Fund Launched for Volunteer Centers
$1 Million Will Strengthen National Volunteering System

Washington, DC, (August 25, 2005) – The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network announced the launch of the new Affiliates' Fund to distribute $1 million dollars from the Foundation's current budget to individual Volunteer Centers. The aim of the Fund is to forge greater collaboration between the Foundation and the Volunteer Centers on strategic planning, coordination and funding activities. This year, Volunteer Centers can use the funds for any expenses, including general operations. In subsequent years the Affiliates' Fund will be used to support specific programs.

"We believe that the system we are strengthening will fuel the expectation and support our vision of better communities through all Americans making volunteering central to their lives and work," said Robert K. Goodwin, president and CEO of the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network. "This national system has the potential to dramatically increase the quality and quantity of volunteers across the United States, and thereby markedly improve community life from Maine to Hawaii, from Florida to Alaska, and for all points in between."

The Foundation and the Volunteer Centers are crafting an affiliation agreement to enhance their relationship and lay the groundwork for a strengthened national volunteering system. A memorandum of understanding between the Foundation and the Network outlines key areas of agreement, including: joint planning and budgeting, marketing and governance.

"The agreements reached through this process represent an unprecedented level of cooperation between the Foundation and Volunteer Centers, and highlight our commitment to developing a relationship that is more strategic, coordinated and supportive of our joint vision for volunteering in America," said Jackie Norris, chair of the Volunteer Center National Network Council.

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The Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network engages and mobilizes millions of volunteers who to help solve serious social problems in thousands of communities. Through a variety of programs and services, the Foundation encourages people from all walks of life – businesses, faith-based organizations, low-income communities, families, youth, and older adults – to volunteer. For more information ca ll 202-729-8000 or visit www.PointsofLight.org.