Scott Doniger

High-Tech Volunteerism
Since 2005 Scott Doniger has volunteered nearly 4,300 hours of service for The Volunteer Center of Northwest Suburban Chicago (TVC).
“Service is critical because it provides me with the unique opportunity to utilize my professional skills to help others less fortunate,” says Scott, an executive at a Chicago area IT architecture and design firm.
TVC matches and places volunteers at a wide range of area partner schools and nonprofits. TVC plays a critical networking role for non-profits and TVC relies on Scott to ensure their networks are working optimally.
Scott’s tech savvy and leadership helped TVC to create a new technology infrastructure, which included standardizing all computers and implementing a new computer server environment. He trained a staff of 20 at TVC in new technology and recruited other expert volunteers to assist with TVC’s information technology. Scott’s assistance helped to increase the capacity of TVC and that of its 170 partner agencies, helping TVC to match 10,871 volunteers from 2008 – 2009.
Scott’s work continues as he helps to launch the HandsOn Connect software, an interactive volunteer matching database called 1-800-volunteer.org. This software enables nonprofits to post their volunteer opportunities online and allows potential volunteers to search for opportunities based on location, availability, skills, organization, and issue area. Scott worked with the Points of Light Institute to make the 1-800-volunteer.org database more user-friendly for nonprofits and volunteers alike. Scott assisted in developing a new feature called Group-Signup that has enabled groups of volunteers to sign-up for volunteer opportunities together.
With demand for services increasing and constrained resources to meet client needs, there is a critical need to train nonprofit staff in the effective use of technology in order to build their capacity. Scott has also independently designed and developed the “Ask Bob Program” for TVC’s member nonprofit agencies. Ask Bob provides nonprofits with technology assistance and training.
“I have strengthened the capacity of nonprofits across the nation by improving their volunteer recruitment through technology,” says Scott. “Better equipping them to expand their volunteer recruitment efforts and manage volunteers more effectively, is proven to enhance service delivery.”