How Wildlife Rescues Can Grow Volunteer Grant Revenue

Wildlife rescues are crucial in safeguarding and rehabilitating injured, orphaned, or endangered animals. These organizations often depend significantly on the generosity and dedication of volunteers who contribute their time and skills to support rescue efforts. While volunteer hours are invaluable, there is an additional way to enhance the impact of this time: volunteer grants. These grants provide a financial boost to nonprofits based on the volunteer hours contributed by their supporters.

Understanding how to leverage volunteer grants can open up new revenue streams for wildlife rescues without requiring extra fundraising efforts. By tapping into corporate volunteer grant programs, wildlife rescues can transform volunteer time into meaningful financial support, helping to fund critical care, supplies, and outreach initiatives. This article will explore what volunteer grants are, why they matter for wildlife rescues, and how organizations can identify and promote these opportunities effectively.

What are volunteer grants?

Volunteer grants are a form of corporate philanthropy where companies donate money to nonprofit organizations in recognition of the time their employees spend volunteering. Essentially, when an employee volunteers for a nonprofit, their employer may provide a financial grant to that organization as a way to reward and encourage community involvement.

These grants are typically part of broader corporate giving or employee engagement programs. Companies design these initiatives to foster a culture of volunteerism among their workforce, which benefits both the community and the company’s social responsibility goals. The amount donated usually depends on the number of hours an employee volunteers, with many programs requiring a minimum number of hours before a grant is awarded.

For example, a company might offer $10 or $25 for every hour an employee volunteers, starting at a minimum of 10 hours. This means that a single volunteer could potentially generate hundreds of dollars in funding for a nonprofit simply by dedicating their time. However, despite their value, volunteer grants remain relatively unknown to many volunteers and nonprofits alike.

Because of this lack of awareness, education and promotion are critical. Many eligible volunteers do not realize their employers offer these programs, and nonprofits may miss out on significant funding opportunities. Volunteer grants represent an untapped resource that can greatly amplify the impact of volunteer efforts, turning hours of service into tangible financial support.

By understanding the basics of volunteer grants, wildlife rescues can begin to see how these programs offer a win-win: volunteers get recognized for their time, and organizations receive much-needed funds to advance their mission.

Why do volunteer grants matter for Wildlife Rescues?

Volunteer grants hold particular importance for wildlife rescues because these organizations often depend heavily on volunteer labor to carry out their work. From animal care and habitat restoration to community education and fundraising events, volunteers are the backbone of many wildlife rescue operations. Volunteer grants provide a way to convert this invaluable time into additional financial resources without asking supporters for more money.

For wildlife rescues, funding is frequently tight, and every dollar counts toward providing medical treatment, food, shelter, and rehabilitation for animals in need. Volunteer grants can help cover these costs by supplementing donations and grants from other sources. For instance, if 10 volunteers each log 20 hours of service, and their employers offer $10 per hour in volunteer grants, the organization could receive $2,000 in funding simply by submitting the appropriate paperwork.

This kind of funding is especially high-return because it leverages existing volunteer engagement rather than requiring new fundraising campaigns. It also aligns perfectly with the mission of wildlife rescues, as it encourages community involvement and supports the care of animals through increased resources.

Moreover, volunteer grants can help wildlife rescues expand their programs and services. Funds generated through these grants might be used to purchase specialized medical supplies, build or maintain enclosures, or support outreach efforts that educate the public about wildlife conservation. The flexibility of these funds means organizations can address their most pressing needs while continuing to engage volunteers meaningfully.

In short, volunteer grants are a strategic opportunity for wildlife rescues to boost their financial health while deepening volunteer relationships. They represent a funding source that is both mission-aligned and accessible, making them an essential component of any nonprofit’s resource development plan.

How to identify volunteer grant opportunities for Wildlife Rescues

Identifying volunteer grant opportunities begins with understanding which volunteers work for companies that offer these programs. Since volunteer grants are employer-driven, knowing the employment affiliations of your volunteers is key to unlocking this funding source.

One practical step is to ask volunteers about their employers during onboarding or through engagement surveys. This information can be collected in a friendly and non-intrusive way, simply by including a question about their workplace in volunteer registration forms or check-in processes. Gathering this data allows your organization to map out which companies might have volunteer grant programs.

Encouraging volunteers to check with their human resources departments or corporate intranet sites is another effective approach. Many companies provide detailed information about volunteer grant programs internally, but employees may not be aware of them unless prompted. Providing volunteers with guidance on where to find this information can increase participation.

Additionally, nonprofits can use volunteer grant databases and tools such as Double the Donation, which compile lists of companies with known volunteer grant programs. These resources can help your organization identify potential corporate partners and tailor outreach efforts accordingly.

Analyzing existing volunteer data can also reveal trends or clusters of volunteers employed by companies with active volunteer grant programs. Segmenting communications by employer allows for personalized messaging that highlights the specific benefits and procedures relevant to each company’s program.

Companies that offer volunteer grants for Wildlife Rescues

Several major companies are known for offering volunteer grant programs that can benefit wildlife rescues. These companies often have large employee bases and active corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives designed to encourage community involvement and support nonprofit causes.

Verizon, for example, is a telecommunications giant with a strong commitment to community engagement. Their volunteer grant program rewards employees who dedicate time to nonprofit organizations, including those focused on environmental and wildlife causes. Verizon’s program typically offers grants based on volunteer hours, making it a valuable resource for wildlife rescues with volunteers employed there.

Chevron, a leader in the energy sector, also supports volunteerism through its corporate giving programs. Chevron encourages employees to volunteer and provides grants to nonprofits where employees contribute their time. Given Chevron’s focus on environmental stewardship, wildlife rescues often align well with their philanthropic priorities.

CVS Health, a major player in healthcare, offers volunteer grants as part of its broader commitment to community health and well-being. Employees who volunteer their time can help wildlife rescues secure additional funding, which can be used to support animal health and rehabilitation efforts.

Starbucks, known for its community-oriented culture, has a volunteer grant program that rewards employees for their volunteer hours. Starbucks’ emphasis on social responsibility and environmental sustainability makes its volunteer grants a natural fit for wildlife rescues seeking to expand their impact.

For wildlife rescues, the key is to identify which companies your volunteers work for and explore the specific volunteer grant opportunities available. By doing so, you can tap into a diverse pool of corporate support that complements your mission and enhances your funding base.

How to promote volunteer grants to Wildlife Rescue supporters

Promoting volunteer grants effectively is essential to ensure that volunteers are aware of these opportunities and motivated to participate. Many volunteers simply do not know that their employers offer volunteer grant programs, so clear and consistent communication is critical.

One of the best places to start is during volunteer onboarding. Including information about volunteer grants in orientation materials and welcome packets helps set expectations early. Thank-you emails following volunteer shifts can also serve as reminders, encouraging volunteers to check if their employers offer grants.

Creating a dedicated page or FAQ section on your organization’s website is another powerful tool. This page can explain what volunteer grants are, how volunteers can participate, and provide step-by-step instructions or downloadable forms. Making this information easy to find and understand lowers barriers to participation.

Newsletters and social media channels offer additional platforms to raise awareness. Regular posts highlighting volunteer grant success stories or upcoming deadlines can keep the topic top of mind. Event signage at volunteer gatherings or fundraisers can also prompt conversations and questions.

Training staff and volunteer coordinators to mention volunteer grants during interactions with supporters ensures that the message is delivered personally and consistently. These team members can serve as points of contact for volunteers who need assistance navigating the process.

To make participation as simple as possible, provide clear instructions, templates for reporting volunteer hours, and contact information for support. The easier it is for volunteers to submit their hours and request grants, the more likely they are to follow through.

By integrating volunteer grant promotion into multiple touchpoints and making the process accessible, wildlife rescues can increase grant submissions and turn volunteer time into valuable financial support that advances their mission.

Volunteer grant FAQ for Wildlife Rescues

How do volunteers submit their hours for volunteer grants?

Volunteers typically need to track their hours and submit them to their employer’s volunteer grant program, often through an online portal or by filling out a form. Your organization can assist by providing verification letters or timesheets that confirm the volunteer hours completed. Clear instructions and templates can simplify this process for volunteers.

Are volunteer grants available for group volunteering or only individual efforts?

Many companies offer volunteer grants for both individual and group volunteering, but policies vary. Some programs require individual tracking of hours, while others allow groups to submit collective hours. It’s important to review each company’s guidelines and communicate these details to your volunteers.

Can retired or part-time volunteers qualify for volunteer grants?

Volunteer grant eligibility depends on the volunteer’s employer. If a retired or part-time volunteer is still employed by a company with a volunteer grant program, they may qualify. However, retirees without current employment typically do not qualify unless their former employer offers alumni programs.

Do volunteer grants have deadlines or limits on how often they can be claimed?

Yes, most volunteer grant programs have annual limits on the number of hours that can be submitted and deadlines for submitting grant requests. These limits vary by company, so it’s important to check each program’s rules and encourage volunteers to submit their hours promptly.

How can wildlife rescues track and manage volunteer grant submissions efficiently?

Organizations can use volunteer management software or spreadsheets to track volunteer hours and employer affiliations. Keeping organized records makes it easier to provide verification letters and follow up with volunteers. Establishing a clear internal process for managing volunteer grant requests helps ensure timely and accurate submissions.

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Conclusion & Next Steps

Volunteer grants offer wildlife rescues a unique opportunity to convert volunteer hours into financial resources that can significantly impact their operations. By understanding and promoting these grants, wildlife rescues can enhance their funding without additional fundraising efforts. The next steps involve educating volunteers, identifying potential corporate partners, and streamlining the grant submission process to maximize participation and funding.

Get Started with Double the Donation Volunteering

To kickstart your journey with volunteer grants, consider utilizing resources like Double the Donation. This platform can help you identify companies with volunteer grant programs and streamline the process of converting volunteer hours into valuable funding. By leveraging these tools, wildlife rescues can enhance their mission and make a more significant impact on wildlife conservation. Get a demo today to get started!