Empowering Employees: How 100 U.S. Companies Support International Volunteer Opportunities

More and more, companies are recognizing the value of corporate social responsibility (CSR), not only in their local communities but also on a global scale. As such, many organizations offer their employees opportunities to volunteer abroad, supporting them financially and logistically in these pursuits.

From the Peace Corps to the Visa Foundation, these organizations understand that empowering employees to volunteer abroad fosters personal growth, cultivates leadership skills, and strengthens community ties across borders.

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
   • Empowering Employees: How 100 U.S. Companies Support International Volunteer Opportunities
2. Steps to Accessing Corporate Funding for Volunteering Abroad
   • Step 1: Research Opportunities Within Your Company
   • Step 2: Understand the Requirements
   • Step 3: Apply for Funding
   • Step 4: Await Approval
   • Step 5: Volunteer and Share Your Experience
3. Why Choose A Broader View Volunteers
   • Wide Array of Opportunities
   • Flexible Schedules
   • Comprehensive Support
   • Safety and Security
   • Impactful and Sustainable Projects
4. Connecting Corporate Sponsorship to Global Impact
   • Benefits for Employees
   • Benefits for Companies
5. Making the Most of Company-Sponsored Volunteer Programs
   • Be Proactive
   • Plan Ahead
   • Engage Fully
   • Share Your Experience
6. The Advantage of A Broader View Volunteers
   • A Holistic Approach
   • Responsible Volunteering
   • Supportive Environment
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

To leverage these opportunities, here are the key steps you should follow:

Step 1: Research Opportunities Within Your Company

Examine the list of 100 companies that support international volunteerism. If your company is on the list, visit the company’s CSR or philanthropy page to learn about the opportunities available.

Step 2: Understand the Requirements

Every company has unique eligibility requirements for funding. Some might require a certain tenure with the company, while others may only support specific causes or locations. Ensure you meet all criteria before proceeding.

Step 3: Apply for Funding

Most companies will have an application process that requires you to detail your planned volunteer activities, the organization you plan to volunteer with, and how this experience aligns with the company’s values or goals.

Step 4: Await Approval

The review process can take several weeks to a few months, depending on your company’s procedures. It’s essential to plan well in advance and consider this timeline when coordinating your volunteering stint.

Step 5: Volunteer and Share Your Experience

Once approved, you can proceed with your volunteer work. Be sure to capture your experiences through photos, blogs, or videos. Sharing your experiences can inspire others within your organization to participate in similar endeavors.

Partnering with A Broader View Volunteers

While there are many international volunteer organizations, we recommend partnering with A Broader View Volunteers for your volunteering abroad experience. Here’s why:

1. Wide Array of Opportunities: With over 245 volunteer programs in 32 countries, A Broader View offers opportunities in various fields such as education, healthcare, wildlife conservation, and community development.
2. Flexible Schedules: Whether you can commit to a week or a few months, A Broader View can accommodate your schedule.
3. Comprehensive Support: From pre-departure preparation to in-country support, A Broader View ensures that volunteers are well-equipped for their journey.
4. Safety and Security: The safety of volunteers is their top priority. A Broader View offers comprehensive insurance coverage, has 24/7 in-country staff, and partners only with established, safe communities.
5. Impactful and Sustainable Projects: All projects are driven by local needs and aimed at long-term impact, ensuring your efforts contribute to sustainable development.

Remember, volunteering abroad is more than just an opportunity to travel. It’s a chance to learn about different cultures, develop new skills, and make a tangible difference in communities around the world. Start your journey today with A Broader View Volunteers.

List of US Companies that support Volunteering Abroad

1. Peace Corps
2. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
3. United Nations Volunteers
4. Microsoft Philanthropies
5. Global Citizen Year
6. American Jewish World Service
7. Pfizer Foundation
8. Rotary International
9. Ford Foundation
10. Starbucks Foundation
11. Catholic Relief Services
12. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
13. Google.org
14. Salesforce.org
15. Merck Foundation
16. Amgen Foundation
17. Johnson & Johnson Foundation
18. IBM Corporate Citizenship
19. Disney Worldwide Services, Inc.
20. Deloitte Foundation
21. AECOM Foundation
22. UPS Foundation
23. The Coca-Cola Foundation
24. Chevron Humankind Program
25. Wells Fargo Foundation
26. Procter & Gamble Company Fund
27. Intel Foundation
28. ExxonMobil Foundation
29. Bank of America Charitable Foundation
30. The Goldman Sachs Group Foundation
31. The JPMorgan Chase Foundation
32. Citi Foundation
33. The Walmart Foundation
34. The Home Depot Foundation
35. The General Electric Foundation
36. Oracle Giving
37. AT&T Foundation
38. Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
39. Prudential Foundation
40. Pfizer Volunteer Program
41. MetLife Foundation
42. The Allstate Foundation
43. Morgan Stanley Foundation
44. Visa Foundation
45. Aetna Foundation
46. Honeywell Hometown Solutions
47. Accenture Corporate Citizenship
48. American Express Foundation
49. The Verizon Foundation
50. Mastercard Foundation

Please note that it’s always a good idea to thoroughly research each organization to understand the specifics of their volunteer abroad funding programs, including eligibility criteria, deadlines, and what is covered. Always verify the information from their official websites or contact them directly for the most accurate and up-to-date details.

Please note that the specifics of these organizations’ funding and volunteer programs can change over time, so the URLs provided here may not lead directly to information about volunteer abroad funding as of the date you’re reading this. If you cannot find information about volunteering abroad or funding, please check other parts of the website, or consider reaching out directly to the organization for more information.

1. Peace Corps
2. Fulbright U.S. Student Program
3. United Nations Volunteers
4. Microsoft Philanthropies
5. Global Citizen Year
6. American Jewish World Service
7. Pfizer Foundation
8. Rotary International
9. Ford Foundation
10. Starbucks Foundation
11. Catholic Relief Services
12. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
13. Google.org
14. Salesforce.org
15. Merck Foundation
16. Amgen Foundation
17. Johnson & Johnson Foundation
18. IBM Corporate Citizenship
19. Disney Worldwide Services, Inc.
20. Deloitte Foundation
21. AECOM Foundation
22. UPS Foundation
23. The Coca-Cola Foundation
24. Chevron Humankind Program
25. Wells Fargo Foundation
26. Procter & Gamble Company Fund
27. Intel Foundation
28. ExxonMobil Foundation
29. Bank of America Charitable Foundation
30. The Goldman Sachs Group Foundation
31. The JPMorgan Chase Foundation
32. Citi Foundation
33. The Walmart Foundation
34. The Home Depot Foundation
35. The General Electric Foundation
36. Oracle Giving
37. AT&T Foundation
38. Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
39. Prudential Foundation
40. Pfizer Volunteer Program
41. MetLife Foundation
42. The Allstate Foundation
43. Morgan Stanley Foundation
44. Visa Foundation
45. Aetna Foundation
46. Honeywell Hometown Solutions
47. Accenture Corporate Citizenship
48. American Express Foundation
49. The Verizon Foundation
50. Mastercard Foundation
51. Adobe Foundation
52. General Motors Foundation
53. eBay Foundation
54. Anthem Foundation
55. The Boeing Company
56. Target Corporate Giving
57. Abbott Fund
58. 3Mgives
59. Costco Wholesale Corporation
60. Gap Foundation
61. Hilton Foundation
62. The Intel Foundation
63. Medtronic Foundation
64. Best Buy Foundation
65. Lockheed Martin Corporation
66. The Caterpillar Foundation
67. W.K. Kellogg Foundation
68. The Walgreen Company
69. Dell Technologies
70. Cisco Systems
71. PepsiCo Foundation
72. FedEx Corporation
73. Capital One
74. The DuPont Corporate Contribution Program
75. SAP America
76. Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation
77. AmerisourceBergen Foundation
78. TIAA-CREF
79. Sodexo Foundation
80. Kimberly-Clark Foundation
81. Eli Lilly and Company Foundation
82. T. Rowe Price Foundation
83. Estée Lauder Companies
84. Novartis US Foundation
85. Duke Energy Foundation
86. New Balance Foundation
87. The ConAgra Foods Foundation
88. State Farm Companies Foundation
89. Office Depot Foundation
90. Alcoa Foundation
91. Taco Bell Foundation
92. Praxair Global Giving
93. Liberty Mutual Foundation
94. Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation
95. Voya Foundation
96. The Sherwin-Williams Foundation
97. The Allianz Foundation
98. Wells Fargo Foundation
99. The Coca-Cola Company
100. Visa Foundation

Connecting Corporate Sponsorship to Global Impact

Participating in international volunteer programs through your company’s support can create a substantial impact on global communities. Still, it’s not just about the communities you’ll be assisting. The benefits are twofold, extending to the participating employees and the companies themselves.

For Employees: Volunteering abroad expands horizons, offering a unique opportunity to learn about different cultures, languages, and ways of life. It fosters skills like problem-solving, leadership, and teamwork – skills that are valuable both personally and professionally.

For Companies: By supporting international volunteer programs, companies not only advance their CSR goals but also contribute to employee engagement and skill development. Studies show that companies that invest in such initiatives have higher employee retention rates and satisfaction levels.

Taking Advantage of Company-Sponsored Volunteer Programs

To make the most of these opportunities, here are some tips:

1. Be Proactive: Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Seek them out. Use the list of companies as a starting point to research programs within your organization.
2. Plan Ahead: These programs often require you to plan your trip well in advance. Make sure you’re prepared to meet application deadlines and fulfill all requirements.
3. Engage Fully: Once you’re on your volunteer trip, immerse yourself fully in the experience. You’ll gain as much from the experience as you put into it.
4. Share Your Experience: Upon returning, share your experiences with your colleagues, family, and friends. It will not only inspire others but also help you reflect on your journey.

Why Choose A Broader View Volunteers

When selecting a volunteer abroad program, it’s important to choose an organization that aligns with your interests and values, provides necessary support, and maintains ethical standards. A Broader View Volunteers offers all of this and more:

A Holistic Approach: A Broader View focuses on a holistic approach to volunteer work. They understand that effective volunteer work doesn’t exist in a vacuum—it involves working closely with local communities and creating programs that meet their actual needs.

Responsible Volunteering: A Broader View adheres to responsible volunteering practices. They strive to make a long-term, sustainable impact on the communities they serve, ensuring your efforts contribute to meaningful change.

Supportive Environment: A Broader View offers a supportive environment for volunteers, providing comprehensive guidance from pre-departure preparations to in-country support.

Concluding Thoughts

Taking part in volunteer abroad programs is a mutually beneficial experience. It gives employees a chance to grow and learn, companies an opportunity to foster corporate social responsibility, and communities across the globe the support they need. With A Broader View Volunteers, you’re not just signing up for a volunteer program – you’re becoming part of a global effort to make a lasting difference in our world. Join the movement today.

FAQ

1. Do all of these 100 companies provide funding for any volunteer abroad program? No, the specific programs and projects that companies will fund vary. They are often related to the company’s philanthropic focus areas or industry. Always check the specific criteria and guidelines provided by your company.

2. How can I find out if my company supports volunteer abroad programs? Start by checking the list provided in the blog. If your company is listed, visit their official website or philanthropy page for more information. If not, consider reaching out to your HR or CSR department to inquire about potential opportunities.

3. How much funding can I expect from my company for a volunteer abroad program? The amount of funding can vary significantly from one company to another and often depends on the specific volunteer program, duration of the volunteer work, and the company’s available budget for CSR activities.

4. Can part-time employees or interns avail of these funding opportunities? Eligibility criteria vary between companies. Some might extend these opportunities to all employees, while others may limit them to full-time employees. Check with your company for their specific policies.

5. Can my company refuse to fund my volunteer trip? Yes, companies have the discretion to approve or refuse funding requests based on their guidelines, the nature of the volunteer work, budget availability, or other factors.

6. Why should I choose A Broader View Volunteers for my volunteer abroad program? A Broader View Volunteers offers a wide range of programs in over 32 countries, providing flexibility and comprehensive support for volunteers. They are committed to sustainable, long-term impact and ensuring the safety and security of their volunteers.

7. What types of volunteer programs does A Broader View Volunteers offer? A Broader View Volunteers offers programs in various fields, including education, healthcare, wildlife conservation, and community development. You can choose a program that aligns with your interests and skills.

8. Does A Broader View Volunteers provide any pre-departure training or preparation? Yes, A Broader View provides comprehensive pre-departure support, including country information, a personalized volunteer project, travel and medical advice, fundraising tips, and more.

9. Do I need to know a foreign language to volunteer abroad with A Broader View Volunteers? While knowing the local language can be helpful, it’s not a requirement for most programs. Many programs have English-speaking staff, and in some cases, language immersion courses are offered.

10. How do these corporate-sponsored volunteer programs benefit the companies themselves? Companies gain several benefits from sponsoring volunteer abroad programs, including enhanced corporate image, increased employee engagement, skill development among employees, and improved employee retention rates. It also aligns with their CSR goals, creating a positive impact on their brand reputation.