In an effort to encourage new volunteers to support the mission-driven work of our member organizations, EarthShare Texas launched Volunteer Match Month, powered by an anonymous donor.
During the month of October 2023, five of our member organizations hosted volunteer events that directly impacted the Texas environment. This campaign aimed to drive volunteers to participate in important community projects, and double their impact! Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, we had a volunteer matching contribution of up to $10,000, with each participating organization eligible to receive up to $2,000. The more volunteers we mobilized through this campaign, the greater collective impact we were able to make in our communities and state.
Participating Organizations
For this pilot campaign, we randomly selected five of our member organizations, one from each membership region, to join us in this exciting endeavor. These organizations were:
Sustainable Food Center (@sfclocal), Greens Bayou Coalition (@greensbayou), Blackland Prairie Raptor Center (@bpraptorcenter), Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation (@wrrtx), and Austin Parks Foundation (@austinparksfdn).
EarthShare Texas Member Map, 2023
How It Worked
Participating member organizations host volunteer events year-round. Volunteers empower nonprofits to accomplish the mission-driven work that keep our communities, and environment, healthy and thriving.
- Volunteer Opportunities: All participating organizations hosted volunteer events throughout the month of October. These events were open and promoted to the public, ensuring that anyone could get involved.
- Volunteer Tracking: EarthShare Texas provided volunteer sign-in sheets, which were required to be used by each participating organization. These sign-in sheets were essential to tracking volunteer hours accurately.
- $20 per Volunteer Hour: For every hour of volunteer work completed at these events, EarthShare Texas contributed $20, up to a maximum of $2,000 per organization. Thank you to our anonymous donor for making this program possible.
Match Month 2023 Results
Between the five nonprofits selected for this campaign, our goal of 500 total volunteer hours was well surpassed, rounding out at a whopping 849 volunteer hours logged.
In addition, 255 individual volunteers were engaged in events for these nonprofits during Match Month. We’d like to thank all of the volunteers and the participating members for supporting Texas’ conservation community through this campaign!
Each organization was also successful in engaging new volunteers through this campaign. In the graph to the right, check out their achievements in this area.
Why You Should Get Involved
Participating in EarthShare Texas’ Match Month is not only an opportunity to make a positive impact on your community but also a chance to support organizations that are working tirelessly to protect our environment. Here are some reasons to get involved:
- Make a Difference: By volunteering, you contribute directly to initiatives that protect the environment, conserve wildlife, and improve the quality of life in your community.
- Double Your Impact: Thanks to our generous donor, your volunteer hours will be matched with financial contributions, effectively doubling the value of your time and effort.
- Explore New Interests: Whether you’re passionate about wildlife rehabilitation, sustainable food systems, or green spaces in your city, there’s a participating organization for you.
Connect with Like-Minded Individuals: Volunteer events are a great way to meet people who share your interests and values, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Reliant Energy Volunteers, 2023
How to Get Started
Participating in EarthShare Texas’ Match Month is easy and rewarding. Here’s how you can get started:
- Visit our Volunteer Match Month page.
- Choose an Organization: Pick one or more of the participating organizations that align with your interests and values.
- Sign Up: Register for the events you’d like to participate in and show up ready to work hard – and have a lot of fun doing it!
- Volunteer and Track Your Hours: At the event, sign in using the provided volunteer sign-in sheet to track your hours.
- Spread the Word: Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join you in making a difference during EarthShare Texas’ Match Month.
EarthShare Texas’ Match Month presents a unique opportunity for you to get involved, give back to your community, and support organizations that are dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. Your volunteer hours will not only directly benefit these organizations but will also be matched by our generous donor, amplifying the positive impact you can make. Let’s come together, make a difference, and ensure a brighter and greener future for our beloved Texas communities!
