Resources and Samples

Resources and Samples are a member benefit and include policies, plans, and descriptions. Members are encouraged to submit their favorite materials.

10 Tips to Increase Your Odds of Writing a Winning Volunteer Award Nomination

10 Tips to Increase Your Odds of Writing a Winning Volunteer Award Nomination In a world where acts of kindness and community support often go unnoticed, volunteer awards provide a unique opportunity to shine a spotlight on those who dedicate their time and energy to making a positive impact. Writing a winning volunteer award nomination is an art that requires both heartfelt storytelling and strategic presentation. Whether you're nominating [...]

By Jennifer Lohse|July 25th, 2025|Categories: Resources and Samples, SAVMA Events|Comments Off

States for Service Coalition 2026 Call to Action!

States for Service Coalition 2026 Call to Action! The States for Service Coalition 2026 call to action was received and answered by SAVMA. The policy arm of America’s Service Commissions, is organizing an organizational sign-on letter to ask Congress to appropriate $30 million for the Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) in FY26. This is the fourth sign-on letter organized for VGF since it was created in 2009 as part of the [...]

By Tucson Foundations|April 1st, 2025|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: #Lobbying, #Stand4Service, AmeriCorps|Comments Off

Tax Considerations for 2025 | PD & Volunteer Deductions

💰 Tax Considerations for 2025: Paying It Forward and Paying It Yourself 👋 Welcome! Every March, as tax season rolls around, many of us review receipts, registrations, and charitable acknowledgments with a mix of curiosity and confusion. For Volunteer Engagement Professionals (VEPs), there’s often a double challenge:1️⃣ Managing your own professional-development expenses.2️⃣ Guiding your volunteers who ask, “Can I deduct my volunteer mileage or training?” This post offers [...]

By Jennifer Lohse|March 7th, 2025|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: CliftonLarsonAllen, deductions, IRS Publications 526 and 1771, Nonprofit Leadership, Professional Development, taxes, Volunteer Engagement|Comments Off

2024 Hottest Reads and Resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals

2024 Hottest Reads and Resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals In 2024, VEPs used various books and resources to enhance their leadership skills, improve volunteer engagement, and address community challenges. Is your favorite included in the 2024 hottest reads and resources for Volunteer Engagement Professionals? "The Art of Gathering" by Priya Parker - A deep dive into creating meaningful events and gatherings useful for planning volunteer meetups or fundraising events. This [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|December 12th, 2024|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: #EventPlanning, #VolunteerEngagement, #VolunteerLifecycle, VEPBooks|Comments Off

SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey

SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey SAVMA shares the VMPR 2025 survey with members! SAVMA's leaders encourage participation in VolunteerPro’s 2025 Volunteer Management Progress Report – The Recruitment Edition, their 10th annual survey! Your input cumulatively identifies current trends in volunteer engagement. This year, VolunteerPro is exploring: The challenges for leaders of volunteers The average salaries for leaders of volunteers The recruitment tactics organizations are using to attract volunteers Which [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|November 16th, 2024|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: @volpronet, #LoVols, #VEPResearch, #VMPR, #vmprogress2025|Comments Off

Volunteer Engagement Defined and Measured

Volunteer Engagement Defined and Measured Volunteerism is flourishing globally, even while volunteers sit untapped and underutilized. Volunteer engagement defined and measured opens the door to standard benchmarks across the profession, at least locally. Apples and oranges make a nice visual for comparative data, but how about volunteers and headcounts? If there is a common language and shared understanding of metrics, then comparative metrics are not out of the possibility. Defining [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|June 3rd, 2024|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, SAVMA Programs|Tags: volunteer engagement metrics, volunteer resources headcount|Comments Off

Simple Volunteer Appreciation Help

Simple Volunteer Appreciation Help Global Volunteer Month begins April 1st every year, and if you are new to volunteer engagement, or find yourself with a backlog, simple volunteer appreciation help is top priority. Appreciation is an important tool in a Volunteer Engagement Professional's (VEP) retention toolbox. A simple act of appreciation can be the most memorable. The thank you note Customized, handwritten notes from a direct supervisor have the highest [...]

By Tucson Foundations|April 1st, 2024|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Voluntary Self-Identification Form

Voluntary Self-Identification Form Does your volunteer application include a "voluntary self-identification form" to collect demographic, economic, cultural, and social information? Is it damaging your recruitment efforts? Maybe it is helping? Was it there before you arrived? This is the case for one such Volunteer Engagement Professional, who has a few questions. While holding one VEP's confidentiality, we agree these are valuable questions and our discussion might spark more interest. Why [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 26th, 2024|Categories: Member Feedback, Member Share, Resources and Samples|Tags: data collection, onboarding, volunteer application|Comments Off

Service Enterprise Initiative Recommended

Service Enterprise Initiative recommended by SAVMA to all members. SEI certification is a way to increase the impact of volunteerism in our community. ASU Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation is offering this certificate of distinction and its nationally recognized designation of excellence in organizational volunteer integration. Together with AL!VE and Points of Light organizations will gain access to proprietary content and research, including a robust resource library with trends and [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|March 21st, 2023|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas

Volunteer Appreciation Ideas How To: Appreciate Your Volunteers It’s National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and in honor of the occasion, we have volunteer appreciation ideas and tips to share showing your volunteers they matter -- this week, and always. While showing appreciation for volunteers is a nice thing to do, it also benefits the recipient and the organization. Intentionally building recognition into your organization’s culture motivates volunteers and can help you [...]

By SAVMA Leaders|April 18th, 2022|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Comments Off

Tips for Navigating Holiday Volunteers

Tips for Navigating Holiday Volunteers Holidays encompass many things, including a time of service and giving. Many people want to give back to their community through volunteer service and as volunteer managers, we should support these volunteers just the same as we support our existing volunteers. Here are some tips for navigating holiday volunteers so they feel welcome in your organization. 5 Tips for Navigating One-Time Holiday Volunteers Prepare the [...]

By Sierra Horsey|December 15th, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Tags: holiday volunteers, SAVMA, single day volunteers, volunteer management|Comments Off

Ways to Show Appreciation to Your Volunteer Manager

In honor of International Volunteer Managers Day, we celebrate the achievements of the leaders of volunteers. These are the individuals recruit, train, and engage volunteers throughout the year. They also troubleshoot countless issues that arise, plan stellar events, and implement ways to show appreciation for the service of committed individuals. Volunteer Managers are essential to every organization that utilizes volunteers and NOVEMBER 5TH is a day to recognize that. [...]

By Sierra Horsey|October 31st, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: positive work culture, SAVMA, thank a volunteer manager, volunteer management, volunteer manager appreciation|Comments Off

Reframing Networking: Creating Intentional Relationships

Some people hear the word "networking" and cringe. Thoughts of meeting random people and forcing a connection can make anyone feel uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to be so nerve-wracking. Networking is more about asking for guidance and direction, and using these tips below, you can reshape your definition of networking and how to use it as a tool. What is networking? Every interaction is a networking opportunity when you [...]

By Sierra Horsey|August 16th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Tags: ALIVE, Networking, Professional Development, SAMVA|Comments Off

5 Tips to Create a Better Resume

When was the last time you updated your resume? If you’re like me, you update your resume when looking for a new job. However, the optimal time is right now! Keeping your resume current at all times takes away the stress of updating your resume during crucial times. 5 tips to create a better resume Keep a master list - Expecting to remember every job and every aspect of that [...]

By Sierra Horsey|June 17th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: positive work culture, Professional Development, resume, SAVMA|Comments Off

Stay Cool and Stay Safe

Gone are the perfect Tucson days of cool breezes and open windows. Summer is fast approaching; it’s time to start thinking about how to beat the heat. Remaining COVID safe during 100+ degree days will add extra challenges, so here are 5 way to stay cool while staying safe: 5 Ways to Beat the Heat Designate break areas - Taking a break is a necessity. Designate indoor and outdoor break [...]

By Sierra Horsey|May 12th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: SAVMA|Comments Off

Happy Volunteer Appreciation Week

Where would we be without volunteers? If your organization is like the Reid Park Zoo, you would not be able to function as efficiently, nor effectively without volunteers. They keep us organized in the office, do community outreach, and educate guests. They donate time and resources, and ensure the organization is achieving its mission. Volunteers are truly the backbone of many organizations and worth more than the national average of [...]

By Sierra Horsey|April 23rd, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, SAVMA Events, Uncategorized|Tags: SAVMA, volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Tips for Meaningful Volunteer Appreciation

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, volunteer managers gathered together for a roundtable discussion on volunteer appreciation. As we approach volunteer appreciation week, here are the top tips on creating a meaningful thank you experience for your volunteers. Trinket/giveaway Ideas It’s very easy to rely on trinkets or small gifts as tokens of appreciation. Get creative and look offering for experiences by partnering with local organizations. [...]

By Sierra Horsey|March 12th, 2021|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Tags: volunteer appreciation|Comments Off

Random Acts of Kindness Week

The following post is written by Sierra Horsey, a SAVMA Member and new member of the SAVMA Communications Committee. Sierra is the Volunteer Program Coordinator at Reid Park Zoo. _____ Random Act of Kindness Week It’s no secret that 2020 was a year filled with unprecedented events and challenges. These challenges caused feelings of fear, anxiety, stress, and loneliness. As a volunteer manager, it’s easy to feel a sense of hopelessness [...]

By Jessica Dennes|February 16th, 2021|Categories: Resources and Samples, Uncategorized|Comments Off

Racial Equity Tools Because Black Lives Matter!

As the protests continue this first week in June 2020 across our country following the horrifying murder of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement officials, SAVMA members are furiously supporting their volunteers and their workplaces in a variety of ways. Here are a few of the noted tools and resources that members of the volunteer management community have brought forward to help Volunteer Managers understand the environment in [...]

By Tucson Foundations|June 2nd, 2020|Categories: Resources and Samples|Comments Off

COVID-19 Resources for Volunteer Administrators

COVID-19 Resources for Volunteer Administrators In response to COVID-19, SAVMA compiled resources for volunteer administrators and conducted a survey of its members to assess needs. We received a representative number of responses, compiled into a report you can read by clicking the button below. SAVMA's COVID-19 Survey Response Report Click here to view the Report To support your needs SAVMA Will… Continue to provide links and information about community resources [...]

By Jessica Dennes|April 25th, 2020|Categories: Resources and Samples|Comments Off

CVA Study Group

CVA Study Group Make It Happen Now, LLC, (MIHN) offers a virtual CVA study group for qualified candidates that begins July 13th. Facilitated by the managing partners, CVAs themselves, the study groups help candidates learn from each other through weekly discussions. Over the last four years, participants have come from throughout the U.S. and Canada with experience in a variety of volunteer engagement settings. A whopping 100% of their participants state [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|June 14th, 2016|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Comments Off

Overtime Law Changes Loom

Overtime Law Changes Loom The Department of Labor (DOL) proposed overtime law changes loom in the coming weeks. The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires that nonexempt (hourly) employees receive overtime pay for hours worked over 40 per workweek at a rate not less than one and one-half times the regular rate of pay. The FLSA includes exemptions from these minimum wage and overtime requirements for employees who meet certain [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|May 4th, 2016|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Tags: salary and compensation|Comments Off

Corporate Volunteer Grant Programs

Corporate Volunteer Grant Programs Corporate volunteer grant programs provide financial contributions to nonprofits where employees and retirees volunteer on a regular basis. With this purpose in mind, you can consider it as one of your volunteer engagement strategies. The result will build relationships and generate income for your program. The following list of corporations is for members only. Please log in to continue reading. [memberonly] Dollars for Doers Allstate: This [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|April 27th, 2016|Categories: Resources and Samples|Comments Off

Ways to Appreciate Volunteers and Strengthen Teamwork | SAVMA

“Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody!” That simple phrase, shared by Alcira Pastula and Linda Tailleart from Catholic Charities Community Services AZ, captures the heart of effective volunteer appreciation. Recognition is more than a “thank you.” It’s how we show people that their time, energy, and heart truly matter. Why Appreciation Matters Recognition has the largest positive effect on volunteer retention of any volunteer management practice. [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|April 21st, 2016|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples, VEP Ecosystem Offerings|Tags: Happiness Effect, Recognition, SAVMA, Teamwork, volunteer appreciation, volunteer management, Volunteer Retention|Comments Off

Women of Worth Nominations Open

Women of Worth Nominations Open March's Women's History Month may be ending, but it’s countdown to National Volunteer Week (April 10-16, 2016) and we’re just getting started at lifting up inspiring stories of women who make their mark through service. The Women of Worth nominations are open. The Points of Light CEO, Tracy Hoover, reflects on the broad roster of history making women – and the powerhouse brands, like L’Oreal [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|April 7th, 2016|Categories: Resources and Samples|Comments Off

Wild Apricot: Membership Online Summit

Wild Apricot: Membership Summit March Update: It's Time for the Summit By Dmitry Buterin, Chief Apricot Next Monday kicks off our biggest webinar event ever, the Wild Apricot Membership Summit. I'm excited to see the impact it's going to have on the nonprofit sector. If you haven't signed up yet, there's still time! From the product side of things, we're updating our Mobile App, launching some new email themes, and our Chief Architect shares [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|April 1st, 2016|Categories: Learning and Development, Resources and Samples|Comments Off

Nominate Women of Worth

Nominate Women of Worth Nominate Women of Worth from your volunteer pool, a partnership between Points of Light and L'Oreal Paris recognizing women in volunteerism and civic impact. Nonprofit leader nominations for the Women of Worth awards occur annually in mid February. Ten extraordinary honorees receives $25,000 to support their charitable cause, mentorship from the L'Oréal Paris network and a national platform to tell their stories. Learn more about recent [...]

By Tracy Sullivan|March 28th, 2016|Categories: Resources and Samples|Tags: nominations, Points of Light|Comments Off