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Philanthropy Friday: Volunteering as Currency

jennifer · April 26, 2013 · 12 Comments

Each Friday, the another jennifer blog shares stories of those who incorporate philanthropy into their everyday lives – personally and professionally – in a creative and unique way. If you have a story you’d like to share, please contact Jennifer. You can view past posts from the series here.

voolla logo
Stephanie Downs, the founder and chief volunteer at Voolla, started volunteering when she found herself burned out about a year into starting a business in 1999. She needed to do something that took her away from work, so she started volunteering at an animal shelter.

After a while, Stephanie questioned whether walking dogs and cleaning kennels was the best way for her to give back. The shelter needed the help, of course, but she also had a professional skill that might have been more valuable to the organization.
Stephanie then became involved as a board member for a nonprofit where she could use more of her skills. The problem there was in the fact that her commitment developed into something that was more like an additional part-time job.
At some point, it dawned on Stephanie that charities need volunteers and money, and volunteers want to share their skills. There had to be a better way to connect the two.
She combined the two (volunteering and money) to create Voolla, which publicly launched in November 2012.
Voolla isn’t your common volunteer match service where a charity posts a profile noting what items and services they need. On Voolla, volunteer skills are turned into money for charities. It’s an online marketplace where skilled volunteers are matched with buyers who need those skills. So, you can find a music teacher on Voolla and offer graphic design services at the same time.
Want to get involved with Voolla? If you’d like to offer your services as a volunteer, setting up a profile is the first step. If you are looking to hire a professional, you can do a simple search of the service provider profiles. When the work is complete, the money is then given to the charity chosen by the volunteer, the customer or both. (Nonprofit organizations can also generate donations through Voolla.)
Voolla, a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization itself, receives a 10% transaction fee.
This video explains how Voolla works.

Stephanie pointed out a few great ways people can use Voolla in their professional life. She noted that offering services on Voolla for charity is a great way for college students or someone looking for work can boost their resume or build a portfolio. Using Voolla is also a great way for entrepreneurs to offer their services for the first time to new customers in a unique and positive way.
Here’s a great example of a Voolla exchange. A customer paid $150 for these beautiful wedding invitations and the money went to the designer’s favorite charity.

wedding invitations
These fun wedding invitations were made through a Voolla connection.

When I spoke with Stephanie, she reported that Voolla now has 1,800 people registered on the website, including 500 people with profiles.
What services could you provide (or hire) on Voolla?

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Business, Philanthropy, Philanthropy Friday Philanthropy Friday, Stephanie Downs, volunteering, Voolla

Comments

  1. Michelle says

    April 26, 2013 at 11:58 am

    I really like this idea! I’m going to have to check out her site. As always, thanks for keeping us connected!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 26, 2013 at 2:20 pm

      You’re welcome, Michelle! I may use it for my own business. It’s a nice way to introduce people to your services.

      Reply
  2. Cyndi says

    April 26, 2013 at 4:16 pm

    That is too cool! I’ve thought about starting a non-profit from time to time…I always feel guilty and weird when I sell my art – I really want to ‘give back,’ and not in a business way. I’ll check into this. 🙂

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 26, 2013 at 7:11 pm

      Oh, Cyndi. We should talk. I could totally help you write a giving strategy that works for your business. No need to start a non-profit! Voolla might be a great way to offer your art to benefit a charity close to you and find new fans/customers. Don’t feel guilty about selling your beautiful work!

      Reply
  3. jen says

    April 26, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    What a great thing! I love hearing to stories you bring every Friday of these people who are oh so inspiring and generous.
    Thanks Jennifer.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 29, 2013 at 8:58 am

      Thanks for reading, Jen. I’m glad you enjoy the stories!

      Reply
  4. The Dose of Reality says

    April 26, 2013 at 8:36 pm

    What a fantastic idea. It’s such a perfect concept.
    It really does show you that one person with a good idea can really make a difference. –Lisa

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 29, 2013 at 8:59 am

      It’s a really awesome concept. I love discovering new, meaningful ways to do business!

      Reply
  5. Chris Carter says

    April 26, 2013 at 10:43 pm

    What a cool idea!!! Thanks so much for sharing… I am going to share on FB. I just love the idea of using your skills and abilities in this way.

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 29, 2013 at 9:01 am

      Thanks for sharing, Chris. It really is an awesome idea.

      Reply
  6. ilene says

    April 27, 2013 at 8:48 am

    Love this! Especially since we all have skills and abilities that could help others – what a wonderful way to give of ourselves in addition to giving financially!

    Reply
    • anotherjennifer says

      April 29, 2013 at 9:02 am

      Exactly!

      Reply

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