LinkedIn provides new ways to connect skilled volunteers with nonprofits

January 31, 2014

LinkedIn provides new ways to connect skilled volunteers with nonprofits

Social media platforms continue to offer new solutions to help nonprofits keep their operations running. Facebook has included a donate button that processes contributions from users free of charge, and now LinkedIn is offering ways for organizations to increase their volunteer pool.

The LinkedIn Volunteer Marketplace offers members the ability to search a number of volunteer opportunities that local nonprofits need filled, according to Business News Daily. The tool also provides volunteer leads for organizations that need people to donate their time.

Reid Hoffman, LinkedIn's co-founder, told Business News Daily that the platform is designed to connect talent to opportunities and more than 600,000 members have expressed an interest in serving on a board or performing skill-based volunteering. A recent survey by Deloitte reported that experience gained while volunteering would be taken into account 81 percent of the time when reviewing a job application. The same percent of HR executives also reported that skills-based volunteering makes a college grad more desirable.

Skilled volunteers provide big benefits for nonprofits
While the experience looks good for candidates, there is no question that skill-based volunteers provide new opportunities for nonprofits. They have a much greater value than those that are performing menial tasks. Time is money and a volunteer providing services worth $20 an hour is saving a nonprofit more money than those who work for a nominal fee.

However, skilled volunteers can be hard to find, especially if those willing to donate their time are not aware that their services are needed. The Volunteer Marketplace is a great way for nonprofits to find talent they can use in places they never would have expected. Likewise, individuals may not have realized there was a need for their services.

Retirees are also valuable volunteers
As the economy levels out, many baby boomers are finally deciding to retire. While they may have stopped working, some are interested in staying active and involved. The boomers looking for volunteer opportunities are skilled in a trade or worked in fields that required a higher education. As they look for ways to donate time, helping out in a capacity related to their former career could be enticing. They could also be interested in serving on a board. If they have prior executive management experience, they could be a real asset to the organization.

Content presented by First Nonprofit Companies, the leading provider of state unemployment insurance solutions for 501(c)(3) nonprofit employers.

single-post10078

Ready to chat?
Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.

Testimonials

First Nonprofit has saved us so much money over the state’s program. We had one little glitch with the state recently and we contacted FNP immediately. FNP staff called us back immediately and moved to remedy the problem.

WI Council of Religious & Independent Schools (WCRIS), Madison, WI

First Nonprofit has been a great partner. They have helped us saved hundreds of thousands of dollars! They have awesome resources for our nonprofit organization. Thanks for the partnership.

Community Care Inc., Milwaukee, WI

Life is certainly busy these days but having business partners like First Nonprofit has made some of the process hassle free. We have worked with this team for years. When we changed payroll systems, they outlined every step. I think this team is terrific and I know they get the job done! Thank you, Cruz, to all the team at FNP.

Gulfside Healthcare Services, New Port Richey, FL

FNP has helped our agency to save thousands of dollars every year on our unemployment coverage. The service is phenomenal, and we are thankful to their team as our partner. My experience working with Marshall on the advocacy around UE for nonprofits was also a highlight as someone who teaches advocacy and lobbying for nonprofits. Really, your whole team is top shelf, so thank YOU!

Advancing Academics, Turtle Creek, PA

Chicago Children’s Theatre has greatly benefited from our partnership with First Nonprofit, and I have always enjoyed working with the staff on our filings and any complicated questions. I would not hesitate to recommend First Nonprofit to fellow nonprofits. We’re very happy customers.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago, IL

FNP is a great resource for Daniel Kids. To have a TPA that we can count on to take point on not only managing our unemployment claims, but to support and guide any protest hearing, is invaluable. All the professional support staff we have worked with have been excellent, very knowledgeable and responsive. We are grateful for the help and support, thank you.

Daniel Kids, Jacksonville, FL

When I first began in my position at my organization, I hadn’t had experience working with a company like FNP. The staff was so patient and helpful in helping to explain the benefits of First Nonprofit. Anytime I reach out with a question I receive a quick, clear, and thorough response. I’m so thankful that we decided to partner with FNP. Their excellence in customer service, coupled with their variety of packages frees us up to truly serve our staff and community with a peace of mind knowing that our organization is protected against unanticipated unemployment insurance expenses.

Homes of Hope, Chicago, IL

First Nonprofit gets an A+ in my book. You are so easy to work with & very knowledgeable! Whether it is my quarterly correspondence with Kim or my random interactions with Dawn about a bond … I am so pleased that I get to work with such a helpful company. Thank you!

Women's Choice Network, Pittsburgh, PA