How Homeless Shelters Can Grow Volunteer Grant Revenue

Volunteer grants are a potent yet underutilized resource for homeless shelters aiming to diversify their funding sources. These contributions are employer donations to nonprofits, acknowledging the volunteer hours their employees contribute. For organizations committed to aiding homeless populations, leveraging volunteer grant programs can significantly enhance financial support without additional fundraising efforts.

Homeless shelters often depend heavily on volunteers for essential services, from meal preparation to outreach and case management. By informing volunteers and supporters about volunteer grants, shelters can unlock new revenue streams that directly boost their capacity to serve vulnerable individuals and families. This article delves into how homeless shelters can identify, promote, and benefit from volunteer grant programs offered by major companies and employers.

What are volunteer grants?

Volunteer grants are monetary donations made by an employee’s employer to a nonprofit organization as a way to recognize and reward the time that employee spends volunteering. Essentially, when someone volunteers their time, their company may provide a financial gift to the nonprofit where they volunteered, multiplying the impact of that individual’s contribution.

These grants are typically part of broader corporate giving or employee engagement programs designed to encourage community involvement and foster a culture of social responsibility within companies. Employers often set specific criteria for these grants, such as a minimum number of volunteer hours required before a donation is triggered. For example, a company might offer $10 to $25 for every hour an employee volunteers, with a minimum threshold of 10 hours per year.

Despite their potential, volunteer grants remain relatively unknown to many volunteers and nonprofits alike. This lack of awareness means that many organizations miss out on a valuable funding source that can significantly amplify the value of volunteer efforts. By understanding the basics of volunteer grants, homeless shelters can better position themselves to educate their supporters and maximize these opportunities.

How volunteer grants work

Volunteer grants usually require the volunteer to submit a request or form through their employer’s program, verifying the hours they contributed. Once approved, the employer sends a donation check directly to the nonprofit. Some companies also offer team volunteer grants, where groups of employees volunteering together can generate larger donations.

Common eligibility criteria

Most volunteer grant programs require a minimum number of volunteer hours, often ranging from 10 to 50 hours annually. The volunteer must typically be a full-time employee, and the nonprofit must be a registered 501(c)(3) organization. It’s vital for homeless shelters to confirm these details with each company to ensure eligibility.

Why volunteer grants are an untapped resource

Many volunteers are unaware that their employers offer volunteer grant programs, and nonprofits often do not actively promote or track these opportunities. This gap means that a significant amount of potential funding remains unclaimed. Educating volunteers and integrating volunteer grant promotion into volunteer management practices can unlock this hidden revenue stream.

Why do volunteer grants matter for homeless shelters?

Volunteer grants hold particular significance for homeless shelters because these organizations often operate with limited budgets and rely extensively on volunteer labor to deliver critical services. The grants provide a way to convert volunteer hours into tangible financial support, which can be used to enhance programs, purchase supplies, or improve facilities.

For homeless shelters, volunteer grants represent a high return on investment. Unlike traditional fundraising that requires donors to give money directly, volunteer grants leverage the time and commitment of existing volunteers to generate additional funding. This means shelters can increase their resources without asking for extra financial contributions from their supporters.

Consider a scenario where 10 volunteers each contribute 20 hours of service in a year. If their employers offer volunteer grants at $10 per hour, the shelter could receive an additional $2,000 in funding simply by encouraging those volunteers to apply for grants. This money could cover the cost of meals, hygiene kits, or emergency shelter supplies, directly benefiting the people the shelter serves.

Aligning volunteer grants with shelter needs

Volunteer grants can be strategically used to support specific shelter priorities. For example, funds generated through volunteer grants might be allocated to expand outreach programs, improve case management technology, or enhance shelter facilities. By linking grant revenue to mission-critical activities, homeless shelters can demonstrate the direct impact of volunteer engagement to both volunteers and funders.

Enhancing volunteer engagement and retention

Promoting volunteer grants also helps shelters deepen relationships with their volunteers. When volunteers see that their time not only helps people directly but also brings in financial support, they often feel more valued and motivated to continue their involvement. This dual benefit strengthens the shelter’s volunteer program and overall sustainability.

How to identify volunteer grant opportunities for homeless shelters

Identifying volunteer grant opportunities begins with understanding which volunteers work for companies that offer these programs. Homeless shelters can take several practical steps to uncover these opportunities and maximize their potential.

First, shelters should ask volunteers about their employers during onboarding or through engagement surveys. This simple step helps build a database of companies that may have volunteer grant programs. Volunteers are often happy to share this information when they understand its importance.

Next, encourage volunteers to check with their human resources departments or corporate intranet sites to learn about available volunteer grant programs. Many companies provide detailed guidelines and application instructions online, making it easy for volunteers to participate.

Nonprofits can also use volunteer grant databases and tools, such as Double the Donation, which compile information about companies with known volunteer grant programs. These resources allow shelters to quickly identify potential corporate partners and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.

Analyzing existing volunteer data can reveal trends or clusters of volunteers employed by companies with active volunteer grant programs. Segmenting communications by employer enables shelters to send personalized messages that resonate with specific groups, increasing the likelihood of grant participation.

Companies that offer volunteer grants for homeless shelters

Several well-known companies offer volunteer grant programs that are particularly relevant to homeless shelters. These companies tend to be large employers with active corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and a commitment to community involvement.

Bank of America, for example, has a comprehensive volunteer grant program that rewards employees for their volunteer hours with financial donations to nonprofits. Their program often supports causes related to housing stability and community development, aligning well with the mission of homeless shelters.

Coinstar, known for its coin-counting kiosks, also encourages employee volunteering and offers grants to nonprofits where employees contribute significant volunteer time. Their focus on community engagement makes them a valuable partner for shelters seeking volunteer grant funding.

Walmart & Sam’s Club have extensive volunteer grant programs as part of their broader philanthropic efforts. Given their large workforce and presence in many communities, they represent a significant opportunity for homeless shelters to tap into volunteer grant revenue. Their programs often support initiatives that address basic needs, including housing and food security.

Disney is another major employer with a strong culture of volunteerism and corporate giving. Their volunteer grant program rewards employees who dedicate time to nonprofits, including those focused on homelessness and social services. Disney’s commitment to community impact makes them a noteworthy example for shelters to consider.

Common traits of companies offering volunteer grants

Companies that offer volunteer grants typically have formalized CSR strategies and employee engagement programs. They often provide clear guidelines, minimum hour requirements, and streamlined application processes to encourage participation. These companies value community impact and see volunteer grants as a way to extend their philanthropic reach.

Looking beyond the big names

While large corporations like those mentioned are prominent examples, many mid-sized and local companies also offer volunteer grant programs. Homeless shelters should explore the employment affiliations of their volunteer base broadly to uncover additional opportunities that may be less well-known but equally valuable.

How to promote volunteer grants to homeless shelter supporters

Raising awareness about volunteer grants among supporters is essential to unlocking their full potential. Many volunteers simply do not know these programs exist, so consistent, clear, and accessible communication is key.

Start by including information about volunteer grants in onboarding materials for new volunteers. This ensures that from the outset, volunteers understand how their time can translate into additional funding for the shelter. Follow-up thank-you emails after volunteer shifts can also include reminders and instructions for applying for grants.

Adding a dedicated page or FAQ section on the shelter’s website provides a centralized resource where volunteers can learn about volunteer grants at their own pace. This page can include step-by-step guides, downloadable forms, and contact information for staff who can assist with the process.

Newsletters, social media posts, and event signage offer additional channels to promote volunteer grants. Featuring success stories or highlighting the impact of grant funding can motivate volunteers to participate. Regularly reminding supporters keeps the opportunity top of mind.

Training staff and volunteer coordinators to mention volunteer grants during interactions with volunteers further reinforces the message. These frontline team members can answer questions and encourage volunteers to take advantage of the programs.

Making the process simple and accessible

To maximize participation, homeless shelters should strive to make the volunteer grant application process as straightforward as possible. Providing clear instructions, templates for volunteer hour tracking, and a designated point of contact for assistance can reduce barriers and increase success rates.

Turning volunteer time into lasting impact

Effective promotion of volunteer grants not only increases funding but also deepens volunteer engagement and strengthens the shelter’s overall mission. By helping volunteers see the full value of their contributions, shelters can build a more committed and empowered community of supporters.

Volunteer grant FAQ for homeless shelters

Can volunteers apply for grants on behalf of the homeless shelter?

Yes, typically the volunteer themselves must submit the grant application through their employer’s program. The nonprofit usually provides verification of volunteer hours, but the initial request comes from the employee. Shelters can assist by providing documentation and guidance.

Are volunteer grants taxable income for the nonprofit?

No, volunteer grants are considered charitable donations and are not taxable income for the nonprofit organization. They should be recorded as contributions in the shelter’s financial records.

What if a volunteer works for a company that doesn’t offer volunteer grants?

Not all companies have volunteer grant programs. In such cases, volunteers can still support the shelter through direct donations or other fundraising activities. Shelters can encourage volunteers to check with their employers periodically, as programs may be introduced over time.

How long does it usually take to receive a volunteer grant donation?

The timeline varies by company but generally ranges from a few weeks to a couple of months after the volunteer submits the application and the nonprofit verifies hours. Shelters should communicate expected timelines to volunteers to manage expectations.

Can volunteer grants be used for any purpose within the homeless shelter?

Yes, volunteer grant funds are typically unrestricted donations, allowing shelters to allocate them where they are most needed. However, it’s good practice to track and report on how these funds support the shelter’s mission to maintain transparency with donors and volunteers.

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Conclusion & Next Steps

Volunteer grants offer a unique opportunity for homeless shelters to transform volunteer hours into financial resources that can significantly impact their operations and services. By educating volunteers, identifying potential corporate partners, and promoting these programs effectively, shelters can unlock a valuable funding source that enhances their mission.

Next steps for shelters include integrating volunteer grant education into volunteer onboarding, building relationships with local businesses, and consistently communicating the benefits of these grants to supporters. By taking these actions, shelters can ensure they are well-positioned to maximize the potential of volunteer grants.

Get Started with Double the Donation Volunteering

If you’re ready to boost your shelter’s funding through volunteer grants, start by reaching out to your volunteers today. Educate them about the potential impact of their volunteer hours and encourage them to explore grant opportunities with their employers. Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve. Get a demo of Double the Donation Volunteering to get started!