Putting Focus in Your Volunteer Efforts

In an era of shrinking resources, nothing is more important to the effectiveness of a corporate volunteer program than FOCUS.  It helps you make the most of your resources and increases your ability to make a bigger impact in the community.

Selecting your focus can be a challenging task, but here are some things to consider as your review you options:

1.    What is your corporate identity?  What does your business offer consumers or the broader community?  Choose a focus that emphasizes "who you are" as a company (i.e. a food producing company choosing to focus on projects that address hunger or nutrition).

2.    What does your company support in a big way?  What organizations does your foundation support with major grants or partnerships?  Build on existing philanthropy and good will - it strengthens your company's philanthropic involvement, and your corporate volunteers become the onsite eyes and ears watching over your foundation's investment.

3.    What causes do employees already support during their time away from the office?  A simple employee survey can help you determine where there is significant interest which will build the foundation for a strong focus.

Making the decision to narrow your program focus can be a bold move, particularly if you've supported many projects and programs over the years.  But focus can be just the thing to energize a program and help it grow.  For assistance in finding your program's focus contact Kristi Gray Shepherd, Volunteer Resource Center 's Workplace Volunteerism Consultant, at 952-920-5875.

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