"The development of a more professionalized volunteer management function has changed the scope of what others in the organization expect from the volunteer program. Across departments, people 'think bigger' about what can be achieved."
- Cohort 7 Participant
Purpose & Design
The HALO Award is a capacity building program designed to strengthen and sustain nonprofit organizations by supporting volunteer programs and recognizing and rewarding volunteers doing exemplary work in their communities. Selected organizations receive a one-time HALO Award grant, which includes:
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Capacity building support designed to build or enhance organizational capacity around volunteerism. Support includes 4 all-day peer learning sessions, involving guided activities and discussions, and 4 one-on-one coaching sessions, supporting the development and implementation of a Volunteer Management Plan;
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A $20,000 grant for the nonprofit to strengthen, implement, and sustain the efforts of its volunteer program. This grant acknowledges a clear and thoughtfully written strategy to build the capacity and sustainability of the volunteer program (e.g., increased outreach, improved systems, retention methods, volunteer mentors, volunteer coordinator, etc.). Deliverables include interim & final reports and a volunteer management plan; and
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A $5,000 award for the volunteer, distributed by the nominating nonprofit organization. This award honors outstanding volunteers, with the funds used at the discretion of the volunteers.
Review Process
A Selection Committee, comprised of nonprofit and foundation leaders, selects the recipients of the award.
Strong applications articulate:
• A strategic, detailed vision for building the capacity of your organization by improving and sustaining volunteer program efforts; and
• Institutionalization of volunteer management in your organization’s operations and strategic plans;
• A commitment to serving low-income, disproportionately impacted communities of color and to anti-racism strategies;
• Reimagined ways to engage, manage, and honor volunteers; and
• A commitment to learning by participating in the program’s capacity building sessions and assessments.
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We expect that every applicant organization has an extraordinary volunteer to nominate, so specifically highlighting how the volunteer has impacted the organization strengthens your application.
