Building Bridges Between Volunteers And Donors: Emily’s Story

Have you ever wondered about the powerful connection between volunteers and donors in the nonprofit world? It’s a dynamic yet often overlooked relationship. This is the story of how George Washington University Hospital, a hub of compassionate healthcare and advanced technology, bridged this gap, and the inspiring journey of Emily, a volunteer turned major donor.

The volunteer-to-donor pathway

At the heart of this transformation is the understanding that volunteers are not just helpers; they’re potential donors. GWU Hospital, with its 140 volunteers working 29,000 shifts a year, faced a challenge many nonprofits encounter: efficiently managing this resource and harnessing their potential as donors. This is crucial, considering that, on a national level, one in four Americans volunteers, and there’s a significant overlap between volunteering and donating—85% of U.S. donors also volunteer.

See an overview of volunteers, as well as data about individual donors.

Emily’s transformation: A volunteer’s journey to philanthropy

Enter Emily, a fictional yet representative example of the many volunteers who make this transition. Emily’s journey at GWU Hospital began during her college years. Initially volunteering to gain experience in the healthcare field, she found herself deeply involved in the hospital’s community-centric mission. Emily’s weekends were dedicated to assisting patients and supporting staff, establishing a strong connection with both.

Over time, Emily also established a strong connection with the hospital. She witnessed firsthand the profound impact of medical care on individuals and the community. This experience wasn’t just about giving time; it was about understanding the workings of a healthcare institution and the critical role it plays in society.

Now in her fifties, she has not only provided hands-on help but also developed a deep understanding of the hospital’s needs. It was this deep understanding and commitment that led her to an important decision. After discussions with the hospital’s Development Chief and CEO, Emily chose to amplify her impact by becoming a major and legacy donor, directing her contributions to areas like medical equipment and outreach programs. These donations were not just financial transactions; they were a testament to the deep connection she felt with the hospital’s mission.

More than just money: Emily’s impact on GWU Hospital

Emily’s story highlights the diverse value volunteers bring to an organization. To the CEO, she offers a unique perspective gained through her volunteer experiences. Her direct interactions with patients and staff provide invaluable insights into the patient experience, a bridge to understanding the real impact of the hospital’s services. Emily’s feedback has helped shape strategies to meet community expectations and enhance patient care. Her presence and enthusiasm also have an uplifting effect on the staff, contributing to a positive work environment.

For the Development Chief, Emily’s transition to a donor has become a powerful narrative for fundraising. The Development Chief has featured Emily’s story in newsletters, inspiring other volunteers and potential donors. Her understanding of the hospital’s challenges, gained through her years of volunteering, provides the Development Chief with a unique perspective, and helps to inspire more effective fundraising campaigns.

Emily’s story is a great reminder of how volunteering can evolve into a deeper level of support, showing that the journey of a volunteer can lead to impactful and long-lasting contributions.

A technological solution

The key to unlocking this potential? A robust volunteer management system. GWU Hospital ultimately switched to Bloomerang Volunteer. “GWU Hospital used an alternate volunteer logistics management system that unfortunately fell short” commented Gini Douglas, the supervisor of the volunteer program. “Our processes, applications, communication, volunteer onboarding, and scheduling were all manual and extremely time-consuming.”

Bloomerang helped the team at GWU Hospital streamline administrative tasks and build stronger connections between volunteers and the hospital.

Read more about GWU Hospital’s story here.

Building bridges between volunteers and donors

The journey from volunteer to donor depends on a number of factors—the individual’s connection to your organization, the impact of their volunteer experience, and the effectiveness of your fundraising and donor cultivation efforts. With 81% of donors attending nonprofit fundraising events, it’s clear that integrating volunteer and donor management is more than just a good practice; it’s a necessity.

The story of Emily and GWU Hospital is a powerful reminder of the potential in every volunteer. Recognizing and nurturing this connection can lead not just to more donors but also to more engaged and committed supporters who truly understand and champion your cause.

What’s your experience with building bridges between volunteers and  donors? Please let us know in the comments below.