Volunteer Coordinator Toolkit - Best Practices

Visible Leadership

Executive endorsement and commitment to a strong workplace giving program.
Visible and active involvement of department leadership in the workplace giving program.
Management support that allows county time for volunteer training, meetings and educational activities.

Employee Investment and Pride

Employee ownership characterized by responsiveness to employee interests.
An active, diverse employee committee providing governance, support, guidance, and evaluation.
Annual evaluation of employee perceptions and interests regarding the workplace giving program and, generally, charitable giving.
Volunteer technical support from employees.
A fun, accessible employee thank-you and recognition program.

Focus on Communication and Education

Year-round employee communication.
Use of a variety of county communication channels (i.e. Internet and Intranet, newsletters, e-mail, voice mail, payroll stuffers, etc.) to promote employee participation.
Active collaboration with nonprofit organizations and federations.
Regular communication of factual information about how giving impacts the community and participating nonprofit organizations.
Promotional activities such as agency tours, fairs, speakers that communicate how nonprofit organizations address community problems.
Use personal peer employee solicitation.

A Comprehensive Giving Program

A variety of ways to give: payroll deductions, time donations, one-time gifts, special events, and volunteering.
A centralized porthole for employees to engage in charitable giving thereby minimizing disruption to county business.
Employees given the opportunity to support a wide range of nonprofit organizations and federations.
A standardized and consistent protocol for screening commonly accepted nonprofit credentials.
Active involvement of a variety of nonprofit federations and organizations.
Workplace giving is treated as an employee benefit throughout county operations.

Use of Technology

Communication technology used to education employees about services provided by participating nonprofit organizations.
Technology applications that make it easy for employees to contribute yet maintain personalized contact.
Technology applications that make it easy for nonprofit agencies and federations to participate.
An accurate and timely means to process pledges and distribute payment to nonprofit organizations.
Technologies to monitor progress and provide feedback to the giving program administrator and committee.