WORKPLACE VOLUNTEERING

Greater Twin Cities United Way is your go-to engagement partner for workplace and corporate volunteer opportunities. Each year, our Volunteer United team partners with companies, big and small and across diverse industries, to mobilize thousands of volunteers through custom and Pack for Impact volunteer projects, essential supply drives, community volunteer events and more.

A group of Cargill volunteers stand together at US Bank Stadium while Action Day volunteers are packing school supplies behind them

PARTNER WITH US FOR CORPORATE VOLUNTEER EVENTS

Drive community engagement and support your corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals with a workplace volunteer event designed specifically for your team. Using our knowledge of community needs and providing start-to-finish volunteer project support, our team of experts can create meaningful and customized volunteer events for corporate teams and employee resource groups (ERG) of all sizes.

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A group of volunteers together packing food

CUSTOM VOLUNTEER PROJECTS

We’ll work with you to create volunteer experiences that bring together your CSR programs and DEI efforts. We’ll develop an immersive half-day volunteer experience to be completed on-site at a nonprofit partner in our community with a mission that aligns with your DEI goals. Customized projects are perfect for ERGs, work teams and employees looking for deeper connection to community.

A volunteer is packing a backpack surrounded by other volunteers

PACK FOR IMPACT PROJECTS

Volunteer United offers a variety of ready-to-go, team volunteering opportunities that have an immediate impact in our community. Choose from culturally specific pantry packs, school supply packs, household essential packs, literacy packs, social emotional learning packs, and more, or let us create a custom Pack for Impact project specific to your company’s engagement goals and community interest areas.

A volunteer with US Bank is packing a backpack at Action Day

ESSENTIAL SUPPLY DRIVES

Support our neighbors by hosting an essential supply drive at your place of business. Mobilize your employees to collect items such as culturally specific nonperishable foods, school supplies or essential household items to help meet the immediate needs of families across the Twin Cities.

A group of Career Academies students look at a computer together

SKILLS-BASED VOLUNTEERING

Employees can leverage their professional skills and experience to build capacity and drive long-term impact for nonprofits in our community. When employees participate in our skills-based volunteer program, it builds leadership skills, fosters collaboration and creates a broader sense of purpose within the community.

VOLUNTEER UNITED'S TOTAL SUPPORT PROGRAM

However you choose to participate, Volunteer United’s team of experts provide comprehensive, start-to-end project management and execution services to ensure your company’s workplace volunteer event is a success. In addition to partnering with you to develop your employee engagement strategy, we’re pleased to offer the following support services:

Start-to-end project development, management and execution
Site visits and planning sessions
Messaging and communication support
Event registration support
Event set-up and clean-up
Product sourcing (when applicable)
Event staffing and day-of project oversight
Coordination of partnership with benefitting nonprofits
Community impact measurement
Presentation development to drive awareness and education of United Way’s work and impact on our community and how volunteer efforts are meeting immediate needs

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKPLACE VOLUNTEERING

Volunteer United is here to help you create workplace volunteer experiences that inspire, motivate and educate your employees to become changemakers. Below are responses to some of the inquiries we get most often about workplace volunteering.

Do I need a budget to host a workplace volunteer event?

Our volunteer events provide essential items in the areas of food, housing and education to support people across our community. A budget is necessary to cover the cost of supplies and the services provided by the Volunteer United team. We offer projects for a wide range of budgets and will partner with you to create a project that aligns with your budget.

How much time is needed to plan a volunteer project?

Our team needs a minimum of four weeks from the date your project scope is finalized until the date of your event to plan and prepare for a volunteer project.

When can volunteer projects take place during the year?

We are available to partner with you year-round!

Is there a minimum or maximum group size I need to have to host an event?

There is no minimum or maximum group size required. Please note, the type of project you select, the project duration and number of people you’d like to engage in your volunteer project may impact the amount of budget needed to create a successful event for your employees.

Can my company donate product/items to support people in our community?

Yes! Contact Volunteer United today to share more about the items you’d like to donate and possible recognition benefits that result from your in-kind donation.

Do I have to have an idea in mind before I reach out to Greater Twin Cities United Way to plan a workplace volunteer event?

With our total support program, we are here every step of the way to help you plan and coordinate your workplace volunteer event with Greater Twin Cities United Way. Whether you have a plan in mind or are looking for guidance on what will work best with your company’s needs and goals, we are here to help. Reach out to us through our contact form to get the conversation started!

How do I become a business partner with Greater Twin Cities United Way?

There are many opportunities to work with the Greater Twin Cities United Way as a corporate partner besides coordinating volunteer events with your workplace. Learn about other ways you can get involved, including sponsorship opportunities and employee fundraising campaigns.

“United Way is a great organization to be helping and supporting. Faribault Woolen Mill gives back to our community and one of the ways we do this is by spending the morning working together for a worthy cause. It’s impressive how many organizations United Way supports and works with—we’re just so thrilled to be a part of this effort.”
– Tom Kileen, CEO, Faribault Wollen Mill
“When I volunteer with my coworkers, it fuels a sense of togetherness and unity because we’re working towards a common goal. My company is very strong when it comes to volunteerism, and that means a lot to me. I feel a sense of meaning and purpose when I help other people.” 
– Kevin Baby, Mechanical Engineer, Xcel Energy
“It’s very important to me to work at a company that supports volunteerism — it makes me proud. Volunteering is also a great way to take the focus off myself and instead focus on other people. I like how close I feel to helping families in need.” 
– Sue Perala, Manager, American Family Insurance

PARTNER WITH US

Using our knowledge of community needs and providing project support, our team of experts can create meaningful and customized events for teams and employee resource groups (ERG) of all sizes.

WHAT CAN I DO

Take action and make a difference!

Become a Sponsor

Each of our annual impact initiatives require year-round financial support from our community and business partners to help support urgent community needs in the areas of food, education and housing. Consider sponsoring an event such as Flavors of Our Community, Action Day or Home For Good with a financial or in-kind product donation.

FIND YOUR NEXT WAY TO HELP

Get the latest in-person and at-home volunteer opportunities in the Twin Cities sent right to your inbox. Sign up for Greater Twin Cities United Way's volunteer updates today.

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Still have Questions?

Didn't find what you were looking for above? Our Volunteer United team is happy to help you find the right project or plan an event for your group.

Email the Volunteer United Team →