United Way of 1000 Lakes has been awarded a $35,000 Volunteer Generation Fund (VGF) grant through ServeMinnesota to strengthen volunteer engagement across the Itasca area by expanding opportunities for service and building the capacity of local nonprofit organizations.

The grant, which runs through January 2027, will advance United Way’s Volunteer Engagement Initiative by enhancing the Volunteer Itasca online volunteer portal, expanding the Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN), launching a community-wide volunteer engagement campaign, and creating new networking opportunities that connect volunteers with local nonprofit organizations.

The upgraded site will make it easier for volunteers to discover opportunities that match their interests, skills, and availability while providing nonprofit organizations with improved tools to recruit, communicate with, and recognize volunteers.

The Volunteer Coordinators Network (VCN) will continue to bring together volunteer managers and nonprofit leaders to share promising practices, strengthen volunteer programs, and build relationships across organizations. New volunteer networking events will create opportunities for community members to explore causes they care about, learn about local volunteer needs, and discover how their professional skills and expertise can help strengthen local organizations alongside traditional volunteer service.

Since launching Volunteer Itasca in 2020, more than 1,000 individuals have used the platform to connect with volunteer opportunities through 30+ participating organizations across the region. Participating organizations include Boys and Girls Club of the Northland, Foster Love Closet, Grand Itasca, Grand Rapids Farmers Market, Hero’s Heart Animal Rescue, Itasca Friendship Club, Support Within Reach, and many others. Together with the Volunteer Coordinators Network, the initiative provides professional development, one-on-one technical assistance, and resources that help organizations build stronger volunteer programs and more connected communities.

Together, these investments will help nonprofits build stronger volunteer programs while making it easier for residents to connect with meaningful ways to serve.

“Volunteers are at the heart of strong, resilient communities,” said Kimberly Brink Smith, Executive Director of United Way of 1000 Lakes. “This investment allows us to strengthen the systems, relationships, and opportunities that help people connect with causes they care about. When nonprofits have the tools to effectively engage volunteers—and volunteers can easily find meaningful ways to serve—our entire community benefits.”

For more information about United Way’s Volunteer Engagement Initiative or to learn how your organization or business can get involved, contact Molly Hiipakka, Community Impact Coordinator, at 218-999-7570 or molly@uwlakes.org, or explore current volunteer opportunities at volunteer.uwlakes.org.