven approach not only saves time but also helps organizations identify trends, such as which volunteers are more likely to submit grants or which companies provide the most matching gifts. Armed with these insights, nonprofits can target their outreach more effectively, creating personalized engagement strategies that increase conversion rates and maximize grant opportunities. Moreover, automating reminders, follow-ups, and grant submission processes ensures that no opportunities are missed, even during busy periods.

Fostering Cross-Team Collaboration

In large nonprofits, volunteer engagement often spans across multiple departments, such as volunteer services, fundraising, and communications. Without coordination, these efforts can become fragmented and less efficient. To effectively grow volunteer grants, it’s essential to foster collaboration among teams.

Establishing clear communication channels and aligning team objectives is key. For example, regular cross-departmental meetings can help staff stay updated on ongoing volunteer grant opportunities and progress. Using shared dashboards and project management tools can ensure transparency and real-time tracking of volunteer grant submissions. This way, teams can quickly identify gaps or opportunities to enhance outreach and ensure all volunteers are aware of available grant programs.

Creating a unified approach also helps create a consistent volunteer experience, ensuring that volunteers receive cohesive and timely communications. Cross-department collaboration is also vital for tracking the outcomes of volunteer grants, with teams from development, volunteer management, and finance working together to report the financial impact these grants have on the organization.

Utilizing Volunteer Management Systems (VMS)

A robust Volunteer Management System (VMS) is essential for large nonprofits to efficiently track volunteer hours and maximize volunteer grant revenue. These systems can integrate seamlessly with other nonprofit software, enabling organizations to automate many aspects of the volunteer grant process. A VMS can track volunteer hours in real-time, capture employer information (especially when integrated with a workplace giving tool like Double the Donation), and automate eligibility checks for grant submissions.

Engaging Volunteers with Personalized Communication

One of the most effective ways to increase volunteer grant revenue is to directly engage with individual volunteers and make them feel valued. Personalization is key; customized communication can significantly enhance participation rates. Start by identifying volunteers who are eligible for volunteer grants and sending them personalized messages detailing how their hours can be converted into financial support for the organization.

Using email, SMS, or direct mail, share success stories of how their volunteer efforts have helped fund important programs and invite them to participate in the grant process. Providing clear instructions on how to apply for volunteer grants, along with reminders and deadlines, can improve participation and conversion rates. Offering incentives, such as recognition or small thank-you gifts, can further motivate volunteers to complete the grant application process.

Educating Volunteers and Raising Awareness

Even with an automated system in place, it’s essential to ensure that volunteers understand the significance of volunteer grants. Many volunteers may not be aware that their time can translate into monetary contributions. Therefore, nonprofits should prioritize educating their volunteers about how the program works and the impact it can have on the organization’s mission.

This education can happen in various ways: during volunteer orientations, in monthly newsletters, through social media posts, or via targeted campaigns. Providing clear, easy-to-understand materials, such as step-by-step guides on how to apply for volunteer grants, can demystify the process and empower volunteers to take action. Additionally, creating an easily accessible FAQ page or offering a helpdesk for volunteers with questions can ensure that everyone has the information they need to successfully navigate the grant application process.

Tracking Outcomes and Reporting Success

Once the volunteer grant process is running smoothly, it’s essential to measure and report the success of these efforts. Tracking both the financial contributions generated from volunteer grants and the number of volunteer hours converted into funding allows organizations to evaluate the effectiveness of their strategies and make data-driven decisions.

Furthermore, showcasing the success of volunteer grants in annual reports, newsletters, and donor communications helps reinforce the value of these programs to both volunteers and donors. Highlighting the total amount raised through volunteer grants, as well as the direct impact on the nonprofit’s mission, motivates further engagement and can attract new corporate partners.

Creating a Culture of Volunteerism

Finally, creating a culture that values volunteerism and encourages grant participation is essential for sustainable growth. Large nonprofits can do this by integrating volunteerism into their organizational culture and mission, ensuring that volunteer grants are seen as an integral part of their fundraising strategy. When volunteerism is embedded in the core values of the organization, both employees and volunteers will be more inclined to contribute their time and seek matching grants.

By building an organizational culture that celebrates and supports volunteer engagement, nonprofits create an environment where volunteers feel empowered to participate and contribute to the organization’s overall success.

Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Challenges for Large Orgs

Many large organizations leave volunteer grant dollars unclaimed due to challenges such as data silos, complex processes, and limited cross-departmental coordination. Addressing these barriers requires strategic solutions that streamline workflows and improve data accessibility.

Centralizing Employment Data

Large nonprofits often struggle with disparate data sources. Consolidating this information into a single platform ensures accuracy and simplifies reporting. This centralization supports timely grant submissions and reduces errors that can delay funding.

Automating Cross-Team Workflows

Automation tools can coordinate tasks between volunteer coordinators, fundraisers, and corporate relations teams. For example, automated reminders can be sent to volunteers post-service, prompting them to submit grant requests. This reduces manual follow-up and increases the likelihood of capturing available funds.

Leveraging Analytics to Refine Strategy

Data analytics provide insights into volunteer demographics, employer participation rates, and grant success metrics. By analyzing this data, organizations can tailor outreach efforts, prioritize high-impact partnerships, and allocate resources more effectively.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Volunteer grants represent a high-impact, underutilized revenue stream that can significantly benefit nonprofits of all sizes. For large organizations, these grants offer a way to scale impact, meet corporate social responsibility expectations, and justify investments in volunteer infrastructure. Whether an organization is small, mid-size, or large, adopting strategies tailored to its capacity can unlock substantial corporate funding tied to volunteerism.

To take full advantage of volunteer grants, nonprofits should evaluate their current volunteer engagement practices and tools. Identifying gaps in data management, communication, and process automation can reveal opportunities for growth. By implementing targeted improvements, organizations can increase volunteer grant revenue and deepen supporter engagement, ultimately advancing their mission more effectively.

Discover How Double the Donation Volunteering Can Help Your Large Org

Ready to unlock the full potential of your volunteer grant program? Double the Donation Volunteering offers a powerful solution to streamline the process, automate tracking, and engage your volunteers more effectively. With easy integration into your existing systems, our platform simplifies volunteer grant management, ensuring you never miss an opportunity to earn matching gifts.

Start leveraging volunteer hours for additional funding and build stronger, lasting relationships with your supporters today. Explore how Double the Donation can help your organization maximize its volunteer grant revenue and enhance your fundraising efforts; request a demo now!

Small organizations often operate with limited resources, making every dollar count. Volunteer grants represent a unique opportunity for these nonprofits to secure additional funding without increasing their fundraising costs or stretching their staff too thin.

Unlike traditional fundraising methods that may require significant time and effort, volunteer grants allow small nonprofits to scale their impact without scaling their staff. This means that even with a small team, organizations can maximize the value of volunteer hours by converting them into meaningful financial support. Understanding and implementing strategies to grow volunteer grants can be a game-changer for small organizations looking to thrive.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

Why Do Volunteer Grants Matter for Small Organizations?

Volunteer grants are especially valuable for small organizations because they provide a source of funding that does not require additional fundraising campaigns or increased staff workload. Many small nonprofits struggle with limited budgets and personnel, so the ability to receive financial support tied directly to volunteer efforts is a significant advantage.

These grants offer unrestricted funding, which means small organizations can use the money where it is needed most, whether that is program development, operational costs, or community outreach. This flexibility is crucial for small nonprofits that often face unpredictable funding streams.

Maximizing Limited Resources

Small organizations typically have fewer staff members and less capacity to manage complex fundraising initiatives. Volunteer grants help by turning volunteer time into a revenue stream without requiring extensive administrative work. By simply collecting employer information and encouraging volunteers to apply for grants, small nonprofits can unlock new funding opportunities.

This approach allows small organizations to make the most of their existing volunteer base, increasing the return on investment for volunteer management efforts. It is a cost-effective way to boost revenue while maintaining focus on mission-critical activities.

Scaling Impact Without Increasing Staff

One of the biggest challenges for small nonprofits is growing their impact without the ability to hire more staff. Volunteer grants provide a solution by enabling organizations to leverage volunteer hours into financial support. This means that as volunteer engagement grows, so does the potential funding, without the need for additional personnel.

By integrating volunteer grant strategies into their volunteer programs, small organizations can create a sustainable growth model that aligns with their capacity and goals. This scalability is essential for long-term success and community impact.

Best Practices for Small Nonprofits to Grow Volunteer Grants

Turning volunteer time into funding is a powerful way for small nonprofits to increase their financial resources. Implementing simple, actionable strategies can help these organizations maximize the benefits of volunteer grants without overwhelming their limited staff.

Collect Employer Information Efficiently

Small nonprofits should create straightforward processes for gathering employer details. This can be as simple as adding a question on volunteer registration forms or using digital tools that capture this information automatically. The key is to make it easy for volunteers to provide their employer data without adding friction to the sign-up process.

Having accurate employer information enables nonprofits to target communications and educate volunteers about their eligibility for volunteer grants. This personalized approach increases the likelihood that volunteers will take the necessary steps to apply for grants.

Include Volunteer Grant Information on Your Website

Another low-cost strategy is to prominently feature volunteer grant information on the organization’s website. Small nonprofits can create a dedicated page explaining what volunteer grants are, how volunteers can participate, and the impact these grants have on the organization’s work.

This transparency not only educates volunteers but also encourages them to engage more deeply with the organization. Clear instructions and easy-to-follow steps help demystify the grant application process, making it more accessible for volunteers.

Utilize Technology to Streamline Processes

Small organizations can benefit from low-cost or otherwise affordable tools designed to simplify volunteer grant management. These tools can automate reminders, track volunteer hours, and provide templates for outreach communications. By leveraging the right solutions, small nonprofits can reduce manual work and improve follow-up rates even with limited resources.

Automation helps ensure that volunteers receive timely prompts to submit their grant requests, increasing the chances of successful applications. Additionally, using templates for emails and social media posts saves time and maintains consistent messaging.

Regardless of the specific tactics used, the key to growing volunteer grants is consistent promotion, diligent tracking, and proactive follow-up. Small nonprofits that prioritize these activities will see meaningful increases in grant revenue over time.

Overcoming Common Volunteer Grant Challenges for Small Orgs

Many small organizations leave volunteer grant dollars unclaimed due to a lack of awareness, limited capacity, or unclear processes. Addressing these barriers is essential to unlocking the full potential of volunteer grants as a funding source.

One of the most common challenges for small nonprofits is limited staff bandwidth. With few employees managing multiple responsibilities, volunteer grant programs can easily fall by the wayside. To overcome this, small organizations should consider using automation tools that simplify data collection and outreach.

Streamlining Data Collection and Outreach

Implementing simple employment data collection methods, such as adding employer fields to volunteer registration forms, reduces the burden on staff. Automation tools can then use this data to send personalized reminders and instructions to volunteers about applying for grants.

Using email templates and scheduled follow-ups ensures that volunteers receive consistent communication without requiring constant manual effort. This approach helps small nonprofits maintain engagement and improve grant submission rates.

Clarifying the Volunteer Grant Process

Small organizations often face confusion around the volunteer grant application process, both internally and among volunteers. Providing clear, step-by-step guides and FAQs can demystify the process and empower volunteers to take action independently.

Creating easy-to-understand materials and making them readily available on the website or during volunteer orientations helps reduce questions and increases participation. This clarity is vital for small nonprofits that cannot dedicate extensive staff time to individual support.

Leveraging Double the Donation Volunteering Solution

Double the Donation Volunteering offers a powerful solution to many common volunteer grant challenges faced by small organizations. Their software integrates seamlessly with existing systems, automates volunteer grant identification, and educates volunteers on how to log hours and request funding.

By using this tool, small nonprofits can eliminate data silos, streamline workflows, and increase revenue without adding to staff workload. Even minor improvements in process efficiency can lead to significant increases in volunteer grant income, making this an invaluable resource for small organizations.

Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Volunteer grants represent a high-impact, underutilized revenue stream for nonprofits of all sizes. For small organizations in particular, these grants offer unrestricted funding that can be accessed without increasing fundraising costs or staff workload. By adopting tailored strategies that fit their capacity, small nonprofits can unlock significant corporate funding tied to volunteerism.

Whether your organization is small, mid-size, or large, the right approach to volunteer grants can amplify your impact and deepen supporter engagement. Taking the time to evaluate your current volunteer engagement practices and tools is a critical next step toward maximizing this valuable funding source.

See How Double the Donation Volunteering Can Help Your Small Nonprofit

Double the Donation helps nonprofits and educational institutions tap into corporate volunteer incentives to grow engagement and revenue. With Double the Donation’s volunteering software, fundraisers can seamlessly integrate a volunteer incentive tool into their existing tech stack. This eliminates data silos and surfaces new insights, identifying volunteers eligible for corporate volunteer grants and empowering them to request funding from their employers. The result is increased revenue with no additional donation ask.

Grow your revenue with volunteer grants; get a demo of Double the Donation Volunteering today.

As the year draws to a close, nonprofits have a unique opportunity to maximize their funding through volunteer grants. These programs, offered by corporations to reward employees for their volunteer time, can significantly increase your nonprofit’s resources without requiring additional fundraising effort. Unlike traditional donations, volunteer grants directly link community engagement to financial support, creating a win-win scenario: employees feel recognized for their time, and nonprofits gain critical funding to advance their mission.

In this article, we will explore actionable strategies to maximize volunteer grants during the end-of-year giving season. You’ll learn how to engage volunteers, leverage corporate social responsibility initiatives, implement effective marketing strategies, and use technology to streamline volunteer management. We’ll cover the following tips and tricks:

• Raise Awareness Among Volunteers Leading Up to the Year’s End
• Tie Volunteer Grant Marketing In With Matching Gifts
• Encourage Existing Volunteers to Complete a Batched, Annual Request
• Utilize the Right Technology for Efficient Management
• Foster Strengthened Corporate Volunteer Partnerships
• Provide Transparency and Accountability with Volunteer Grant Funding
• Engage Supporters Through Social Media

The holiday season and year-end planning also mean employees are reflecting on how they’ve contributed throughout the year. This period is perfect for encouraging volunteers to track their hours and submit volunteer grant requests. By strategically promoting volunteer grants during this time, nonprofits can capture new revenue, deepen engagement with supporters, and strengthen corporate relationships.

Raise Awareness Among Volunteers Leading Up to the Year’s End

Many employees remain unaware that their companies offer volunteer grant programs. Without awareness, potential funds may go unclaimed. Nonprofits play a crucial role in bridging this gap by actively educating volunteers on how their hours can translate into financial contributions for your organization.

Raising awareness starts with clear communication. Volunteers should understand that even a few hours of service can yield grant funding. For instance, an employee who volunteers 10 hours may trigger a $250 grant from their employer. Highlighting tangible outcomes like this helps volunteers see the direct value of submitting a request.

Leading strategies for driving awareness include:

• Host Informational Sessions: Schedule workshops or webinars explaining how volunteer grants work. Include step-by-step instructions for logging hours and submitting requests.

• Distribute Flyers or Newsletters: Use printed and digital materials to showcase success stories and benefits of volunteer grant programs.

• Leverage Email Campaigns: Send periodic reminders to volunteers about upcoming deadlines and how to submit grant requests.

Beyond these strategies, consider integrating volunteer grant reminders into your onboarding process for new volunteers. Making grant awareness a standard part of engagement ensures that every supporter knows how to maximize their impact.

Tie Volunteer Grant Marketing in With Matching Gifts

Volunteer grants often work hand-in-hand with matching gift programs, which match employee donations to nonprofits. Promoting both programs simultaneously can amplify results, encourage higher engagement, and increase total giving.

A few expert-proven marketing strategies include:

• Create Joint Marketing Materials: Develop brochures, flyers, or email campaigns that clearly explain both volunteer grants and matching gifts. Include step-by-step instructions and deadlines.

• Share Success Stories on Social Media: Highlight volunteers who have earned grants for your organization. Emphasize the financial impact of their hours to inspire others.

• Host Recognition Events: Celebrate volunteer achievements with end-of-year gatherings or virtual events, reinforcing the link between volunteer hours and grant funding.

Combining marketing efforts enables nonprofits to reach volunteers and donors through multiple touchpoints, thereby increasing the likelihood that employees will take action and submit grant requests before the end of the year.

Encourage Existing Volunteers to Complete a Batched, Annual Request

To maximize volunteer grants during the year-end season, nonprofits should encourage their existing volunteers to complete a batched, annual request from their employer. Many volunteers may not be aware of their eligibility or may forget to submit the necessary forms. By reaching out and providing clear instructions, you can ensure that no eligible hours go unreported before the end of the calendar year.

A batched request allows volunteers to submit their hours all at once for the full year, making the process more efficient for both volunteers and your nonprofit. This approach helps avoid missed deadlines and ensures maximum participation, especially since many corporate volunteer grant programs have annual submission windows that close at the end of the year.

To encourage volunteers to take action, send personalized reminders, include submission instructions, and highlight the impact of these grants. A clear communication strategy, along with a sense of urgency as deadlines approach, can significantly boost volunteer grant funding.

Utilize the Right Technology for Efficient Management

Managing volunteer hours and associated grants can become complex, especially during the year-end rush. Investing in volunteer management software streamlines tracking, ensures eligibility for grants, and reduces administrative burden.

When selecting software, nonprofits should look for:

• Time Tracking Capabilities: Accurate logging of volunteer hours is critical for ensuring all eligible contributions are reported.

• Integration with Corporate Volunteer Solutions: Simplify the volunteer grant process by looking for a VMS that integrates with leading corporate volunteer software like Double the Donation Volunteering.

• User-Friendly Interfaces: Platforms should make it easy for volunteers to log hours and submit requests, minimizing barriers to participation.

Technology also allows nonprofits to monitor trends, identify highly engaged volunteers, and quickly generate reports for corporate partners. This data not only ensures accurate submissions but also provides insights for improving volunteer engagement strategies in the future.

Foster Strengthened Corporate Volunteer Partnerships

Strong, long-term corporate partnerships are essential to maximizing volunteer grants. Companies are more likely to provide grants to organizations they trust and with which they have a history of collaboration.

Here are a few actionable practices you can adopt:

• Engage Local Businesses: Approach companies in your area to explore volunteer opportunities. Demonstrate how their employees’ volunteer hours translate into meaningful grants.

• Attend Networking Events: Participate in corporate events, chamber of commerce meetings, and CSR conferences to make connections with potential partners.

• Follow Up Regularly: After initial meetings, maintain communication to keep your organization top of mind and to share the impact of previous collaborations.

Partnerships can evolve beyond volunteer grants, leading to sponsorships, in-kind donations, and employee engagement programs that provide lasting support for your nonprofit.

Provide Transparency and Accountability with Volunteer Grant Funding

Trust is a critical factor in securing ongoing volunteer grant funding. Corporations and individual volunteers want to know their contributions are making a real difference. Here’s how you can use your reporting and communication efforts to help:

• Provide regular Updates: Share updates on how volunteer grants are being used and the impact achieved.

• Highlight Success Stories: Showcase individuals or communities directly benefiting from volunteer-supported programs.

• Open Dialogue with Corporate Partners: Maintain transparent communication regarding grant outcomes and opportunities for further collaboration.

Transparency not only encourages continued support but also strengthens your nonprofit’s credibility and reputation, paving the way for future grant opportunities.

Engage Supporters Through Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for raising awareness about volunteer grants and inspiring participation. Platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram can amplify your message and showcase the impact of volunteers.

A few of our favorite social media strategies include:

• Post Regular Updates: Highlight volunteer efforts, grant achievements, and upcoming opportunities.

• Encourage Personal Sharing: Ask volunteers to share their experiences on personal accounts to broaden your reach.

• Use Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags like #VolunteerGrant, #EmployeeEngagement, or #EndOfYearGiving can increase visibility and attract new supporters.

Not to mention, sharing creative content, such as short videos, infographics, and volunteer spotlights, can make the process engaging and encourage others to participate.

Conclusion & Next Steps

The end-of-year fundraising season provides an ideal opportunity to maximize volunteer grants, turning employees’ time and effort into tangible financial support for your organization. By raising awareness among volunteers, leveraging corporate partnerships, implementing dual marketing strategies, and using technology to streamline processes, nonprofits can significantly increase funding while deepening engagement.

With a strategic, proactive approach, your nonprofit can fully unlock the potential of volunteer grants, strengthening your organization’s impact and creating a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Boosting Revenue and Engagement with the Right Tools

To truly maximize the potential of your volunteer programs, it’s essential to leverage the right tools that simplify and automate the process. With resources like Double the Donation Volunteering, you can effortlessly connect volunteers to workplace giving opportunities, boost engagement, and increase revenue without adding more strain on your team.​

Request a demo today and see our tools in action!