New organization makes volunteering even more rewarding

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PR Newswire | 25 Jun, 2010
CAMBRIDGE (Mass.): The Volunteer Advantage, a new web-based startup based in Cambridge, MA has launched a platform that uniquely meets the needs of the 61 million Americans that participate in volunteer activities, the 1.5+ million nonprofit organizations in the US and the over 25 million businesses in existence today.

The premise is simple: volunteers earn points based on the number of hours they volunteer. These points can then be redeemed for rewards, discounts and special offers from both local and national retailers, typically in the form of printable coupons or online links.

"For volunteers, recognition and a little thank you go a long way. While we believe volunteering is its own reward, by offering volunteers free membership to our network, we make it easier for them to give time to their cause and can therefore play a role in increasing volunteerism across the board," stated Merritt Friedman, Founder of The Volunteer Advantage.

Rhonda Sims, founder of The Freedom Train, an animal rescue non-profit, raved about the new venture. "The Volunteer Advantage gives me a free way to respond to the challenges I have faced over the years. I now have an easy and free way to thank and reward my volunteers."

A similar response was received from the business community: "I've been looking for a way to get my business connected to good causes," said Marc Cohn, President of Bad Dog Auto Detailing, "The Volunteer Advantage provides me with a way to authentically connect with volunteers and it meets my small business marketing budget."

"In Corporate America," Friedman said, "that authentic connection with volunteers is called Corporate Social Responsibility or Cause Marketing. At The Volunteer Advantage, we call it 'capturing share of heart.'" Friedman also cited a Cone Cause Evolution Study which asked Americans if they would be likely to switch from one brand to another, price and quality being equal, if the other brand was associated with a good cause? A whopping 79% of Americans said "yes".