How Zoos & Aquariums Can Grow Volunteer Grant Revenue

Zoos and aquariums are essential to conservation, education, and community engagement. These institutions often depend on volunteers who generously contribute their time and energy to support animal care, educational programs, and facility maintenance. However, many zoos and aquariums may be overlooking a valuable funding opportunity that can enhance the impact of volunteer efforts: volunteer grants.

Volunteer grants are a form of corporate philanthropy that rewards employees for their volunteer hours by providing financial donations to the nonprofits they support. For zoos and aquariums, tapping into this resource can unlock new streams of revenue without requiring additional fundraising efforts from donors. Understanding how volunteer grants work and how to leverage them effectively can help these organizations grow their funding and deepen community involvement.

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.

Most volunteer grant programs have specific criteria, including minimum hour requirements—often ranging from 10 to 50 hours of volunteer service—and a set donation amount per hour volunteered. For example, a company might donate $10 for every hour an employee volunteers, up to a maximum amount annually. These programs are structured to motivate employees to engage with their communities while supporting nonprofits financially.

Despite their potential, volunteer grants are not widely known, even among eligible volunteers. Many volunteers are unaware that their employers offer such programs, which means nonprofits must take an active role in educating and promoting these opportunities. Volunteer grants represent an untapped source of funding that can significantly amplify the value of volunteer contributions, turning hours of service into meaningful financial support.

By understanding the basics of volunteer grants, nonprofit leaders can begin to see how these programs can complement traditional fundraising and volunteer management efforts. Volunteer grants are a win-win: they recognize the generosity of volunteers and provide nonprofits with additional resources to advance their missions.

Why do volunteer grants matter for zoos & aquariums?

Volunteer grants hold particular significance for zoos and aquariums because these organizations often depend heavily on volunteers to fulfill their missions. From animal care assistants and educational program facilitators to event staff and maintenance helpers, volunteers are integral to daily operations. Volunteer grants provide a way to convert this invaluable human capital into financial support without asking for extra donations.

For zoos and aquariums, volunteer grants can fund a wide range of needs. For instance, grants can help cover the costs of specialized animal medical care, purchase enrichment supplies that improve animal welfare, or support educational outreach programs that engage visitors and schools. Imagine a scenario where 10 volunteers each log 20 hours of service; if their employers offer volunteer grants at $10 per hour, that could translate into $2,000 in additional funding for the organization.

This funding model is especially attractive because it leverages existing volunteer engagement rather than requiring new fundraising campaigns. It’s a high-return-on-investment opportunity that aligns perfectly with the mission-driven work of zoos and aquariums. By encouraging volunteers to participate in grant programs, these organizations can boost their budgets while deepening volunteer satisfaction and involvement.

Moreover, volunteer grants can help zoos and aquariums diversify their funding sources, reducing reliance on ticket sales or traditional donations. This financial flexibility can be critical in times of economic uncertainty or when unexpected expenses arise. Ultimately, volunteer grants empower zoos and aquariums to do more for animal care, conservation, and community education.

How to identify volunteer grant opportunities for zoos & aquariums

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 volunteer base is essential. This knowledge allows your organization to target outreach and support efforts effectively.

One practical step is to ask volunteers about their employers during onboarding or through engagement surveys. This information can be collected in a friendly, non-intrusive way, such as including a question on volunteer registration forms or periodic check-ins. Gathering this data helps build a profile of potential grant sources within your volunteer community.

Encourage volunteers to check with their human resources departments or corporate intranet portals to learn about available volunteer grant programs. Many companies provide detailed information and instructions on how employees can submit grant requests. Providing volunteers with this guidance can simplify the process and increase participation.

Utilizing volunteer grant databases and tools, such as Double the Donation, can also streamline the search for companies with known volunteer grant programs. These platforms allow nonprofits to identify and track corporate giving opportunities based on volunteer employer information.

Analyzing existing volunteer data for trends or clusters of employees from companies known to offer volunteer grants can help prioritize outreach efforts. Segmenting communications by employer enables personalized messaging that resonates with volunteers and encourages them to take advantage of their company’s programs.

For zoos and aquariums, it’s helpful to consider industry-relevant examples. For instance, tech companies like Dell and Microsoft often have robust volunteer grant programs and may employ volunteers passionate about STEM education or environmental conservation. Local businesses and large corporations such as Disney and Verizon may also support community-focused causes, including wildlife preservation and education.

By taking these actionable steps, zoos and aquariums can uncover and maximize volunteer grant opportunities that align with their mission and volunteer demographics.

Companies that offer volunteer grants for zoos & aquariums

Several well-known companies offer volunteer grant programs that can benefit zoos and aquariums. These companies typically share common traits: they are large employers with active corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and encourage employee community involvement. Understanding these traits can help nonprofits identify potential partners within their volunteer base.

Dell, for example, is a global technology company with a strong commitment to community engagement. Dell’s volunteer grant program rewards employees who dedicate time to nonprofit causes, including environmental and educational organizations. Volunteers working for Dell may be eligible to request grants that support zoos and aquariums.

Disney, a leader in entertainment and media, also offers volunteer grants through its corporate citizenship programs. Disney employees who volunteer at zoos and aquariums can help their organizations secure additional funding, supporting animal care and visitor education initiatives.

Microsoft, another tech giant, has a well-established volunteer grant program that encourages employees to contribute their time to nonprofits. Given Microsoft’s focus on innovation and education, zoos and aquariums with STEM-related programming may find strong alignment with Microsoft’s philanthropic goals.

Verizon, a major telecommunications company, supports volunteerism through grants that recognize employee service. Verizon’s programs often emphasize community development and education, making them a valuable resource for zoos and aquariums seeking funding for outreach and conservation projects.

Beyond these examples, companies across various industries—from healthcare to finance to retail—may offer volunteer grant programs that align with the mission of zoos and aquariums. Nonprofits should review the employment affiliations of their volunteers to identify potential opportunities and build relationships with corporate partners. Recognizing that many supporters may already be connected to companies willing to provide financial support through volunteer grants is the first step toward unlocking this valuable resource.

How to promote volunteer grants to zoo & aquarium supporters

Promoting volunteer grants effectively requires clear, consistent communication to raise awareness among supporters. Many volunteers are unaware that their employers offer these programs, so education is key to increasing participation and maximizing funding.

Start by including information about volunteer grants in onboarding materials for new volunteers. Providing a brief overview and instructions during orientation sets the stage for ongoing engagement. Follow up with thank-you emails that remind volunteers about the opportunity to convert their hours into financial support for the zoo or aquarium.

Adding a dedicated page or FAQ section on your organization’s website can serve as a centralized resource for volunteers seeking information about volunteer grants. This page should include step-by-step instructions, links to company programs, and contact information for staff who can assist with questions.

Incorporate calls-to-action in newsletters, social media posts, and event signage to keep volunteer grants top of mind. Highlight success stories where volunteer grants have made a tangible impact, inspiring others to participate.

Training staff and volunteer coordinators to remind supporters about volunteer grants during interactions can further boost awareness. These team members can provide personalized guidance and encourage volunteers to submit grant requests.

Making the process as simple and accessible as possible is crucial. Offering templates for grant requests, clear deadlines, and a designated point of contact helps remove barriers and increases the likelihood of successful submissions.

Effective promotion not only increases volunteer grant participation but also helps turn volunteer time into additional funding, creating a lasting impact on the mission of zoos and aquariums. By embedding volunteer grant awareness into your organizational culture, you empower supporters to contribute in new and meaningful ways.

Volunteer grant FAQ for zoos & aquariums

How do volunteers apply for a volunteer grant?

Volunteers typically apply for volunteer grants through their employer’s corporate giving or HR portal. The process usually involves submitting proof of volunteer hours and information about the nonprofit organization. Some companies require the nonprofit to verify the volunteer’s service. Providing volunteers with clear instructions and any necessary documentation can simplify this process.

Are volunteer grants taxable income for the nonprofit?

No, volunteer grants are considered charitable donations and are not taxable income for the nonprofit. These grants are treated like any other corporate donation and should be recorded accordingly for accounting and tax purposes.

Can volunteers combine hours from multiple companies for a single grant?

No, volunteer grants are awarded by individual employers based on their employees’ volunteer hours. Hours volunteered for different companies cannot be combined for a single grant. However, volunteers can submit separate grant requests to each employer if they qualify.

What if a volunteer’s employer does not offer a volunteer grant program?

If a volunteer’s employer does not have a volunteer grant program, the nonprofit can still encourage the volunteer to seek other ways to support the organization, such as direct donations or fundraising. Additionally, nonprofits can focus on volunteers who work for companies with known grant programs to maximize opportunities.

How can zoos and aquariums track volunteer hours for grant eligibility?

Zoos and aquariums should maintain accurate records of volunteer hours using sign-in sheets, digital tracking systems, or volunteer management software. Clear documentation is essential for verifying hours when volunteers apply for grants. Providing volunteers with official confirmation letters or certificates can also support their grant applications.

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Conclusion & Next Steps

Volunteer grants present a remarkable opportunity for zoos and aquariums to enhance their funding without additional fundraising efforts. By understanding and promoting these programs, organizations can convert volunteer hours into substantial financial support. The next steps involve educating volunteers, identifying potential grant opportunities, and fostering relationships with corporate partners. By embedding volunteer grant awareness into your organizational culture, you empower supporters to contribute in new and meaningful ways.

Get Started with Double the Donation Volunteering

Ready to unlock the potential of volunteer grants for your zoo or aquarium? Double the Donation offers tools and resources to help you identify and maximize volunteer grant opportunities. By leveraging these resources, you can streamline the process and ensure that your organization benefits from this valuable funding source. Start today and watch your volunteer engagement transform into impactful financial support. Request a personalized demo of Double the Donation Volunteering to kick off your efforts!