DePelchin volunteers power our mission to strengthen children and families in our community. Whether participating in beautification projects or sorting and organizing donated goods, our volunteers positively impact the lives of those we serve, and we are grateful for their dedication and support!
Some volunteers may not know that their generosity and time can qualify for additional benefits through their employers. If you’re a current volunteer or are considering volunteer opportunities with DePelchin, here is everything you need to know about making the most of your volunteer hours and service.
What are Volunteer Benefits?
Volunteer benefits are employer-sponsored programs that encourage workplace giving and employee volunteer service. The two most common types of programs are:
- Volunteer Grants: donations made by companies when their employees volunteer for a certain number of hours. Your volunteer service can unlock corporate donations to DePelchin, further maximizing your impact.
- Volunteer Time Off (VTO): paid time off for employees to use towards volunteer service. Through VTO, there’s no need to use your own PTO hours to give back to your community!
How do I know if my company offers these benefits?
You can simply search for your employer using our Volunteer Benefits Tool. This search feature will indicate whether your company offers VTO or volunteer grants, eligibility requirements, and how to submit volunteer grant requests.
Why are volunteer benefit programs important?
Your employer’s volunteer benefits amplify the value of the time you’re already dedicating to DePelchin – at no cost. By taking advantage of these benefits, you provide both service and funding which are essential to sustaining DePelchin’s operations.
Can I use VTO hours towards my volunteer shift at DePelchin?
Yes, if your employer approves it. VTO allows you to be paid during your volunteer service so you can participate in regular volunteer opportunities at DePelchin
How long does it take for a volunteer grant to be approved?
Processing times vary by employer, but it can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. We recommend submitting a volunteer grant request as soon as possible to avoid delays.
What is corporate group volunteering?
Corporate group volunteering is a company-organized group of employees who volunteer together. These groups can be part of employee engagement programs, team-building activities, or company-sponsored service days.
Can remote employees participate in corporate groups at DePelchin?
Sometimes. If your company includes hybrid and/or remote employees, we may be able to offer virtual or flexible opportunities depending on the program. Please contact us at volunteer@depelchin.org to discuss these options.
How can my company become a regular volunteer partner with DePelchin?
If your company is interested in regular volunteering or if you would like to learn about other ways to get involved, please contact us at volunteer@depelchin.org.
How can I submit a volunteer grant request to DePelchin?
You can submit a request using our Volunteer Benefits Tool.
Will someone be able to sign off on my volunteer hours?
Yes, one of our volunteer staff will sign off on your volunteer hours. Please note that we are unable to sign off on court-mandated community service hours. If you have questions, please contact volunteer@depelchin.org.