September 9, 2013
Businesses and nonprofit organizations often join forces to form a mutually beneficial relationship, and now, these partnerships can incentivize volunteers to take part in events put on local nonprofits. Recently launched in Portland, Ore., SwapServe uses a Web-based strategy to lead volunteers toward small companies where they can agree to donate a few hours of their day at a nonprofit to receive a free or discounted product or service.
Nonprofits can get more volunteers
While nonprofits may prefer when people donate their time out of the goodness of their heart, these organizations will definitely take any of the help they can get. Through SwapServe, local businesses in Portland are giving away free goods and service to motivate residents to volunteer at nonprofits throughout the city. By being introduced to new volunteers, nonprofits can hope that these people will want to participate in future events and maybe even become regular contributors, according to Nonprofit Quarterly.
Businesses supply volunteers, get more customers
Companies that use SwapServe can demonstrate how they are socially responsible, but they are also using the service to get more traffic at their locations. Derek Keepers, founder of SwapServe, told Portland ABC affiliate KATU that firms and nonprofits are both truly able to benefit from his service.
"It's a great way to give back, but it's also a legit advertising model," Keepers said. "Everybody who volunteers is going to come and get their free stuff, so you're basically paying a couple of bucks to get somebody through the door."
Nonprofits can't rely solely on SwapServe
The SwapServe model is a great way for volunteers to learn about local organizations, but nonprofits that take part in the service still need to focus on getting people to contribute to their events. The volunteers gained from SwapServe often have limited skill sets, and an article for Nolo, a website that provides legal advice, stated nonprofits need to truly demonstrate how thankful they are that people are taking the time to contribute to their organization. To do this, nonprofit decision-makers must stress to their team the importance of having volunteer appreciation events, during which the organization can show its appreciation to the people who are continually donating their time.
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Working with Marshal Whittey at First Nonprofit has been a great experience. He handles our request as a priority and goes above and beyond to resolve any issues we have in a timely manner. Marshall follows through to the end and ensures our needs are met. He has been a great resource for LSC and our “go to” for any tax questions we may have. With LSC transitioning several facilities into one federal tax identification number, First Nonprofit was able to assist and provide guidance with best practices resolving claims to each entity. Additionally First Nonprofit provided knowledge (information materials) and one on one training to HRS group with best practices to handle claims state adjudicated, fraudulent claims, and appeals. And processing information in the First Nonprofit [unemployment claims] system allows for timely information can be collected.
My experience with FNP has been wonderful. Unemployment in general is quite confusing and FNP has simplified the process for us. Everyone we have reached out to or worked with has been very helpful and follows up to be sure we understand the information. I am so happy we made the switch to FNP!
First Nonprofit smoothed the unemployment perils for our organization during Covid. Without the ability to cap our UI exposure, we would not have been able to weather the storm. The program worked perfectly and we have come out of the pandemic ready to forge on. Thanks FNP!
My experience with the FNP has been fantastic. The idea of setting funds aside for the unemployment tax liability is a bedrock for nonprofit organizations like mine, namely ASHBA; what is even more advantageous is having the FNP as a custodian of those funds. 100% recommended!
I would like to comment on my experience with FNP….to date our District has saved $1,000’s of dollars by being enrolled in the First Nonprofit program. My only regret is that we did not know about this method of paying unemployment tax years ago….as I had figured about five years
ago, had we enrolled 15-20 years ago, we could have saved our small school district upwards of $500,000 in payments to IDES. Also we would have had a pretty hefty sum of money in our Reserve Account. Thankfully I attended a workshop hosted by First Nonprofit back in 2015 which got the ball rolling!
I have worked with the First Non-Profit Team for many years, and I appreciate the quick response and care that Cecilia and the team provides anytime I have questions. While there are other providers that may provide like services, First Nonprofit will always be my first choice! I appreciate you!
First Nonprofit has been easy to work with and makes the administrative process easier and smoother. We enjoy working with you.
Luckily for us, our interactions regarding any issues with staffing has been very minimal! I can say that all other interactions with regards to billing, 941 reporting, etc. have been extremely pleasant, accommodating and easy to work with. Kim Ghanayem is always prompt, professional and friendly. Thank you so much!