Volunteer Grant Myths Debunked - Maximize Your Organization's Impact

Volunteer Grant Myths Debunked: Maximizing Your Organization’s Impact

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Volunteer grants, also known as “Dollars for Doers,” are employer-sponsored programs that match employees’ volunteer hours with monetary grants to the nonprofits they support, effectively doubling their impact on the cause. Despite their significant potential as a nonprofit revenue stream, several myths surround these programs, leading to their underutilization overall.

In this article, we will debunk common misconceptions to help organizations and employees maximize the benefits of volunteer grants.

With a clearer understanding of how volunteer grants work, nonprofits can engage more effectively with their supporters, foster deeper corporate partnerships, and increase their fundraising potential. Let’s dive into the myths surrounding volunteer grants and uncover the real truths behind them to help you unlock new opportunities for your nonprofit.

Myth 1: Only Large Companies Offer Volunteer Grants

Many people believe that only large corporations, with their extensive resources and wide reach, offer volunteer grant programs. The misconception is that small or medium-sized businesses don’t have the capacity or interest to run these types of programs. This myth may discourage smaller nonprofits from even considering volunteer grants as a viable source of funding.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Are Available Across All Company Sizes

In reality, volunteer grants are not exclusive to large corporations. Many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also recognize the value of community engagement and offer matching gift programs to their employees. These programs enable businesses of all sizes to support their employees’ charitable activities and contribute to local causes.

Small and local businesses often have strong ties to the communities in which they operate, and many of these businesses are eager to encourage their employees’ philanthropic efforts by offering matching gifts or volunteer grants. This means that nonprofits can benefit from a wide range of potential corporate partners, even those outside of the big corporate world.

In fact, local businesses can often be more nimble and flexible with the volunteer grant process, making them an appealing partner for nonprofits looking to engage with corporate supporters. By reaching out to both small and large businesses, nonprofits can tap into a larger pool of potential resources and grow their funding base.

Myth 2: Few Organizations Qualify for Volunteer Grants

Another myth surrounding volunteer grants is the belief that only certain types of organizations qualify to receive these funds. Many assume that only well-known or large nonprofits are eligible to receive the monetary matching funds for volunteer hours. As a result, smaller or lesser-known organizations may mistakenly believe that they can’t benefit from volunteer grant programs.

The Real Truth: Most 501(c)(3) Nonprofits Qualify for Volunteer Grants

The truth is that most nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status are eligible to receive volunteer grants, regardless of their size or scope. These programs are designed to support a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, animal welfare, and more. While some companies may exclude political or religious organizations from their programs, the vast majority of corporate volunteer grant programs are open to any recognized nonprofit organization that qualifies under the designation.

This broad eligibility opens up significant opportunities for smaller, community-focused nonprofits to benefit from the support of local businesses or even larger corporations. Nonprofits should ensure that they’re aware of the criteria for eligibility and take full advantage of the volunteer grant programs available to them.

By encouraging employees to submit their volunteer hours and apply for these grants, nonprofits can maximize the financial support they receive from these programs, furthering their work and increasing their reach.

Myth 3: The Volunteer Grant Amount Is Always an Hourly Value

A common misconception is that volunteer grants are always calculated based on an hourly value, meaning that for every hour an employee volunteers, a specific monetary amount is matched by the employer. While this is true for some companies, it is not the case for all of them.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Can Be Based on Various Models

The amount of money a nonprofit can receive through a volunteer grant can vary widely from one company to another. Some companies match volunteer hours at an hourly rate, while others offer lump sum grants after an employee has volunteered a certain number of hours. For instance, a company might provide $10 per hour of volunteer work up to a maximum of $500 per year, while another might offer a flat $500 or more after an employee volunteers for 50 hours.

For nonprofits, it’s essential to understand the specific guidelines and matching criteria for each corporate partner they engage with. This enables nonprofits to more accurately estimate potential revenue from volunteer grant programs and assist their supporters in understanding how to effectively leverage these opportunities.

Nonprofits can also educate their donors and volunteers about the various matching options available, making it easier for them to access these funds and amplify their impact.

Myth 4: Employers Provide Grants Automatically After an Event

There is a misconception that volunteer grants are automatically provided after an employee participates in a volunteer event, requiring no action from the employee or the nonprofit. Many believe that once the volunteer hours are logged, the employer will simply process the grant on its own.

The Real Truth: Employees Are Responsible for Initiating the Volunteer Grant Process

In reality, employees are typically responsible for initiating the volunteer grant process. This means that after completing volunteer work, employees must submit their hours, along with any necessary documentation, to their employer for approval. Nonprofits do not automatically receive the grant funds; rather, it is the employee’s responsibility to ensure that the proper paperwork is submitted to the company’s matching gift or volunteer grant program.

While this may seem like an added step, it presents an opportunity for nonprofits to help employees navigate the process. By providing clear, easy-to-follow instructions on how to request volunteer grants, nonprofits can help ensure that their supporters take full advantage of these opportunities. This proactive approach can also increase the likelihood that grants will be successfully processed and allocated.

Myth 5: The Volunteer Grant Process Is Too Complicated

Some employees hesitate to apply for matching volunteer grants because they perceive the process to be complicated or time-consuming. This misunderstanding can result in missed opportunities for both the employee and the nonprofit organization, as employees may forgo applying for the grants altogether.

The Real Truth: The Volunteer Grant Process is Simple and Often Online

The process for requesting volunteer grants is often simpler than people realize. Many companies have streamlined the process to make it as easy as possible for employees to submit their volunteer hours. Typically, employees are asked to provide a donation receipt and fill out a brief application form. Some companies even offer online portals where employees can log their volunteer hours and submit documentation in just a few clicks.

By educating employees on how easy it is to apply for volunteer grants, nonprofits can boost participation and help ensure that these valuable resources are maximized. Many companies also provide a help desk or support system for employees who have questions, making it even easier to navigate the process.

Nonprofits should encourage their supporters to take advantage of these programs and assure them that applying for volunteer grants is a simple and straightforward way to amplify their efforts.

Myth 6: Volunteer Grants Are a One-Time Benefit

Another myth surrounding volunteer grants is that they are a one-time benefit—once employees participate in a volunteer grant program, that’s all the funding they can receive for the year. This limited view can discourage people from engaging with the program more than once.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Are Often Available Multiple Times a Year

Most companies offer volunteer grant programs on an annual basis, meaning employees can request a match for volunteer hours throughout the year. Many companies will even allow employees to submit multiple requests within the same year, provided the volunteer work meets the company’s eligibility requirements. Some companies may also provide matching grants for different causes, enabling employees to direct their volunteer hours to a variety of nonprofit organizations over the course of the year.

This provides an incredible opportunity for nonprofits to continuously benefit from the time their volunteers put in throughout the year. By educating supporters about the ability to earn multiple grants, nonprofits can encourage more consistent volunteerism and greater engagement with their mission.

Myth 7: Volunteer Grants Are a Substitute for Corporate Giving

Some may mistakenly believe that volunteer grants are a replacement for direct corporate donations, assuming that the company’s matching volunteer programs fulfill the same role as cash gifts. This misunderstanding can lead to nonprofits overlooking the value of direct corporate donations.

The Real Truth: Volunteer Grants Complement, Not Replace, Corporate Giving

Volunteer grants are not a substitute for corporate donations. Instead, they are meant to complement direct financial contributions, creating a more holistic approach to corporate social responsibility. Employers often view volunteer grants as part of their broader philanthropic efforts, alongside cash donations, sponsorships, and other charitable initiatives.

Nonprofits should recognize the value of both volunteer grants and direct corporate giving in their fundraising strategies. By fostering strong relationships with corporate partners, nonprofits can benefit from a variety of giving options that enhance their overall impact. A robust partnership with a company that offers both volunteer grants and financial contributions can significantly increase a nonprofit’s resources and ability to serve its communities.

Conclusion: Wrapping Up

By dispelling these myths, organizations and employees can better leverage volunteer grant programs to enhance their philanthropic efforts and strengthen community ties. Understanding the true nature of volunteer grants can lead to increased participation and greater overall impact for nonprofits.

Unlock More Corporate Support with Double the Donation Volunteering

Now that we’ve dispelled the myths surrounding volunteer grants, it’s time to take action and amplify your organization’s impact. With Double the Donation, you can effortlessly navigate the world of corporate volunteerism and beyond. Our comprehensive tools are designed to help you find and manage corporate support, allowing you to focus on what truly matters: your mission.

Raise more with Double the Donation Volunteering; request a personalized demo today!