Philanthropy Insights: Volunteering
Written by Dionne Griffiths, CAP®
“Setting out to do ‘good’ isn’t enough. You will accomplish far more if you set out to accomplish something specific. The process of deciding what that might be begins with identifying what it is you’re most passionate about and where you aspire to make a difference.”
– Give Smart: Philanthropy That Gets Results, from authors Thomas J. Tierney and Joel L. Fleishman
In the book mentioned above and in our October 2025 Newsletter, it affirms the value of donors and donor prospects getting specific about their philanthropic values.
Volunteering with nonprofits is an insightful way to discover your passions and connect with familiar and new charities of interest. By becoming acquainted with the staff, the board, and potentially the population served by the organization, you get a chance to understand the needs of the nonprofit, what is going well operationally and programmatically, and where they may need additional support.
The Role of a Volunteer
Nonprofits gain more tangible support when others take time out of their schedules to assist with their daily operations, special events, and urgent community needs. Volunteering doesn’t have to be a weekly commitment. Even short-term or skills-based opportunities can provide meaningful insight.
According to healthcare providers, such as the Mayo Clinic, volunteering is also known to have positive effects on people’s mental, emotional, and physical health. This is because volunteering is considered a generous act. It gives people a sense of purpose and provides a social and physical activity that connects humans for the greater good.
Connecting with a Nonprofit Volunteer Opportunity
If you are interested in volunteering with a nonprofit, there are several ways to learn about volunteer opportunities with various nonprofits in Kentuckiana.
- Call or email the organization
- Fill out a volunteer form on their website
- Sign up for the organization’s newsletters or future communications
Finding An Organization You’re Passionate About
Not sure where to start? Here are a few resources.
- Community Foundation of Louisville’s Find a Nonprofit Directory. This directory is a great resource for finding organizations that serve causes that you’re passionate about.
- Metro United Way’s Volunteer Connection Webpage. This website is a vast resource for volunteer opportunities across the Kentuckiana community.
I hope these resources will support you in your philanthropic giving strategies. If you would like to talk more about your specific charitable goals or about how to give strategically, please contact me for a complimentary philanthropic advising consultation at dionneg@cflouisville.org.
