How Arts Education Nonprofits Can Grow Volunteer Grant Revenue

Arts education nonprofits are essential in fostering creativity, cultural understanding, and artistic skills within communities. These organizations often depend significantly on volunteers to sustain their programs, events, and outreach activities. However, many arts nonprofits might overlook a valuable funding source that can enhance the impact of volunteer efforts: volunteer grants.

Volunteer grants are a type of corporate philanthropy where companies reward employees for their volunteer time by donating to the nonprofits they support. For arts education nonprofits, understanding and utilizing volunteer grants can open up new revenue streams without needing additional fundraising efforts from donors. This article delves into how arts education nonprofits can identify, promote, and benefit from volunteer grant programs offered by companies like Chevron, Walmart & Sam’s Club, Bank of America, and Starbucks.

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. These grants are typically part of corporate giving or employee engagement programs designed to encourage and reward community involvement. When an employee volunteers a certain number of hours, their employer may provide a monetary donation to the nonprofit where the volunteer contributed their time.

Typically, companies set specific criteria for volunteer grants, including minimum hour requirements—often ranging from 10 to 50 hours—and a fixed donation amount per hour volunteered. For example, an employer might donate $10 to $25 for every hour an employee volunteers, turning volunteer time into tangible financial support for the nonprofit.

Despite their potential, volunteer grants remain relatively unknown, even among eligible volunteers. Many employees are unaware that their companies offer such programs, and nonprofits may not actively promote or track these opportunities. This lack of awareness means volunteer grants represent an untapped source of funding for many organizations, including those in arts education.

By educating volunteers and supporters about volunteer grants, nonprofits can significantly amplify the value of volunteer contributions. Volunteer grants not only recognize the time and effort of volunteers but also provide essential funding that can support program expansion, materials, and outreach. Understanding the basics of volunteer grants helps nonprofits see the potential to grow their resources while deepening volunteer engagement.

How volunteer grants work

Volunteer grants are usually administered through a formal application process where the volunteer submits proof of their hours to their employer. Once verified, the company issues a grant check or electronic donation to the nonprofit. Some companies also offer team volunteer grants, where groups of employees volunteering together can qualify for larger donations.

These programs are often managed by corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments or human resources teams, and many companies provide online portals or forms to streamline the application process. Nonprofits can assist volunteers by providing documentation or confirmation letters to support their grant requests.

Common eligibility requirements

While specifics vary by company, common eligibility criteria include:

Minimum volunteer hours (e.g., 10 or more hours)
Volunteering for a registered nonprofit organization
Volunteering during a specified time frame (e.g., within the calendar year)
Volunteering in a role that supports the nonprofit’s mission

Understanding these requirements helps nonprofits guide volunteers through the process and maximize grant submissions.

Why do volunteer grants matter for arts education nonprofits?

Volunteer grants offer arts education nonprofits a unique opportunity to secure essential funding without asking supporters for additional financial contributions. Since arts nonprofits often rely heavily on volunteers for teaching, event support, and community outreach, volunteer grants can provide a high return on investment by turning volunteer hours into monetary donations.

For example, imagine 10 volunteers each logging 20 hours of service at an arts education nonprofit. If their employers offer volunteer grants of $10 per hour, the organization could receive $2,000 in funding simply by encouraging volunteers to apply for these grants. This funding can be used to purchase art supplies, fund workshops, or expand outreach programs—directly supporting the nonprofit’s mission.

Arts education nonprofits frequently face budget constraints, making volunteer grants a strategic funding source that aligns with their mission. These grants help bridge funding gaps for programming, facility improvements, or community events without diverting resources from other fundraising efforts.

Moreover, volunteer grants reinforce the value of volunteer contributions, motivating supporters to engage more deeply. When volunteers see that their time not only benefits the community but also generates financial support, they are more likely to remain committed and encourage others to participate.

Supporting program growth and outreach

Volunteer grants can fund a variety of arts education initiatives, such as after-school art classes, summer camps, artist residencies, and community exhibitions. By supplementing budgets with volunteer grant funds, nonprofits can expand their reach and impact more students and community members.

For instance, a grant generated from volunteer hours could cover the cost of hiring guest artists or purchasing specialized materials for a new program. This flexibility allows arts nonprofits to innovate and respond to community needs more effectively.

Enhancing volunteer engagement

Volunteer grants also serve as a powerful engagement tool. When volunteers understand that their employers support their efforts through financial grants, they feel recognized and valued. This recognition can increase volunteer retention and attract new supporters who want to contribute both time and financial resources indirectly.

How to identify volunteer grant opportunities for arts education nonprofits

Identifying volunteer grant opportunities begins with knowing which volunteers work for companies that offer these programs. Since volunteer grants are employer-specific, nonprofits need to gather information about their volunteers’ workplaces to tap into this funding source effectively.

One practical step is to ask volunteers about their employers during onboarding or through engagement surveys. Including a simple question about their workplace can help nonprofits build a database of companies with potential volunteer grant programs.

Encouraging volunteers to check with their human resources departments or corporate intranet sites can also uncover available volunteer grant programs. Many companies provide detailed information about their employee giving and volunteer grant policies online.

Nonprofits can leverage volunteer grant databases and tools such as Double the Donation, which track companies offering volunteer grant programs. These platforms allow organizations to search for companies by name and learn about their specific grant criteria and application processes.

Analyzing existing volunteer data can reveal trends or clusters of volunteers employed by companies with active volunteer grant programs. Segmenting communications by employer enables nonprofits to tailor outreach and provide targeted information about volunteer grants.

For arts education nonprofits, it’s helpful to consider industry-relevant examples. For instance, volunteers working at local businesses, educational institutions, or corporations with strong community engagement policies may be more likely to have access to volunteer grant programs. Identifying these connections helps nonprofits focus their efforts where the potential for grant revenue is highest.

Companies that offer volunteer grants for arts education nonprofits

Many large employers with active corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives offer volunteer grant programs that can benefit arts education nonprofits. Companies like these are known for encouraging employee community involvement and providing financial support through volunteer grants:

Chevron, a major energy company, supports community engagement through various grant programs, including volunteer grants that recognize employees’ time spent volunteering. Their commitment to education and community development aligns well with arts education nonprofits seeking funding.

Walmart & Sam’s Club, as large retail employers, have extensive volunteer grant programs. They often encourage employees to volunteer locally and provide grants to nonprofits where employees contribute significant volunteer hours. Arts education nonprofits can benefit from these programs by engaging Walmart and Sam’s Club employees in their communities.

Bank of America, a leading financial institution, offers volunteer grants as part of its broader philanthropic efforts. Their programs often focus on education, workforce development, and community revitalization, making arts education nonprofits a natural fit for support.

Starbucks, known for its community involvement, provides volunteer grants to employees who volunteer at eligible nonprofits. Their focus on education and youth development aligns with many arts education missions, offering another avenue for funding.

These companies share common traits: they are large employers with formal CSR policies, they actively promote employee volunteerism, and they have established volunteer grant programs. However, volunteer grants are not limited to these companies alone. Many businesses across industries—from healthcare to technology to finance—offer similar programs.

Arts education nonprofits should analyze the employment affiliations of their current volunteer base to identify potential volunteer grant opportunities. Recognizing that many supporters may already be connected to companies willing to provide financial support is the first step toward unlocking this revenue stream.

Characteristics of companies with volunteer grant programs

Large workforce with diverse employee base
Strong commitment to corporate social responsibility
Formalized employee engagement and volunteer programs
Clear policies and processes for volunteer grant applications

Expanding beyond well-known companies

While Chevron, Walmart & Sam’s Club, Bank of America, and Starbucks are prominent examples, arts education nonprofits should also explore local businesses, regional employers, and smaller companies that may offer volunteer grants. Building relationships with these employers can open additional funding channels.

How to promote volunteer grants to arts education supporters

Many volunteers are unaware that their employers offer volunteer grant programs, so raising awareness is critical. Consistent and clear communication helps ensure that supporters understand how to leverage these opportunities to benefit the nonprofit.

Including information about volunteer grants in onboarding materials and thank-you emails is an effective way to introduce new volunteers to the concept. Providing step-by-step instructions or links to resources can simplify the process and encourage participation.

Adding a dedicated page or FAQ section on the organization’s website that explains volunteer grants, eligibility criteria, and application procedures makes information easily accessible. This resource can serve as a reference for volunteers throughout their engagement.

Featuring calls-to-action in newsletters, social media posts, and event signage keeps volunteer grants top of mind. Highlighting success stories or examples of how volunteer grants have supported programs can motivate volunteers to apply.

Training staff and volunteer coordinators to remind supporters about volunteer grants during interactions ensures that the opportunity is consistently communicated. These team members can also provide assistance or direct volunteers to helpful resources.

Making the process as simple and accessible as possible is key. Offering templates for grant applications, providing confirmation letters, or designating a point of contact for questions reduces barriers and increases the likelihood of successful submissions.

Effective promotion not only increases participation in volunteer grant programs but also helps turn volunteer time into additional funding. This dual benefit strengthens the nonprofit’s mission and fosters a culture of community support and engagement.

Leveraging multiple communication channels

Use email campaigns, social media platforms, volunteer meetings, and printed materials to reach supporters with volunteer grant information. Tailoring messages to different audiences ensures broader awareness.

Recognizing volunteers who secure grants

Publicly acknowledging volunteers who successfully obtain volunteer grants can inspire others to follow suit. Celebrations can be held during events, featured in newsletters, or shared on social media.

Volunteer grant FAQ for arts education nonprofits

Can volunteers apply for grants on behalf of the nonprofit?

Generally, volunteer grants are applied for by the employee volunteer themselves, not the nonprofit. However, nonprofits can support volunteers by providing documentation or verification of volunteer hours to facilitate the application process.

Are volunteer grants taxable income for the nonprofit?

Volunteer grants are typically considered charitable donations and are not taxable income for the nonprofit. However, nonprofits should consult with a tax professional to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Do all companies offer volunteer grants?

No, not all companies have volunteer grant programs. While many offer them, these programs are more common among larger employers with established corporate social responsibility initiatives. Therefore, it’s essential to research and confirm whether a volunteer’s employer offers such a program.

How long does it take to receive a volunteer grant after applying?

The timeline varies by company, but usually ranges from a few weeks to a few months after the volunteer submits their application and the employer verifies the hours. Nonprofits should encourage volunteers to apply promptly and follow up as needed.

Can volunteer grants be used for any nonprofit expense?

Volunteer grants are generally unrestricted donations, meaning nonprofits can use the funds for any purpose that supports their mission. However, it’s good practice to use the funds in ways that align with the volunteer’s contribution and the organization’s goals.

Conclusion & Next Steps

Volunteer grants represent a significant opportunity for arts education nonprofits to enhance their funding without additional financial contributions from supporters. By understanding and promoting these programs, nonprofits can transform volunteer hours into valuable financial resources, supporting their mission and expanding their impact. The next steps involve building awareness among volunteers, creating streamlined processes for grant applications, and fostering relationships with companies that offer these grants. By doing so, arts education nonprofits can ensure they are maximizing the potential of volunteer grants.

Get Started with Double the Donation Volunteering

To begin leveraging volunteer grants, arts education nonprofits can utilize resources like Double the Donation to identify potential grant opportunities and streamline the application process. By partnering with Double the Donation, nonprofits can access tools and databases that simplify the identification and promotion of volunteer grants, ensuring that every volunteer hour contributes to the organization’s financial health. Get a demo today to see how Double the Donation Volunteering can help!