Toolkit for Developing & Strengthening Corporate Volunteer Councils
This publication, complete with a CD-ROM of worksheets and resources of over 60 files, is a concise guide to starting and building a CVC in your community. The information is drawn from the experience and expertise of the CVC national network. We especially thank JPMorgan Chase for their sponsorship of this publication. To receive a copy of the CVC Toolkit for Developing & Strengthening Corporate Volunteer Councils, e-mail CVC@PointsofLight.org or call 202 729-8175.

CVC History
In the early 1970's, several companies in New York City were organizing their own corporate volunteer programs. On a monthly basis they met informally to exchange ideas and information on corporate volunteer programs.

These informal meetings of half a dozen corporations became the first CVC, now known as Corporate Volunteers of New York. By 1992, more than 45 corporations had joined the New York group — and a new movement was born.

Since its formation in 1990, the Points of Light Foundation & Volunteer Center National Network (the Foundation), has supported the nationwide network of CVCs. Today, there are over 75 CVCs across the United States.

CVCs are also known as Business Volunteer Councils (BVC), Workplace Volunteer Councils (WVC), Corporate Community Relations Councils (CCRC), etc. The variety of names merely reflects the differing preferences from community to community.

CVCs are a diverse group of organizations that have developed in accordance with the individual needs of their communities, the input of their local nonprofit partners, and the interests of local companies and employees. While their names and structures may vary, their mission remains the same: to serve businesses in the cause of workplace volunteering.

The Value of Corporate Volunteer Councils
CVCs provide great value to their communities by uniting business leaders, nonprofit agencies, and community members in service to those in need. Th e following provides a quick overview of some of the top benefits of CVCs for businesses, Volunteer Centers/nonprofits, and the community.

Benefits to Businesses

• Companies' mission and values gain higher community visibility
• The capacity of employee volunteer program managers is enhanced through experience-sharing, networking, and training
• The company gains a greater understanding of the community and its needs, enabling better management of company resources

Benefits to Volunteer Centers/Nonprofits

• Nonprofit organizations learn to work more effectively with business volunteers
• More resources (e.g., financial, board members, volunteers, and in-kind donations) are available to the Volunteer Center through the CVC as relationships with businesses are strengthened
• The CVC helps the Volunteer Center fulfill its vision to mobilize people and resources to deliver creative solutions to common problems

Benefits to Communities

• Joint projects provide opportunities for small businesses to partner with others for community betterment
• More companies with employee volunteer programs means an increased number of volunteers to address community needs
• The community is enhanced by the partnership of companies working together and with area nonprofits to address serious social problems

Why Form A Corporate Volunteer Council?
CVCs are formed for a variety of reasons, based on the needs of the local community and the interests of the CVC business members. CVCs might initially gather to:

• Address a pressing local issue
• Network among community-minded peers
• Increase company visibility through joint service projects
• Share effective practices on employee/retiree volunteer programs
• Promote workplace volunteering
• Provide valuable opportunities for professional development
• Learn about community service agencies and their need for business resources
• Have a greater effect on social issues by forming community partnerships