5 Tips to Make the Most of Your Nonprofit Membership

We support hundreds of nonprofits and community organizations through our Volunteer Opportunity Database, which any nonprofit can post volunteer opportunities at no cost! In addition, our nonprofit membership broadens your reach to recruit volunteers and offers more benefits for capacity-building support.  

Here are 5 ways to maximize your HandsOn Twin Cities (HOTC) membership:

1. Gain understanding of what’s offered 

Make sure to become informed of everything available to you. These benefits can supplement or complement your current volunteer efforts. 

Membership benefits include: 

• Exclusive promotion and publicity of volunteer opportunities  

• Partnership with our Corporate Projects Program where we collaborate to create customize high-impact projects for your organization 

• The opportunity to participate in Connected For Change events and other pro bono opportunities through our Pro Bono Advisory Program  

• Exclusive opportunities to engage in volunteer recruitment fairs and other HOTC events. 

• Special marketing and other opportunities before becoming available to our wider network of nonprofits 

• Networking and support through learning opportunities, the member newsletter, and one-on-one visits with HOTC staff 

“Many times, posting with HOTC is all I need to meet a specific need. We’ve benefited from many of the services offered, from workshops, networking, newsletters, pro bono support, and corporate projects. I honestly don’t know what I would do as a volunteer manager in the Twin Cities without HandsOn!”

2. Determine what are your biggest needs, challenges, or priorities 

Consider what’s most important to you and your organization and how HOTC could help you support those needs. To get the most out of membership, be clear about what you are trying to solve, and if you’re not sure, contact us! 

“There are many fantastic benefits to being a HandsOn Twin Cities nonprofit member. Gifts for Seniors is grateful for the introductions to HOTC corporate members for various projects for isolated older adults; thankful for the opportunity to list volunteer opportunities on the HOTC cause platform…”

3. Tap into benefits that tackle those needs  

For example, if recruiting new volunteers is most important, post the volunteer opportunities in the Opportunity Database and ask HOTC to promote your needs on social media or with the Star Tribune. 

Explore benefits such as participation in Connected for Change Days for capacity-building support from a team of experts in their field who give their time pro bono. 

Our impact over the last year: 

• Engaged more than 50,000 community volunteers  

• Coordinated 908 volunteers in 29,071 hours of pro bono support for 233 nonprofits and BIPOC-led small businesses – a value of more than $5.7M 

• Supported more than 850 nonprofit partners in their volunteer recruitment and retention efforts  

• Engaged 12,880 corporate volunteers in 213 hands-on projects in support of 150+ nonprofits

“With only two staff, our organization is dependent upon corporate partnerships and volunteer promotions through HandsOn Twin Cities. We simply could not do our work without the benefits of nonprofit membership.”

4. Connect with your peers 

Volunteer leaders can sometimes feel isolated and alone in their role. There is a vast community of volunteer leaders in the Twin Cities who value the opportunity to network with each other and share ideas. Tap into the wealth of knowledge, whether you are new to volunteer management or are a seasoned leader! 

HandsOn offers a few opportunities where you can meet your peers and learn from one another including:  

• Quarterly in-person Bagels ‘n Brew Member Meet-ups 

• Slack channel for volunteer managers to ask questions and share resources. 

• Additional opportunities and trainings, including hosting a local gathering for the annual Volunteer Management Hybrid Conference, among other HandsOn events 
  

“We have found many volunteers through HOTC along with them being a great resource and advocate of volunteerism.”

5. Reach out for guidance 

The HandsOn team is here for you! Share with us your needs and we can help connect you to resources and information most helpful. Plus, we love hearing from our members! 

Connect with Katie Walsh, Program Director, for more information about how we can support your organization or answer any questions about nonprofit membership.