Abstract Summary
Nonprofits, like all organizations, have goals and deadlines to accomplish; simultaneously, nonprofits are often more limited in their resources, both financially and in personnel. To overcome this daunting but essential challenge, a volunteer force can help increase the capacity of work a nonprofit can achieve by acting as a supplemental workforce. As a result, volunteers are often associated with nonprofits and other charitable organizations and are acknowledged to be invaluable; yet the implementation, coordination, expectation and retention of a healthy, stand-alone volunteer program can be intimidating. With limited staff and a growing internship program, Coral Restoration Foundation is the largest coral reef restoration organization in the world and the only that implements a consistent volunteer program to a unique and considerable degree. Restoration work is supplemented by 1) a three-month internship program that provides consistent support, 2) a volunteer program that incorporates volunteer divers on workboats and on land and 3) a public dive program that helps to advertise and recruit individuals to the volunteer program and for donations. In 2017, Coral Restoration Foundation benefited from nearly 20,000 hours of volunteer assistance, thanks to 10 interns, over 150 volunteers and over 400 dive program participants; 2018 numbers are anticipated to increase significantly. Part of implementing a volunteer program is understanding expectations and motivations. Coral Restoration Foundation volunteer surveys indicate that over 50% of volunteer interest starts with an internet search on “coral restoration”, with word-of-mouth and social media immediately following. Expectations have shifted since 2016, with volunteers focusing on the desire to “make a difference” over “being a better diver”. Volunteer expectations, motivations and needs are as dynamic as an organization’s, and must be well-directed so that it parallels the growth and development of the organization it serves. By accepting that a volunteer force is ever evolving, there are multiple solutions for achieving the single goal of attaining, retaining and managing a robust volunteer program and increasing the capacity of the organization.
