July 5, 2013
Volunteering boasts several positive attributes for participants, including improved mental health, the ability to help others and an opportunity to work for a cause that needs support. Nonprofits are often the beneficiaries of volunteer work. However, a recent study conducted by Corporation for National and Community Service showed unemployed individuals who donate their time on a consistent basis have a 27 percent better chance of landing full-time employment.
"Many of us in the volunteer sector have long felt volunteering gives a boost to those looking for work, but we've never had solid research to back it up," said Wendy Spencer, CEO of CNCS. "This report provides a definitive answer – volunteers are more likely to find work than non-volunteers."
Why does volunteering help the job search?
People who volunteer have the opportunity to acquire professional contacts, gain work experience and develop social relationships like they may have never had the chance to do before. This is especially true for Americans who didn't attend college or live in rural areas.
The study revealed people that don't have a college diploma have 51 percent better odds to land a job if they volunteer, while rural residents contributing their time to a cause can increase their chances of employment by 55 percent. Taking on these volunteers helps nonprofits get help, while also training professionals hoping to find gainful employment.
"We encourage nonprofits across the country to engage out-of-work Americans as volunteers, and to help them develop skills and contacts and take on leadership roles," Spencer said. "For those who are out of work, consider volunteering as one part of your job search strategy."
Volunteering quickly helps people gain valuable job skills
Some Americans have never had the opportunity to work in a professional setting, and volunteering is their first dose of being in an office environment or working with an organization. Nonprofits need all the help they can get, and may actually end up being the place that these people land their careers. The NonProfit Times stated many Americans often develop a connection to the organization they volunteer with and want the relationship to grow into a full-time career.
Ready to chat? Get in touch today to request a no-obligation savings evaluation.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!