Volunteer NH is proud to announce that their seven FY24 Volunteer Engagement Project grantees have been awarded and have begun their work.
The Volunteer Engagement Project grants are awarded to organizations to spend two years working on a project that will increase the capacity of their volunteer programs. Projects can include developing a pilot volunteer program, creating a series of online or other types of trainings for volunteers, and creating and carrying out a comprehensive outreach and recruitment plan for volunteers. Each organization will receive between $15,000 – $25,000 each year.
The grant runs from October 1, 2024 – September 30, 2026.
The seven grantees are:
Community Volunteer Transportation Company (CVTC)
- Organization Mission/Activities: CVTC coordinates transportation options for people throughout the Monadnock Region to optimize health, well-being, and independence.
- Located In: Peterborough
- Area(s) served: Cheshire County and 11 towns in western Hillsborough County
- Brief Project Description: CVTC will recruit more volunteer drivers through targeted print, digital, video, and in-person recruitment activities.
Easterseals New Hampshire
- Organization Mission/Activities: Easterseals NH provides essential services for thousands of people each year through 12 core programs throughout the state that include Child Development Centers and Family Resource Center, Early Supports & Services, Autism Services, Residential & Educational Services, Transportation Services, Camps and Recreation, Community Based Services, Workforce Development, Senior Services, military and veterans services through Veterans Count, Substance Use Treatment Services, and housing services for veterans and low-income residents.
- Located In: Manchester (offices statewide)
- Area(s) served: Statewide
- Brief Project Description: The main project activities will consist of recruiting, educating, and training Easterseals NH staff to work more effectively with volunteers, as well as brainstorming to expand partnerships and explore various volunteer roles within our organization. The goal of the project is to expand and enhance volunteer involvement, enabling them to work side by side with staff, ultimately improving program delivery and community impact.
Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County
- Organization Mission/Activities: \The mission of Meals on Wheels of Hillsborough County is to create connection and enrich the lives of low-income older and isolated adults in 31 cities and towns countywide so that they may live independently through nutrition, social engagement and community services.
- Located In: Manchester
- Area(s) served: Hillsborough County
- Brief Project Description: Meals on Wheels will create and launch a multimedia marketing campaign (print, digital, video, etc.) to recruit new volunteers and will also create videos to more easily train them once they’re onboarded.
The Community Kitchen, Inc.
- Organization Mission/Activities: The Community Kitchen is a nonprofit organization dedicated to combating food insecurity. Their mission is to provide nutritious meals and groceries, educate and empower their guests, community, and partners, and serve as a leading advocate for strengthening food security in the area.
- Located In: Keene
- Area(s) served: Cheshire County/Monadnock Region
- Brief Project Description: The main project activities will consist of transitioning their paper-based volunteer management system to a digital platform, enhancing volunteer recruitment, engagement, and scheduling. The goal of this project is to improve the overall volunteer experience, streamline administrative tasks, and ultimately increase their capacity to serve thousands of guests through their Hot Meals, Pantry and Mobile Pantry programs.
Town of Milford
- Organization Mission/Activities: The Town of Milford is a community in Hillsborough county with a population of just over 16,000. We have seen 100% population growth in 40 years with associated residential development that has created neighborhoods in former farm & woodlands which are disconnected from the center of town, as well as substantial growth in multi-family apartment buildings.
- Located In: Milford
- Area(s) served: Milford
- Brief Project Description: The main project will consist of a discovery and documentation of the needs and the planning and implementation of an ongoing public relations program for community outreach and recruitment. The goal of the project is to increase volunteer engagement by 30% in the two years so that our agencies and boards that rely on volunteers can better focus on service.
William B. Cashin Senior Activity Center (City of Manchester Health Department)
- Organization Mission/Activities: The Center is dedicated to enriching the general well-being of their community’s older population through a full array of programs and activities focused on promoting physical and mental health and wellness, preserving safety and independence, and reducing social isolation.
- Located In: Manchester
- Area(s) served: Manchester/Surrounding communities
- Brief Project Description: Specific project activities will include retention of a consultant to complete an assessment of their volunteer program, recommend enhancements and improvements, and develop a long term recruitment plan. After that, they will use it as the the foundation for future strategic marketing, including a recruitment campaign, and evidence-based training and education of their volunteers by consultants focused on sustaining a long-term quality volunteer program.
603 United
- Organization Mission/Activities: 603 United is a New Hampshire 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to Live United and Be Inclusive by providing social inclusion activities in the Lakes Region for adults 18+ with and without an intellectual disability.
- Located In: Belmont
- Area(s) served: Lakes Region
- Brief Project Description: This grant will fund the implementation of a volunteer management program to be compiled, converted and administered by a part-time paid Volunteer Coordinator.