Volunteer Initiative Program (VIP) For Employees

Did you know that the current value of one volunteer hour is $36.14¹? ��Ƶ College recognizes that many local nonprofits operate entirely with volunteer boards and depend on volunteers to keep their programs active.

The Volunteer Initiative Program has existed since 1999 because ��Ƶ College understands that students, faculty, and staff have a tremendous impact on the quality of life in our area through the time and energy that they invest in community activities. To acknowledge that contribution, for every employee who contributes 20 hours of volunteer time to a community organization, ��Ƶ College will grant $100 to that organization of choice. Encouraging employee volunteerism is consistent with the College's mission, values, and commitment to the community. This program encourages employees to volunteer in those projects that they feel most passionate about while allowing them to direct some of the College's contributions at the same time.

Guidelines for $100 Recognition

Qualified Employees: Employees must be appointed to a regular or term (e.g., non-student) position at the College to be eligible to participate.

Qualified Activity: Program participants must contribute 20 hours of volunteer time to their organization of choice to receive financial support. Sponsored organizations are required to verify employee participation. Recognized service is not limited to ��Ƶ but includes any service area within Iowa.

Exclusions: Generally, the program does not support: Individuals, business ventures, organizations without IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status that are not governments, organizations that limit membership and services based on race, religion, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, age, or national origin, requests for loans or debt retirements, civic/labor/sorority/fraternal groups, political organizations and projects, or organizations that might in any way pose a conflict with the mission, goals, or programs of ��Ƶ College.

Funding Limits: No organization may receive more than $1,000 in total contributions through this program in a given fiscal year. Each employee may designate $100 in donations once per fiscal year. The College’s fiscal year is July 1–June 30. Funds are limited and will be released in the order in which qualified applications are received.

Volunteer Examples

There are many nonprofit organizations that rely 100% on volunteers for their groups to be successful, carry out their missions, and make change happen.

Learn more about the different ways employees invest in our community as volunteers. Contact our office at 641-269-3900 or via email.

Volunteer Resources

To explore volunteer opportunities in ��Ƶ, visit:

To explore volunteer opportunities across the state, visit:

Submitting a Request

VIP Request Forms are also available by contacting the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research 641-269-3900. The completed form can be submitted via email or to our office at 1127 Park St., ��Ƶ, IA 50112. The College reserves the right to deny funding to any and/or all requests.

¹ Value of Volunteer Time report, Independent Sector, with the Do Good Institute, 4/22/2026

Volunteer Testimonials

I volunteer on the board for Newton Youth Baseball and Little League because I’ve seen firsthand what youth sports can mean to kids and families. My son is one of more than 200 youth who participate in the program, and I love being part of an organization that creates opportunities for kids across our community to play, learn, grow, and simply have fun together.

Personally, volunteering gives me the chance to contribute to something bigger than myself. I enjoy helping create experiences and opportunities that bring people together and make our community stronger.

I’d encourage others to give back in whatever way feels meaningful to them. You don’t have to do everything; you just need to find something you care about and jump in. The time and energy you give can have a ripple effect far beyond what you might realize.

Jayn Chaney ’05, Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Donor Relations

I volunteer with SHE Counts’ Girls Math Club because I want young girls to know that they belong in math, science, and any field they choose to pursue. Some of my favorite club activities are acting out Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi and helping students create a number line to compare how long different flavors of chocolate chips take to melt on their tongues. Watching students laugh, collaborate, and make real-world connections to math is incredibly rewarding as a volunteer.

Volunteering reminds me how important encouragement and positive role models can be during the middle school years. I would encourage others to get involved because volunteering is a meaningful way to strengthen our community while helping young people discover their potential. It also provides a wonderful opportunity to build connections, learn from others, and feel more engaged with the community around us.

Ivy Schuster, IT Training Specialist and Software Contract and Licensing Manager

I volunteer because I believe in giving back to the community that has given me so much. As a retired teacher, I continue to feel a strong connection to children, families, and the well-being of our community. Serving as an officer and/or member of service clubs, nonprofit boards, and advisory committees allows me to stay engaged and use my professional and personal experiences in meaningful ways.

Volunteering has introduced me to new people, deepened existing relationships, broadened my perspective, and given me a continued sense of purpose. It provides opportunities to share what I’ve learned and support others, especially children and families.

I encourage others to find a cause they care about and get involved. You don’t need a lot of time or special expertise to make a difference. When we give back, we strengthen our communities — and often receive just as much as we give.

Jill Harris, Program Coordinator, Office Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research

������Ƶ