National Movement to Double Volunteering by 2035 Aims to Change Culture and Attitudes Around Volunteering Long-Term

This week Points of Light, the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to volunteering, announced a bold commitment to by 2035, double the rate of volunteering across the U.S. and internationally, through their global programs. Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light, made the announcement from the main stage of the 2025 Points of Light Conference. This call-to-action centers around the urgent need for individuals to feel more connected , for communities and nonprofits to have the capacity and human capital to address pressing needs, and at scale, for society to be improved by utilizing volunteering as a tool to decrease division and increase our trust in each other and institutions.

“Our north star is connecting everyone to meaning and purpose through volunteering and civic engagement,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light, during her keynote at the 2025 Points of Light Conference. “Volunteer mobilizing organizations are the center of communities – they bring people together and create a culture of service, trust and support.”

The national volunteer rate has remained stagnant at around 28-30% for years and fell to just 23% during the COVID-19 pandemic — the lowest in nearly three decades. Although numbers have begun to recover, they have not yet reached pre-pandemic levels. Even at the pre-pandemic rate, the needs of communities were not being met, with 50% of open volunteer positions going unfilled. The new goal set by Points of Light is not just a big number, it’s about investing in and creating a culture of service that brings quality volunteer engagement that strengthens democracy and builds social cohesion.

“73% of Americans say polarization is negatively affecting our country. Volunteering is a catalyst for societal change,” continued Sirangelo. “The more individuals realize their purpose through volunteering, the more it transforms our society for the better.” In addition to the positive impact for individuals and our society, investing in nonprofits to continue delivering essential services and deepen their impact is critical. These organizations need a stronger volunteer infrastructure, greater public engagement, and sustained support. Points of Light’s recent report, From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment , found that the investment in volunteer infrastructure is lacking.

In addition to research that supports investments, Points of Light is building a sustainable future for volunteering, including building a coalition, investing in nonprofit capacity and bolstering research and data on the impact of volunteering. This work will ensure that as volunteering grows, so too does the ability of nonprofits to harness that energy in meaningful, sustainable ways.

Nonprofits and volunteer mobilizing organizations are already responding to increasing local challenges — from hunger and housing to education and mental health — and doing so with limited resources. Their deep community roots and firsthand understanding of local needs position them uniquely to mobilize volunteers effectively and equitably.

“We cannot build a stronger, more connected society without investing in the capacity of the nonprofits doing the work,” said Sirangelo. “They are not just service providers — they are bridge builders and trust makers, and their success is our collective success.”

This week, Points of Light held a second convening of national nonprofit leaders to inform and shape the next phases of this strategy.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies, and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit: www.pointsoflight.org.

Points of Light Announces 2025 Honorees of The Civic 50 and Releases Key Insights

Points of Light, a global leader in volunteering, today announced The Civic 50^® Honorees for 2025 and released its annual Benchmarking & Insights Report at the Points of Light Conference. According to new data, these 50 companies empowered over 460,000 employees to volunteer 6.5 million hours, contributed 6.25 times more in financial and in-kind resources than the average U.S. company^[1], and continue to innovate around mobilizing their workforce for good.

These companies aren’t just giving more — they’re setting new expectations for what community-minded businesses can achieve. Volunteering benefits communities, employees and businesses — boosting well-being, strengthening culture and fostering purpose. The Civic 50 honorees exemplify that service is essential, not extra.

Now in its 13^th year, The Civic 50 is the nation’s leading corporate social impact recognition program. Honorees are selected based on assessment of employee volunteering, community investment, social impact strategy and performance measurement.

“This year’s honorees prove that when companies embed purpose into their people, strategy and culture, results are extraordinary,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Together, they show service isn’t something companies just do – it’s core to who they are.”

View the full list of The Civic 50^® Honorees of 2025 at pointsoflight.org/civic50.

“We’re honored to be named one of America’s most community-minded companies,” said David Massaron, vice president of infrastructure and corporate citizenship at General Motors. “This recognition reflects our commitment to driving positive change through partnerships, employee engagement and sustainable business practices. At GM, we believe that building a stronger future starts with investing in the communities where we live and work.”

These companies represent a rising standard of corporate citizenship. On average, they engaged 41 percent of employees in external volunteering – nearly double the U.S. median of 23 percent^[2]. Volunteer hours remain below pre-pandemic levels, but trends reveal a more embedded, sustainable approach to service.

Notably, 86 percent of honorees offer volunteer time off (VTO), up from 72 percent in 2019 — a signal companies are institutionalizing civic engagement as a core workplace value. The most supported causes were education (56 percent) and environment (50 percent), underscoring a focus on long-term community resilience.

Further, 92 percent of honorees offer skills-based or pro-bono volunteer opportunities, emphasizing alignment between employee talent and nonprofit needs. However, only 18 percent track the long-term impact of volunteer efforts – revealing a gap between intention and measurement, an opportunity for cross-sector innovation. This echoes a key finding from Points of Light’s report, From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment, which outlines challenges in measuring long-term impact and need for better infrastructure and data.

Together, The Civic 50 Honorees of 2025 are laying the groundwork for the next generation of corporate service — defined by strategy, accountability, innovation, and measurable impact.

The Civic 50^® Sector Leaders and Volunteer Awards

Energy Sector Leader: Constellation
Financial Sector Leader: KeyBank
Information Technology Sector Leader: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Healthcare Sector Leader: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Industrials Sector Leader: Delta Air Lines
Utilities Sector Leader: Entergy Corporation
Consumer Staples Sector Leader: General Mills, Inc.
Materials Sector Leader: Dow, Inc.
Consumer Discretionary Sector Leader: Hasbro, Inc.

“Delta Air Lines is honored to be recognized as one of The Civic 50 for the eighth consecutive year and the only airline on the list,” said Tad Hutcheson, managing director of community engagement at Delta. “For 100 years, we’ve strived to meaningfully impact communities where we live, work and serve. Whether empowering youth through education, donating life-saving blood or advancing sustainability, we’re united by a purpose-driven culture that believes in connecting people to their potential around the world.”

“Hasbro’s 13^th year on The Civic 50 list reflects our belief in the power of play to create impact,” said Theron Grim, vice president of EHS, sustainability and corporate citizenship at Hasbro. “We’re promoting sustainability, expanding access to play and supporting creators. At Hasbro, play isn’t just fun; it’s about connection, learning and building a better world.”

Special Recognition

Volunteer Leader Award: Entergy Corporation – For cultivating a strong volunteer culture.
Strategic Volunteering Award: PDS Health – For pro-bono and skills-based volunteer engagement with measurable impact.

“These companies aren’t only giving back – they’re moving forward with purpose,” said Sirangelo. “They’re showing how service drives business results and social good. We hope their leadership inspires others.”

The Civic 50 program creates a roadmap for companies committed to using their time, talent and resources to drive social impact in business and communities. The survey is administered by True Impact, with results analyzed by VeraWorks. The Civic 50 is the only survey and ranking system that measures corporate community engagement. Learn more at pointsoflight.org/civic50survey or email [email protected].

[1], [2] U.S. data from Giving in Numbers, 2024 by CECP.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

Points of Light Names Kristen Kaplan as Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Programs

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to volunteer service, announced today that Kristen Kaplan will join the organization as Executive Vice President of Global Corporate Programs on May 28, 2025. In this role, Kaplan will lead strategy and execution for Points of Light’s corporate partnerships and initiatives, building on the organization’s legacy of equipping companies to drive meaningful social change through the power of their people. Kaplan is an award-winning social impact leader with a proven record of optimizing and scaling innovative corporate responsibility strategies that align with business goals and deliver measurable results.

She brings a unique perspective shaped by a diverse career spanning the nonprofit, public, and private sectors—including her experience as co-founder of Hands On Greater Richmond (a Points of Light Global Network affiliate), roles in government and international NGOs, and most recently, at a Fortune 200 company.

“Kristen is a visionary leader and strategic thinker who understands our work from every angle—as a nonprofit affiliate leader, a civic sector changemaker, and a corporate partner,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “She brings the right combination of innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and results-driven leadership to help us advance our mission and deepen our global impact.” Kaplan is known for her ability to build and lead high-performing teams, integrate technology and best practices, and implement communications strategies that foster purpose, culture, and community within organizations. Her leadership will be instrumental in evolving Points of Light’s corporate offerings and equipping businesses with the tools, insights, and strategies they need to lead with purpose.

“Points of Light has long been the global leader in volunteerism, and I’m thrilled to help build on that foundation to create the next chapter of corporate impact,” said Kaplan. “As businesses increasingly seek to integrate purpose into their core strategy, we have an incredible opportunity to innovate, scale, and shape how companies empower their employees to take action in their communities. I’m energized to join this talented team and advance the organization’s vision that every person—everywhere—discovers their power to make a difference.”

Kaplan holds a Master of Public Administration and a graduate certificate in nonprofit management, reflecting her long-standing commitment to mission-driven leadership. She developed and led award-winning employee volunteer and giving programs for a Fortune 200 company and helping sustain the company’s placement on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For^®for over a decade, as well as PEOPLE Magazine’s “Companies That Care” list five times. In addition, her career spans influential roles in nonprofit consulting, Conservational International, Connect Network, the Office of the Governor of Virginia, and as co-founder of HandsOn Greater Richmond, a Points of Light Global Network affiliate. Recognized as a “Face of Service” by the Virginia Governor’s Office, Kaplan has earned accolades including Style Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40 and Leadership Metro Richmond’s Servant Leadership Award. Deeply committed to community service, she has been an active member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Board at The Conference Board and Good360’s Disaster Recovery Council. She volunteers regularly with her family at Good Shepherd Center and Meals on Wheels.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

Points of Light Releases New Report on Urgent Need to Increase Investment in Volunteering

Points of Light, a global leader in volunteering, today announces the release of a new report, From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment. The report, informed with research conducted by The Bridgespan Group, a global nonprofit advisory firm, sheds new light on the essential role volunteers play in nonprofit and social sector success, as well as the need for greater investment in volunteer engagement and infrastructure.

With volunteer participation rates stagnating between 20 and 30 percent for decades and only 28 percent of the U.S. population currently engaged in formal volunteering, the report highlights both the challenges of sustaining volunteering as well as the benefits. The personal and societal benefits of volunteering have been well documented. At a moment where people are seeking tangible ways to connect with their communities and effective ways to have impact on the issues they care most about, the importance of investment in successful and rewarding volunteer opportunities has never been greater. While volunteers are unpaid, they are not free – nonprofits must allocate resources for recruitment, training and management. Yet only 0.19 percent of foundation giving over the last decade has supported volunteer development.

The report highlights the profound benefits of volunteering at every level. For individuals, volunteering has been shown to improve mental and physical well-being, reduce loneliness and foster skill development. Communities benefit from essential services that may otherwise be unsustainable without volunteer support. At a societal level, increased volunteer engagement fosters civic participation and helps bridge social divides, creating a more connected and resilient nation. In response to the findings, Points of Light is taking action to address the gaps identified in the report and drive a national volunteer movement to increase engagement. Specifically, the organization will:

Create a National Coalition: Lead the creation of a coalition of partners to develop and implement a national plan for increasing volunteering in the U.S., with the goal of doubling national formal volunteering rates by 2035.
Invest in Nonprofit Capacity Building: Prioritize investments in nonprofit capacity building to help organizations gather better data and insights, enhancing their ability to measure and demonstrate the value of volunteers. Points of Light will also leverage the deep experience and on-the-ground knowledge of its Global Affiliate Network — comprised of 120 leading volunteer mobilizing organizations — to champion, inform and accelerate volunteer engagement efforts.
Convene a Research Advisory Council: Bring together a research advisory council to create a comprehensive research agenda, focusing on filling the gaps identified in the report and further understanding the true impact of volunteering.
Launch New Storytelling: Amplify stories of impact to reignite a spirit of service and volunteering in the U.S.

“This report is just the beginning. We are committed to translating these insights into bold, sustained action that sparks meaningful and far-reaching impact,” Sirangelo added. “The steps we are taking today are designed to build a more resilient and dynamic volunteer ecosystem — one that equips nonprofits to meet the evolving needs of communities across the country with greater strength and capacity.” Support from sponsors UPS Foundation and Phillips 66 helped make this report possible. The full report, “From Nice to Necessary: Unleashing the Impact of Volunteering Through Transformative Investment,” is available for download at www.pointsoflight.org/report-on-volunteering.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to create positive change through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs in communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit www.pointsoflight.org.

The 7th Annual George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards to Celebrate Extraordinary Contributions and Service

The 2025 George H.W. Bush Points of Light Awards Celebration, hosted by Points of Light — the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering — will honor remarkable individuals who inspire action, change lives and strengthen communities. This year marks the organization’s 35th anniversary and seventh year recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to communities through this celebration. The event will be held on October 6, 2025, at The Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.

The night will honor remarkable leaders, who have demonstrated significant commitment to their communities and beyond, including:

Marvin Ellison: Ellison is chairman and CEO of Lowe’s, where he’s been a driving force behind many philanthropic initiatives. His dedication to corporate social responsibility has led Lowe’s unwavering support of safe and affordable housing, skilled trades education, disaster response and community improvement programs. Through Lowe’s Hometowns, which partners with Points of Light, Lowe’s is investing $100 million over five years to restore and revitalize community spaces across the country. Ellison’s philanthropic leadership has made a lasting impact on countless communities.

“Points of Light celebrates service because we believe in its transformative power for individuals, communities and society as a whole,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Mr. Ellison is not only an exceptional business leader but also a dedicated steward of our communities, from our homes to our neighborhoods. His extraordinary commitment to service and contribution lights a path for others to follow. We congratulate Marvin and look forward to celebrating him and our other honorees this October.” Previous honorees have included Arthur M. Blank, Patrick Dempsey, Condoleezza Rice, Robert F. Smith, Mike and Jacquelyne Love, José Andrés, Bryan Stevenson, and Marc and Lynne Benioff, to name a few. If you or your company are interested in getting involved with this event to help Points of Light honor these individuals and inspire millions more through our mission, please reach out to Katherine O’Hare to learn more about this year’s sponsorship opportunities.

About Points of Light

Points of Light is a nonpartisan, global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips, and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world through volunteering and civic engagement. Through work with nonprofits, companies and social impact leaders, the organization galvanizes volunteers to meet critical needs for healthier and more equitable communities. As the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service, Points of Light engages more than 3.8 million volunteers across 32 countries. For more information, visit pointsoflight.org.

6th Annual Global Volunteer Month Celebrates Volunteers, Encourages Everyone to Get Involved

Points of Light announces the 6^th annual Global Volunteer Month, taking place from April 1 to April 30, 2025. The month-long event celebrates volunteers and individuals who actively support their community through volunteering and civic engagement. With low volunteer rates globally, increased demands on nonprofits, and individuals facing a loneliness and isolation epidemic, Points of Light is encouraging everyone to find at least one volunteer opportunity or organization to engage with during April to increase volunteering, support local communities and experience the personal well-being benefits of volunteering.

“As we mark another year of celebration for Global Volunteer Month, we acknowledge the ever-growing need for more volunteers worldwide and highlight the incredible impact of those already dedicating their time and energy to create positive change in their communities,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “Volunteering provides many benefits to individuals and communities alike. It has the power to strengthen the social fabric of society and to build deeper, more meaningful connections for its citizens.”

Individuals are increasingly feeling disconnected from each other and their communities. Pew Research reports that only 42 percent of U.S. adults under the age of 30 feel close to people in their community. Volunteering can counteract this trend, bringing people together to transform lives, communities and conditions for the better. While 28.3 percent of Americans formally volunteer, volunteer rates globally are at just 6.5 percent. Global Volunteer Month provides an opportunity to spotlight the positive benefits of volunteering and inspire every person to take action. There are so many ways to engage throughout the month.

Individuals can find volunteer opportunities online at Points of Light’s Engage, the world’s largest digital hub for virtual and in-person volunteer opportunities. Use #WhyIVolunteer to share what inspires you to take action!
Nonprofits can use the Global Volunteer Month toolkit to thank volunteers by participating in the #ThankAVolunteer campaign on April 1.

With support from campaign sponsors UPS Foundation and Phillips 66, as well as more than 250 nonprofit champions, Global Volunteer Month will be celebrated in various ways throughout April. Global Volunteer Month National Program Partners include AARP Foundation for improving quality of life for older adults, AmeriCorps for positive impact in communities across the United States, Best Friends Animal Society for animal welfare, National Park Service for preservation and protection of the United States’ natural and cultural resources, Operation Gratitude for support of military and first responder communities, and Repair the World for creating social change through strengthened communities.

About Points of Light

Key CSR Insights from the 2025 Corporate Service Council Winter Summit

On March 5 and 6, 2025, Points of Light convened its Corporate Service Council in Chicago for the annual Winter Summit, “Purpose & Progress: Leading the Next Era of Corporate Social Impact.” Hosted by the chair of the Council, Anita Whitehead, president and chair, KPMG U.S. Foundation, the Winter Summit brought together top corporate social impact leaders from across the nation for thought-provoking discussions, facilitated networking, and practical learning and insights into the latest trends shaping the sector. The event also celebrated Points of Light’s 35th anniversary and 20 years of collective impact with its Corporate Service Council, and explored how companies will chart the path forward to advance corporate social impact and employee volunteering.

This Year’s Topics

Ethical corporate social impact storytelling
Generational perceptions and evolving expectations around corporate responsibility
Investing in and supporting community-led change
Making employee volunteer programs more meaningful, accessible and scalable
Leveraging employee volunteering to build bridges and empathy
Creating a new future of volunteering with purpose

15 Key Insights From the Summit

Reframe the Hero Narrative: Ethical impact storytelling prioritizes shared agency, human connection and empowerment over traditional “savior” narratives. Asset-framing helps center stories on an individual or community’s strengths and aspirations, rather than on their hardships.
Find Power in Human Stories: Transformative stories don’t require dramatic narratives or elaborate impact reports. Personal moments of change and discovery from employees, volunteers and partners build trust and inspire action.
Trust is Harder to Earn: Consumers and employees demand responsible corporate action but remain skeptical of intent. Efforts must be consistent, strategic, genuine and deeply integrated into business priorities.
Authenticity Builds Credibility: Long-term strategy, “skin in the game” investments, leveraging business strengths and third-party endorsements build CSR credibility. Employees and nonprofits are the most trusted voices when communicating CSR, while a company’s own advertising and social media are the least.
Customize CSR for Generations: A one-size-fits-all approach to communicating and engaging diverse workforces won’t work. Tailor messaging and feedback channels to different age groups to ensure CSR initiatives remain relevant and impactful.
Beyond Participation to Purpose: Effective employee volunteer programs move beyond events focused on participation to create purposeful volunteer experiences that empower and inspire employees. Companies must design inclusive programs that remove barriers and create access for harder to reach employees to meet them where they are.
Scale Through Networks: Activating employee groups and ambassadors along with nonprofits with their own networks enables companies to drive impact at scale while still aligned with a focused strategy.
Volunteering Needs a Rebrand: Companies present a unique opportunity to shift the perception of volunteering from something that is “nice” to “necessary” and increase volunteering at scale. Younger voices, especially Gen Z, are key to shaping the future of volunteering.
Prove the Value of Volunteering: Companies need stronger data to demonstrate the impact of volunteering on business outcomes, nonprofit organizations and employee volunteers. Proving this value will lead to more effective practices and greater investment in volunteering capacity.
Rethink Impact Measurement: Companies often measure CSR by dollars and hours, while communities focus on systemic change. Aligning on long-term goals and outcome measurements is crucial and requires honest conversations between the company and nonprofit.
Don’t Overlook Social Capital: While less trackable, companies have significant networks, relationships and influence that can be used to support and accelerate community-led initiatives and nonprofit organizations.
Invest in Community-Led Partnerships: Long-term, authentic partnerships with nonprofits help ensure CSR programs address real needs and community-led solutions, rather than imposing company-driven initiatives. It is critical that companies invest time, effort and resources to truly understand the communities where they live, work and serve.
Diverse & Connected Workplaces Thrive: Companies represent diverse communities and have a unique opportunity to foster relationships across religious and cultural differences through volunteering and engagement programs.
Loneliness & Disconnection Costs Money: Social isolation is a widespread issue that negatively impacts mental health, economic stability and community well-being. Isolated employees have lower commitment, higher turnover and increased absenteeism.
Workplace Volunteering is a Solution: Volunteering facilitates social connections, builds empathy and fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. These benefits help employees in the workplace and as more civically engaged members of their community.

Participating Companies:

AARP Foundation, Abbott, AbbVie, Advocate Health, ALDI, Allstate, American Electric Power, Caesars, CITGO, Citi, Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, Discover, Eastman Chemical Company, Fidelity Investments, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Grant Thornton Advisors, Health Care Service Corporation, Kaiser Permanente, KPMG , Lineage, Inc., Louisiana Blue, Nielsen, Northern Trust, Northrop Grumman, Pacific Life Foundation, PDS Health, Prudential, Starbucks, Stryker, Target, Tata Consultancy Services, Truist Bank, UPS, UScellular, Verizon

Partners & Presenting Organizations:

Association of Corporate Citizenship Professionals, Cause Strategy Partners, Changing Our World, Chicago Cares, Foundation for Social Connection, HandsOn Suburban Chicago, Interfaith America, LISC Chicago, Story & Spirit, True Impact, VeraWorks

About the Corporate Service Council

The Points of Light Corporate Service Council is a vibrant community dedicated to empowering and equipping corporate social impact leaders and their teams. Through an annual membership, CSR and corporate social impact leaders and their teams gain access to actionable resources, insights, training and connections needed to advance their social impact goals and be recognized for their success. To learn more about becoming a member of the Corporate Service Council, email Points of Light.

About Points of Light

www.pointsoflight.org

Points of Light Hires Experienced Nonprofit Executive Leader and Innovator to Expand Support for Nonprofits

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering, is pleased to announce Vanessa Diamond as executive vice president, Global Network and Nonprofit Programs. Diamond will play a crucial role in expanding and strengthening Points of Light programs for nonprofits around the world. Diamond brings on-the-ground experience in community and civic engagement, as being a nonprofit founder and executive leader. Her global leadership roles have also prepared her for the opportunity to grow the reach and impact of the Points of Light Global Network. For three years she chaired the Global Network leadership assembly, pioneering a successful shared leadership model for global programming and capacity building efforts. Her intimate knowledge of our programs gives her the unique opportunity to bridge her experience and our strategy to deliver on what nonprofits need most.

“Nonprofits around the world are responding to the toughest community challenges – hunger, education, supporting the elderly, just to name a few,” said Diamond. “Yet they themselves are struggling to recruit volunteers, facing unprecedented funding challenges and increased uncertainty. I’m excited to step into this role and advocate for their work while building bridges that strengthen the social impact sector.” As Points of Light looks to deepen our capacity – building support for nonprofits and their volunteers – Diamond’s expertise brings innovation and lived experience to the team. “Vanessa is the leader we need to help nonprofits meet this moment,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO, Points of Light. “We know nonprofits are essential for meeting local community needs and 1/3 of their workforce is volunteers. Volunteering positively impacts people, communities and our society, but we only get there with healthy, effective nonprofits. I’m excited for her to join the team and drive forward our work to increase the number of people volunteering.”

Most recently, Diamond served as senior vice president of civic engagement for the Community Foundation for a Greater Richmond. In this capacity, she convened coalitions of community organizations, business leaders, institutions of higher education and government entities to help create a better ecosystem for civic engagement and nonprofit sustainability across the central Virginia region. She also led the Community Foundation’s Civic Engagement Team, which creates opportunities for people to learn about and engage with the Greater Richmond community, empowering individuals to give back with their time and voice in ways that feel meaningful and generate the most impact. Vanessa was a co-founder and director of HandsOn Greater Richmond, the region’s volunteer center which merged with the Community Foundation in 2018.

Prior to that, Diamond served in a variety of staff roles in national service programs, oversaw Virginia Commonwealth University’s Service Learning programming and was vice president of a regional nonprofit resource center, Partnership for Nonprofit Excellence. Vanessa received her bachelor’s degree from NC State University and her MPA from Virginia Commonwealth University. Diamond serves on local, national and international boards and committees to support civic innovation, including chair of the Points of Light Global Network Affiliate Assembly, past chair and member of Virginia Governor’s board for Volunteerism and National service, board member of the Virginia Service Foundation, and board member of America’s Service Commissions (ASC). She is a proud AmeriCorps alumni.

Points of Light Celebrates 8,000th Daily Point of Light Award Recipient

Points of Light honors Jacob Chow, a California teen and Guinness World Record holder, with the 8,000^th Daily Point of Light Award. The award, established in 1989 by President George H.W. Bush, celebrates the power of individuals to create change and improve communities. This significant milestone coincides with the celebration of Points of Light’s 35^th anniversary, highlighting the legacy and impactful work the organization continues by recognizing individuals for incredible volunteer efforts and advancing volunteering in the U.S. and around the world. Jacob has dedicated his life to helping others.

As a member of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), California’s largest youth-run nonprofit, Jacob quickly rose to become the Los Angeles chapter leader. He and his team of ten students work to provide essential items to those in need. Leveraging his connections in the shoe industry, Jacob led a record-breaking shoe drive that raised more than $1.1 million worth of footwear, providing nearly 22,000 pairs of shoes to more than 20,000 people. The remarkable effort earned Jacob and YPC a Guinness World Record for donating the most shoes in 24 hours. In the aftermath of the Eaton fires in Los Angeles, Jacob mobilized quickly, collecting shoes, cribs, clothing and other essentials for displaced residents. His efforts resulted in the collection of 6,000 pairs of shoes. Currently, Jacob leads the Pasadena Relief Boutique, an initiative providing free footwear and clothing to families recovering from the fires.

“Jacob’s dedication, quick thinking and ability to coordinate within his community to meet local needs exemplify the spirit of the Daily Point of Light Award,” said Jennifer Sirangelo, president and CEO of Points of Light. “His efforts demonstrate the difference one individual can make and the powerful impact of community service.” Jacob has dedicated his life to helping others, growing up in a family that values service and volunteering. “Seeing families and individuals happy and so thankful is the most rewarding part of the work I do to support my community,” said Jacob. “The smiles on the faces of the families we’ve helped, even if it’s just one pair of shoes, reminds me how thankful I am to be able to give back and help my community.” To learn more about the Daily Point of Light Award and nominate an individual supporting causes they care about, visit pointsoflight.org/daily-point-of-light.

About Points of Light

About the Daily Point of Light Award

For 35 years, Points of Light has been honoring individuals five days a week with its Daily Point of Light Award. This award honors individuals and groups creating meaningful change to meet community needs; efforts which often lead to long-term solutions and impact social problems in their local communities. President George H.W. Bush was the first president in American history to institute a daily presidential recognition program from the White House, conferring 1,020 Daily Point of Light Awards on citizens and organizations making a big difference in other people’s lives and solving community problems. Points of Light continues the recognition each weekday and now have 8,000 honorees to date.

Points of Light Taps Social Impact Strategist to Advance Volunteer Engagement

Points of Light, the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteering, is adding to its bench of experts by bringing on social impact strategist, Amber Melanie Smith. Smith will play a crucial role in advancing Points of Light’s coalition development efforts, with the goal of increasing volunteerism across the United States. As a social impact strategist, Smith brings nearly two decades of experience as the founder and executive director of Points of Light affiliate, Activate Good, in North Carolina.

While at Activate Good, Smith developed a comprehensive plan to boost volunteer engagement in Raleigh that mobilized more than 50,000 community members to support more than 600 partners. Recently, Smith launched ChangeKit, a venture dedicated to providing educational content, training and strategic support to nonprofit and social impact leaders to help them create clear and actionable pathways to amplify their community impact. “Upon hearing from Points of Light, I instantly knew this was something I had to be part of,” said Smith. “Supporting this project feels like the culmination of everything I’ve experienced, seen, learned, and done throughout my adult life in social impact work.” Smith has been recognized in Fast Company and the Philanthropy Journal for her innovative strategies, and her educational YouTube channel has reached more than 75,000 changemakers globally.

“Amber’s extensive expertise and unwavering passion for service make her an ideal fit for this project,” said Diane Quest, chief operating officer of Points of Light. “Volunteer engagement is vital to nonprofits and communities alike. Points of Light is eager to begin this work and our collaboration with Amber.”

With Smith on board, Points of Light continues its commitment to inspiring volunteering to foster healthier and more vibrant communities across the United States.

About Points of Light