Skills Based Programs

There are essentially three types of programs that help connect volunteers with organizations and skilled projects. In the following you will find explanations of different skills based program constructs. While this is currently informative to only those who are developing their own in house skills based program and don’t know where to start; in the future these pages will contain not only explanations, but also links to local programs where you (whether you be company, nonprofit, or individual volunteer) will be able to access the resources that you seek. So stay tuned!

Intermediary Organizations

Intermediary Organizations are nonprofit organizations who either focus on, or have a program focused on, connecting corporate and/or individual skilled volunteers with other non-profit organizations in need of a service.

• One way that organizations connect volunteers with opportunities is through an online program where volunteers and nonprofits each post profiles detailing their skills or needs respectively and search for their own perfect match. Examples include but are not limited to:
• VolunteerMatch.com
• Idealist.com
• SmartVolunteer.com
• Some organizations have dedicated staff members who match projects and volunteers. Staff members also play a mediating and managing role for both parties throughout the duration of the project. Often, these organizations will ask for a fee from the volunteer and/or project host in order to keep both parties accountable.

To come: links to organizations that will help you find the perfect opportunity or volunteer you have been looking for. Stay Tuned!

Volunteer Centers

Volunteer Centers are nonprofit organizations who collect and provide information and resources about Skills Based Volunteering. These organizations will often help an organization create its own program but doesn’t actually connect them with volunteers.

• The national HandsOn network in conjunction with the Corporation for National and Community service offers the largest collection of diverse and up to date resources pertaining to Skills Based Volunteerism currently on the web.
• Local affiliates will help nonprofit organizations conduct a "self-readiness" assessment before implementing a skilled volunteer program
• They will also work with the organization to create a work plan to help implement a skills based volunteering program

To come: links to organizations that will help you create your own SBV program and all the research/resources you desire. Stay Tuned!

Do-It-Yourself

A Do-It-Yourself opportunity occurs when an individual or corporation sees a need within the community and offers their services as skilled volunteers in order to fix it. Corporate skills based programs often fall into this category.

To come: links to companies and organizations who offer specific pro bono services to the non profit community with information about how to access these services. Stay Tuned!