More information
Description
Good Deed Foundation will take the recruiting and engagement of professional volunteers to a new level in order to more effectively and systematically support social initiatives. These new volunteer experts are necessary for the Foundation because they will increase its development and its capabilities. In this regard, we would like to launch a development project that will increase:
- the ability of our team to bring together impactful NGOs with capable volunteers,
- NGOs'' knowledge and opportunities to involve professional volunteers,
- opportunities for finding volunteer work that matches the skills of professional volunteers.
During the project, we organize events to introduce professional volunteering both to volunteers already in our community and to new experts with volunteer potential from the private sector. We will advise NGOs on how to engage professional volunteers more effectively. We are developing Good Deed Foundation''s internal processes for managing volunteers, implementing volunteer management software and creating a new website for Good Deed Foundation. It helps to better highlight volunteerism and is integrated with the volunteer management software. On our webpage, we will publish topics on which the initiatives currently need the support of experts, and volunteers can sign up for specific challenges. The software helps to gather information and keep track of the hours invested and the challenges that have been solved. As a result of the project, we will have created a comprehensive system that contributes to increase the capacity of non-governmental organizations through the smart and quick recruitment of professional volunteers. The number and working hours of (permanent) volunteers found thanks to the Good Deed Foundation will increase every year.
Summary of project results
The Good Deed Foundation initiated the project to enhance its ability to recruit and engage professional volunteers more effectively. The aim was to better support social initiatives by providing volunteer experts who could help drive the development and capacity-building of these projects, while also ensuring a rewarding volunteer experience.
The need for this project stemmed from the desire to grow three key areas:
- Strengthening the foundation''s capacity to connect impactful NGOs with skilled volunteers.
- Expanding CSOs'' understanding and ability to effectively engage professional volunteers.
- Creating better opportunities for professional volunteers to find work that aligns with their skills.
The project began with an analysis of existing systems and processes, identifying gaps and designing a new approach that would meet the needs of both volunteers and social initiatives. The foundation then moved to implement key activities, including the development of a volunteer management software system, a revamped website, and hosting events for volunteers. Additionally, the foundation provided guidance to CSOs on how to engage professional volunteers more effectively. To ensure long-term sustainability, an internal system and workflow were created to support ongoing operations.
The project achieved several results that reflect its success:
- CSO Engagement: The foundation set a goal to advise 16 NGOs and find volunteers for 24 others. In practice, it successfully advised 25 NGOs and matched volunteers with 25 CSOs.
- Volunteer Opportunities: The goal was to list 40 volunteer challenges on the website. While 38 challenges were live during the project, many initiatives received support even without a public listing.
- Volunteer Database: A target of 100 volunteers in the database was set. The foundation listed 62 volunteers and engaged an additional 60 volunteers outside the database, as not all needed to be listed, especially those from corporate partners who contribute in other ways.
- Events: The goal was to host 8 events. While 7 events took place during the project, they were well-received by both current and potential volunteers.
- Pro Bono Hours: The target for volunteer hours was set at over 1,200 hours, with 40 volunteers contributing more than 10 hours each. Volunteers exceeded this goal by contributing a total of 1,241 hours, with 40 volunteers working beyond the 10-hour threshold.
Through this development program, the Good Deed Foundation was able to create a more efficient system for connecting volunteers with NGOs, ensuring that the foundation''s efforts are both impactful and sustainable for the future.