How Animal Shelters Can Grow Volunteer Grant Revenue

Animal shelters are crucial to communities, offering care, shelter, and hope to numerous animals in need. These organizations often depend on the generosity of volunteers who contribute their time and energy to support daily operations and special initiatives. However, many shelters might not be fully aware of an additional resource that can significantly enhance their funding: volunteer grants.

Volunteer grants are a powerful yet underutilized method for animal shelters to boost their financial support without requesting extra donations. By understanding how these grants work and actively promoting them among volunteers, shelters can unlock new revenue streams that directly benefit the animals they serve. This article will explore what volunteer grants are, why they matter specifically for animal shelters, and how to identify and promote these opportunities effectively.

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What are volunteer grants?

Volunteer grants are donations made by a volunteer’s employer to a nonprofit organization in recognition of the time their employee spends volunteering. Essentially, when an employee volunteers a certain number of hours, their company rewards the nonprofit with a financial gift as a way to encourage and acknowledge community involvement.

These grants are typically part of broader corporate giving or employee engagement programs. Many companies have formal policies that specify how much money they will donate based on the number of volunteer hours logged by their employees. For example, a company might donate $10 to $25 per hour volunteered, often requiring a minimum number of hours before the grant is triggered.

Despite their potential, volunteer grants remain relatively unknown—even among volunteers who are eligible to request them. This lack of awareness means many nonprofits miss out on valuable funding that could amplify the impact of their volunteer programs. Educating volunteers and staff about volunteer grants is, therefore, critical to unlocking this untapped resource.

Volunteer grants represent a unique opportunity to multiply the value of volunteer time. Instead of just benefiting from the hours worked, nonprofits can receive additional financial support that helps sustain and expand their mission. Understanding the basics of volunteer grants is the first step toward leveraging this powerful tool.

How do volunteer grants typically work?

Volunteer grants usually require volunteers to submit a request or form through their employer’s program, documenting the hours they have contributed to a qualifying nonprofit. Once verified, the company issues a grant check directly to the organization. Some companies have automated systems, while others may require manual submission.

Are all volunteer hours eligible?

Not always. Many companies specify which types of volunteer activities qualify, often requiring that the nonprofit be a registered 501(c)(3) organization and that the volunteer work is unpaid and directly benefits the nonprofit’s mission. Animal shelters generally qualify, but it’s important to check each company’s guidelines.

Why do volunteer grants matter for animal shelters?

Animal shelters often operate on tight budgets, relying heavily on volunteers to provide care, socialization, and support for animals awaiting adoption. Volunteer grants offer a unique funding opportunity that aligns perfectly with the shelter’s reliance on volunteer labor.

Because animal shelters typically have many volunteers contributing significant hours, they are especially well-positioned to benefit from volunteer grant programs. For example, if 10 volunteers each log 20 hours of service, and their employers offer $10 per hour in volunteer grants, the shelter could receive $2,000 in additional funding without any extra fundraising effort.

This funding can be transformative. Animal shelters can use volunteer grant money to cover essential expenses such as veterinary care, food, cleaning supplies, or enrichment materials for the animals. These grants help shelters maintain high standards of care and improve the well-being of the animals they serve.

Moreover, volunteer grants represent a high return on investment because they do not require additional financial contributions from donors. Instead, they leverage the existing volunteer workforce to generate new revenue streams. This makes volunteer grants a strategic and mission-aligned funding source that animal shelters cannot afford to overlook.

How can volunteer grants support medical care for animals?

Funds from volunteer grants can be allocated to cover vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, emergency treatments, and routine check-ups. This ensures that animals receive timely medical attention, improving their chances of adoption and overall health.

Can volunteer grants help with shelter supplies?

Absolutely. Grants can be used to purchase food, bedding, cleaning products, and toys, all of which contribute to a safe and comfortable environment for animals. These supplies are essential for daily operations and directly impact animal welfare.

Do volunteer grants encourage more volunteerism?

Yes. Knowing that their volunteer hours can translate into financial support for the shelter often motivates volunteers to contribute more time. This creates a positive cycle of engagement and funding that benefits everyone involved.

How to identify volunteer grant opportunities for animal shelters

Identifying volunteer grant opportunities starts with understanding which volunteers work for companies that offer these programs. Since volunteer grants are employer-driven, knowing your volunteers’ workplaces is key to unlocking potential funding.

One practical step is to ask volunteers about their employers during onboarding or through engagement surveys. Encouraging volunteers to check with their human resources departments or corporate intranet sites can also reveal available programs.

There are also specialized tools and databases, such as Double the Donation, that nonprofits can use to search for companies with known volunteer grant programs. These resources can save time and help you target your outreach more effectively.

Analyzing existing volunteer data to identify trends or clusters of volunteers from the same company can uncover hidden opportunities. Segmenting communications by employer also allows you to personalize outreach and provide relevant information about specific volunteer grant programs. This tailored approach increases the likelihood that volunteers will take action and submit grant requests.

What questions should you ask volunteers about their employers?

Simple questions like “Who is your employer?” or “Does your company offer volunteer grant programs?” can open the door to valuable information. Including these questions in volunteer registration forms or periodic surveys is effective.

How can technology help identify volunteer grant opportunities?

Using volunteer management software that tracks employer information or integrating with volunteer grant databases can automate the identification process. This reduces manual work and ensures you don’t miss potential grants.

Companies that offer volunteer grants for animal shelters

Many large employers with active corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives offer volunteer grant programs that can benefit animal shelters. Companies like Dell, Starbucks, Verizon, Walmart, and Sam’s Club are examples of organizations that typically encourage employee community involvement through such programs.

Dell, a major technology company, often supports nonprofits through volunteer grants as part of its commitment to social impact. Employees who volunteer at animal shelters may be eligible to request grants that help fund shelter operations or animal care.

Starbucks, known for its community engagement, offers volunteer grant programs that reward employees for their time spent supporting local causes, including animal welfare organizations. This aligns with their broader mission of fostering community connections.

Verizon, a telecommunications giant, has a well-established volunteer grant program that encourages employees to give back. Animal shelters can benefit from these grants to enhance their services and outreach efforts.

Walmart and Sam’s Club, both retail leaders with extensive employee bases, provide volunteer grants as part of their philanthropic efforts. Given their widespread presence, many volunteers may be connected to these companies, representing a significant opportunity for animal shelters.

These companies share common traits: they are large employers with formal CSR policies, they value employee engagement, and they have structured volunteer grant programs. Animal shelters should review the employment affiliations of their volunteers to identify potential matches and maximize grant revenue.

Are volunteer grants only available from large companies?

No. While large companies often have formal programs, many small and mid-sized businesses also offer volunteer grants or matching gift programs. It’s worth exploring all volunteer employers to uncover opportunities.

Do companies outside the tech or retail sectors offer volunteer grants?

Yes. Companies across healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and other industries may have volunteer grant programs. The key is to research and engage with your volunteer base to discover these possibilities.

How to promote volunteer grants to animal shelter supporters

Many volunteers are unaware that their employers offer volunteer grant programs, so raising awareness of the opportunities is essential. Consistent and clear communication helps ensure that volunteers know about these programs and understand how to participate.

Start by including information about volunteer grants in onboarding materials and thank-you emails. This ensures new volunteers learn about the programs early and feel appreciated for their contributions.

Adding a dedicated page or FAQ section on your organization’s website provides a centralized resource where volunteers can find detailed instructions and answers to common questions. This accessibility encourages more volunteers to take advantage of the grants.

Incorporate calls-to-action in newsletters, social media posts, and event signage to keep volunteer grants top of mind. Highlight success stories or examples of how volunteer grant funds have made a difference to motivate participation.

Training staff and volunteer coordinators to remind supporters about volunteer grants during interactions can increase awareness and provide personalized assistance. Having a designated point of contact for questions or help with submissions simplifies the process for volunteers.

Making the volunteer grant process as simple and accessible as possible is crucial. Providing clear instructions, templates for submission forms, and timely follow-up support removes barriers and encourages more volunteers to apply.

Effective promotion not only increases participation but also helps turn volunteer time into additional funding, creating a lasting impact on the mission of the animal shelter. By integrating volunteer grant awareness into your overall volunteer engagement strategy, you can maximize this valuable resource.

What are some effective communication channels for promoting volunteer grants?

Email newsletters, social media platforms, volunteer meetings, and your website are all excellent channels. For the best results, be sure to tailor messages to each platform for maximum reach and engagement.

How can you simplify the volunteer grant application process?

Provide step-by-step guides, pre-filled forms, and direct assistance. The easier it is, the more likely volunteers will participate.

Why is staff training important for promoting volunteer grants?

Staff and coordinators are often the first point of contact for volunteers. Equipping them with knowledge ensures consistent messaging and support, driving increased participation in volunteer grant programs.

Volunteer grant FAQ for animal shelters

Can volunteers submit grant requests on behalf of the animal shelter?

Yes, typically, volunteers submit their own grant requests through their employer’s program. The nonprofit usually provides verification or confirmation of volunteer hours as needed.

Are volunteer grants taxable income for the nonprofit?

No, volunteer grants are considered charitable donations and are not taxable income for the nonprofit organization.

How long does it usually take to receive volunteer grant funds?

The timeline varies by company but generally ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months after the grant request is submitted and verified.

Can animal shelters help volunteers track their hours for grant submissions?

Yes, providing accurate records of volunteer hours is essential. Many shelters use volunteer management software or logs to assist volunteers in documenting their time for grant purposes.

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Wrapping Up & Next Steps

Volunteer time is one of the most valuable gifts animal shelters receive—but it doesn’t have to stop at time alone. By tapping into volunteer grant programs, your organization can turn everyday volunteer hours into tangible financial support from the companies your volunteers work for.

With the right systems in place, you can transform your volunteer program into a powerful engine for sustainable growth, allowing you to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome more animals than ever before. Now is the time to act and let your volunteers’ impact go even further.

Getting Started with Double the Donation Volunteering

Ready to turn volunteer hours into real funding for your animal shelter? Get started with Double the Donation Volunteering—the leading platform for unlocking volunteer grants and maximizing your impact. With easy-to-use tools, automated matching, and access to thousands of corporate giving programs, Double the Donation helps you capture revenue you may be leaving on the table. Don’t let valuable volunteer time go unrewarded—start boosting your funding effortlessly today.

Request a personalized demo of Double the Donation today!