VolunteerMatch
Encyclopedia
VolunteerMatch is a national nonprofit organization
dedicated to strengthening communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is best known for its public Web service available at www.volunteermatch.org. The organization also partners with businesses to provide tools for corporate volunteer engagement programs and to support corporate social responsibility
initiatives. The organization works with a broad range of clients in technology, manufacturing, packaged goods, financial services, and others industries. Since its launch in 1998, the organization has won several awards in recognition of its innovative approach to social change, its social impact, and its sustainable business model.
, VolunteerMatch.org was launched on April 20, 1998 to help everyone find a great place to volunteer. It was founded as a merger between Impact Online, Inc., a California nonprofit organization started by MBAs Mark Benning, Joanne Ernst, Steve Glikbarg, and Cindy Shove, and Volunteer America, a project co-founded by Jay Backstrand and Craig Jacoby. Today the organization is called Impact Online, Inc., dba VolunteerMatch.
VolunteerMatch's early network growth was assisted by attention from the mainsteam media (particularly around the topic of virtual volunteering
) and its success in competitions sponsored by industry and academic institutions. In 1998, VolunteerMatch was a final selection for inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution
Permanent Research Collection and was featured in an article in USA Today
. In 1999, VolunteerMatch was awarded the Socially Responsible Award from the MIT Sloan School of Management
eCommerce, and was promoted by Oprah Winfrey on her show. VolunteerMatch received a Macworld
Web Award in 2000, and in 2001 VolunteerMatch received two Webby Awards in the categories of Services and Activism. In 2008, VolunteerMatch was voted “Best .Org Web Site” at the annual People’s Choice Awards during the Nonprofit Technology Conference
in New Orleans.
Over the years VolunteerMatch's growth has also been spurred by an increased interest in disaster-related volunteering and service following natural and manmade disasters, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina
, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake
. Following Hurricane Katrina, VolunteerMatch and the American Red Cross
began a partnership to integrate VolunteerMatch Solutions with the Red Cross volunteer opportunity search system, a relationship which still exists.
VolunteerMatch celebrated its 1,000,000th volunteer referral on January 9, 2003, its 2,000,000th referral on March 16, 2005, and its 3,000,000th referral on June 5, 2007, and its 4,000,000th referral on March 13, 2009. VolunteerMatch also introduced a live map that displays search activity in its network in real-time on September 7, 2009.
Beginning in 2005, VolunteerMatch launched a strategic initiative to increase and promote older adult skilled volunteering. With initial funding from The Atlantic Philanthropies
, the organization conducted research in 2006 that was published the following year as a report, Great Expectations: Boomers and the Future of Volunteering. On June 27, 2008, VolunteerMatch co-published Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow with the JFFixler Group, a step-by-step guide for nonprofits to engage older adults and skilled volunteers.
Since its launch in 1998, VolunteerMatch.org has been cited by three U.S. Presidents as a useful resource for civic engagement. During an August 31, 2002 radio address eight months after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush
said, "The response to the call to service has been strong. VolunteerMatch, a group that matches volunteers to charities on the USA Freedom Corps
web page, reports that referrals have increased by more than 70 percent over last year." In GIVING: How Each of Us Can Change the World
, President Bill Clinton
cites VolunteerMatch as a resource for "Giving Time." And in a January 1, 2008 platform statement on service and volunteering, President Barack Obama
wrote, "Technology can help. Existing sites like USAFreedomCorps.gov and VolunteerMatch.org represent a good start."
VolunteerMatch has continued to grow, expanding its online services and working with new partners. In 2009, VolunteerMatch helped thousands of Americans participate in first ever September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. VolunteerMatch for iPhone
launched on March 15, 2010, allowing users to find volunteer opportunities using their mobile device. As part of National Volunteer Week on April 16, 2010, UnitedHealth
and VolunteerMatch released research on the health benefits of volunteering. On June 8, 2010, Ben & Jerry's
released two ice cream flavors—Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder—to promote Scoop It Forward, a partnership with Target
and Ben & Jerry’s aimed at encouraging consumers to volunteer at education-related nonprofits. In 2010, VolunteerMatch updated its free Application Programming Interfaces
(APIs) for non-commercial use to increase accessibility to their volunteer network. December 31, 2010 also marked the first time that mission-related revenue covered 100 percent of VolunteerMatch’s annual costs.
Nonprofit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
dedicated to strengthening communities by making it easier for good people and good causes to connect. It is best known for its public Web service available at www.volunteermatch.org. The organization also partners with businesses to provide tools for corporate volunteer engagement programs and to support corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility
Corporate social responsibility is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model...
initiatives. The organization works with a broad range of clients in technology, manufacturing, packaged goods, financial services, and others industries. Since its launch in 1998, the organization has won several awards in recognition of its innovative approach to social change, its social impact, and its sustainable business model.
Services
VolunteerMatch is free to use by individuals. Nonprofit organizations may elect a free basic account, a premium account called Community Leader that may be accessed for $8.95 per month, or Preferred Partnership, which includes a bundle of enterprise tools for regional and national nonprofit organizations with multiple chapters. VolunteerMatch's products and services for companies, schools, and multi-chapter nonprofits are administered under its VolunteerMatch Solutions sub-brand. In June 2011, VolunteerMatch Solutions introduced pure consulting services to help businesses and organizations launch or grow volunteer engagement programs. In September 2011, VolunteerMatch listed 71,652 active volunteer opportunities from over 79,920 nonprofit organizations.History
Inspired by the potential of the Web and the success of NetDayNetDay
NetDay was an event established in 1995 that "called on high-tech companies to commit resources to schools, libraries, and clinics worldwide so that they could connect to the Internet". It was developed by John Gage and activist Michael Kaufman...
, VolunteerMatch.org was launched on April 20, 1998 to help everyone find a great place to volunteer. It was founded as a merger between Impact Online, Inc., a California nonprofit organization started by MBAs Mark Benning, Joanne Ernst, Steve Glikbarg, and Cindy Shove, and Volunteer America, a project co-founded by Jay Backstrand and Craig Jacoby. Today the organization is called Impact Online, Inc., dba VolunteerMatch.
VolunteerMatch's early network growth was assisted by attention from the mainsteam media (particularly around the topic of virtual volunteering
Virtual volunteering
Virtual volunteering is a term describing a volunteer who completes tasks, in whole or in part, off-site from the organization being assisted, using the Internet and a home, school, telecenter or work computer or other Internet-connected device. Virtual volunteering is also known as online...
) and its success in competitions sponsored by industry and academic institutions. In 1998, VolunteerMatch was a final selection for inclusion in the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
Permanent Research Collection and was featured in an article in USA Today
USA Today
USA Today is a national American daily newspaper published by the Gannett Company. It was founded by Al Neuharth. The newspaper vies with The Wall Street Journal for the position of having the widest circulation of any newspaper in the United States, something it previously held since 2003...
. In 1999, VolunteerMatch was awarded the Socially Responsible Award from the MIT Sloan School of Management
MIT Sloan School of Management
The MIT Sloan School of Management is the business school of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in Cambridge, Massachusetts....
eCommerce, and was promoted by Oprah Winfrey on her show. VolunteerMatch received a Macworld
Macworld
Macworld is a web site and monthly computer magazine dedicated to Apple Macintosh products. It is published by Mac Publishing, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California...
Web Award in 2000, and in 2001 VolunteerMatch received two Webby Awards in the categories of Services and Activism. In 2008, VolunteerMatch was voted “Best .Org Web Site” at the annual People’s Choice Awards during the Nonprofit Technology Conference
NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network
is an international nonprofit organization based in the United States. Founded in 2000, NTEN is primarily a community for those interested in the use of technology to support nonprofit organizations and issues. Its major activity is an annual international conference, called the Nonprofit...
in New Orleans.
Over the years VolunteerMatch's growth has also been spurred by an increased interest in disaster-related volunteering and service following natural and manmade disasters, including the September 11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina of the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season was a powerful Atlantic hurricane. It is the costliest natural disaster, as well as one of the five deadliest hurricanes, in the history of the United States. Among recorded Atlantic hurricanes, it was the sixth strongest overall...
, and the 2010 Haiti earthquake
2010 Haiti earthquake
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was a catastrophic magnitude 7.0 Mw earthquake, with an epicentre near the town of Léogâne, approximately west of Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital. The earthquake occurred at 16:53 local time on Tuesday, 12 January 2010.By 24 January, at least 52 aftershocks...
. Following Hurricane Katrina, VolunteerMatch and the American Red Cross
American Red Cross
The American Red Cross , also known as the American National Red Cross, is a volunteer-led, humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief and education inside the United States. It is the designated U.S...
began a partnership to integrate VolunteerMatch Solutions with the Red Cross volunteer opportunity search system, a relationship which still exists.
VolunteerMatch celebrated its 1,000,000th volunteer referral on January 9, 2003, its 2,000,000th referral on March 16, 2005, and its 3,000,000th referral on June 5, 2007, and its 4,000,000th referral on March 13, 2009. VolunteerMatch also introduced a live map that displays search activity in its network in real-time on September 7, 2009.
Beginning in 2005, VolunteerMatch launched a strategic initiative to increase and promote older adult skilled volunteering. With initial funding from The Atlantic Philanthropies
Atlantic Philanthropies
The Atlantic Philanthropies is a private foundation created in 1982 by US businessman Charles F. "Chuck" Feeney. The Atlantic Philanthropies grant-making supports health and social projects in Australia, Bermuda, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, the United States and Viet Nam...
, the organization conducted research in 2006 that was published the following year as a report, Great Expectations: Boomers and the Future of Volunteering. On June 27, 2008, VolunteerMatch co-published Boomer Volunteer Engagement: Collaborate Today, Thrive Tomorrow with the JFFixler Group, a step-by-step guide for nonprofits to engage older adults and skilled volunteers.
Since its launch in 1998, VolunteerMatch.org has been cited by three U.S. Presidents as a useful resource for civic engagement. During an August 31, 2002 radio address eight months after the 9/11 attacks, President George W. Bush
George W. Bush
George Walker Bush is an American politician who served as the 43rd President of the United States, from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was the 46th Governor of Texas, having served from 1995 to 2000....
said, "The response to the call to service has been strong. VolunteerMatch, a group that matches volunteers to charities on the USA Freedom Corps
USA Freedom Corps
The USA Freedom Corps was a White House office and fifth policy council within the Executive Office of the President of the United States under George W. Bush, who as President served as its chair...
web page, reports that referrals have increased by more than 70 percent over last year." In GIVING: How Each of Us Can Change the World
Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World
Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World is a 2007 book by former United States President Bill Clinton. It was published by Knopf in September 2007. With an initial print run of 750,000 copies, it debuted at the top of the New York Times Best Seller list in its first week. It was announced that...
, President Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
cites VolunteerMatch as a resource for "Giving Time." And in a January 1, 2008 platform statement on service and volunteering, President Barack Obama
Barack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
wrote, "Technology can help. Existing sites like USAFreedomCorps.gov and VolunteerMatch.org represent a good start."
VolunteerMatch has continued to grow, expanding its online services and working with new partners. In 2009, VolunteerMatch helped thousands of Americans participate in first ever September 11 National Day of Service and Remembrance. VolunteerMatch for iPhone
IPhone
The iPhone is a line of Internet and multimedia-enabled smartphones marketed by Apple Inc. The first iPhone was unveiled by Steve Jobs, then CEO of Apple, on January 9, 2007, and released on June 29, 2007...
launched on March 15, 2010, allowing users to find volunteer opportunities using their mobile device. As part of National Volunteer Week on April 16, 2010, UnitedHealth
UnitedHealth Group
UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is a diversified health and "well-being" company. Headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota, UnitedHealth Group offers a spectrum of products and services through two operating businesses: United Healthcare and Optum. Through its family of subsidiaries and divisions,...
and VolunteerMatch released research on the health benefits of volunteering. On June 8, 2010, Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's
Ben & Jerry's is an American ice cream company, a division of the British-Dutch Unilever conglomerate, that manufactures ice cream, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and ice cream novelty products, manufactured by Ben & Jerry's Homemade Holdings, Inc., headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, United...
released two ice cream flavors—Berry Voluntary and Brownie Chew Gooder—to promote Scoop It Forward, a partnership with Target
Target Corporation
Target Corporation, doing business as Target, is an American retailing company headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is the second-largest discount retailer in the United States, behind Walmart. The company is ranked at number 33 on the Fortune 500 and is a component of the Standard & Poor's...
and Ben & Jerry’s aimed at encouraging consumers to volunteer at education-related nonprofits. In 2010, VolunteerMatch updated its free Application Programming Interfaces
Application programming interface
An application programming interface is a source code based specification intended to be used as an interface by software components to communicate with each other...
(APIs) for non-commercial use to increase accessibility to their volunteer network. December 31, 2010 also marked the first time that mission-related revenue covered 100 percent of VolunteerMatch’s annual costs.