FAQ’s
NONPROFIT AGENCIES
It’s easy – create an account online and start posting volunteer needs immediately. Log in or create an account at www.volunteerhou.org/agency/signup.
Log in to agency page
Click on Need under the page’s banner
Click on “Add New Need”
Fill out details – Hit submit
Agency needs are generally approved within 1 business day – exception weekends and holiday’s.
Our staff must review and approve submissions. You will receive an email notice once the event has been approved and posted. If it has not shown up within 3 business days, please contact us.
The Volunteer Houston website functions as a search engine for volunteer needs. Volunteers can search for needs based on location, interest, and skills. When a volunteer clicks “Respond” to your event, both the agency contact and volunteer will receive each other’s information. We highly recommend that the agency’s staff contact the volunteer within 3 to 5 business days and again prior to the day of the project. Volunteer Houston also tracks volunteer feedback to ensure the process runs smoothly.
The email will include a prompt to update your need. You can also log into your profile and extend the date or if the need is complete, click “Inactive.”
COMPANIES
Typically, 4 to 6 weeks lead time allows us to plan the best volunteer experience for your group. It takes time to plan, purchase supplies, and figure out all of the details with you. Of course, we have been known to put together projects with a few days lead time. So, feel free to contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate your group.
There is no minimum number of volunteers but there is a minimum fee of $500. There is no maximum number but if it is greater than 100 people, we request 6 to 8 weeks lead time for planning.
At Volunteer Houston, we provide a large variety of customizable projects for your group. We offer care kits where we come to you and have your team put them together. An example of this is our STEM kit, in which we include 3 STEM projects for children in grade school. We also provide disaster relief projects that your team can dig in and get dirty. If you’re more interested in food prep, we have that too. We can provide just about any project you can imagine, just ask.
Yes, we can! We are completely flexible with the time of day in order to meet your needs.
You aren’t actually paying to volunteer. You are paying for a managed service – someone does all the work for you. We want you to have an incredible experience and that takes time, energy, and supplies to make that happen. Think of us as an event planner, and we want to make your event one to remember. We are willing to go as big and as customized as you want, however, that typically means an increased budget.
If your company has something specific in mind (i.e. STEM kits, disaster relief, food prep, etc.) just ask. We are happy to recommend projects or build custom projects that fit your interests.
Yes. We provide water and snacks as part of a standard project, if desired. If you would like to change it up and add something more, we can definitely accommodate you. We will add it to the budget line and work that into your cost.
VOLUNTEERS
No, volunteers are not currently asked to pay a fee to use the Volunteer Houston website. However, there may be a fee for a background check if required by the agency. Also, it does cost money to connect volunteers to the meaningful service opportunities that we provide. Some of our most committed volunteers are also our biggest individual donors. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to support volunteerism and help Volunteer Houston continue to provide great opportunities.
There are tons of ways to volunteer with us. We have a database filled with thousands of needs with us and our affiliated partners.
The limit does not exist. It’s entirely up to you. Our goal is to make volunteering easy so that it can fit into everyone’s busy schedules.
You can quickly and easily sign up for volunteer needs from our database. You will be emailed opportunity details as soon as you sign up. You will also receive a reminder email prior to the event. You can also remove yourself from an event with ease. You can set up and edit your profile and your interests anytime you want and you have access to your volunteer hours and event history.
Search needs or browse our calendar. Once you find an event that you want to participate in, click on “RESPOND.” You will receive a confirmation email with instructions from the affiliated agency. If you have questions about the event, you can send them an email listed in the event description or contact us at info@volunteerhouston.org.
Yes, however it varies by agencies and need. You will have to check with the agency when you sign up.
No. If an agency requires training, it will state it within the description. For the majority of needs, no training is required. All you have to do is “RESPOND” to a need that interests you and show up.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? info@volunteerhouston.org
