At Control Alt Delete, we see firsthand the transformative impact that volunteer support can have on our work—and on the volunteers themselves. When companies commit to corporate volunteering, they don’t just fulfill a civic duty—they become a force for lasting, grassroots change.

Why Corporate Volunteering Matters

Corporate volunteering is more than a team-building activity or a public relations opportunity. When done with intention and care, it becomes a bridge between business and community, connecting people with purpose.

In fact, every one of our community needs—whether it’s organizing essential supplies, or supporting awareness efforts—can be met with the power of volunteers. Imagine the collective impact if more businesses committed just a few hours a quarter to support small, local nonprofits. The ripple effect would be immediate and profound.

Start With What Matters to Your Team

The most effective corporate volunteer programs begin not with a Google search, but with a conversation.

Ask your team:

• What issues resonate most with us?

• What experiences or causes feel personal or important?

• What kind of impact do we want to make?

When a cause aligns with your company’s values or your employees’ passions, participation becomes meaningful and sustainable—not just another box to check.

Find a Grassroots Organization That Knows the Community

Larger nonprofits may offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities and established systems, making it easy to get involved. But don’t overlook grassroots organizations. These smaller nonprofits are often more deeply rooted in the communities they serve and more in tune with urgent, evolving needs.

At Control Alt Delete, we’re often able to respond quickly and flexibly to help people in immediate crisis because of our grassroots model. We know the landscape, and we know what works. That’s the value of working with a small, community-centered nonprofit: you’re working with people who are on the ground, every day, solving real problems.

Listen, Don’t Assume

One of the most important aspects of effective volunteering is respecting the nonprofit’s expertise.

Every organization has specific needs—and just as important, specific limitations. What may seem like a helpful idea might unintentionally create more work or go unused. For example:

• An agency that collects nonperishable food items likely won’t have the facilities, licensing, or capacity to handle hot, prepared meals—even if it’s well-intentioned.

• Control Alt Delete collects new and gently used tennis shoes for survivors—we know there’s a critical need for them. But we don’t have the space, time, or sorting capacity for full clothing donations. But know that when Control Alt Delete receives items we cannot use for Survivors, we share them with other grassroots nonprofits that can get them in the hands of the people that need them most. Nothing is ever wasted or disposed of.

The best way to help? Ask what’s needed. Nonprofits can tell you exactly what they need—and how your team can meet that need in a way that’s truly helpful. Flexibility and trust go a long way.

Choose a Partner That Welcomes Designated Donations

When selecting a nonprofit partner, look for organizations that not only accept donations but encourage you to designate how your funds are used. This is especially important for companies wanting to see direct impact. Designated giving ensures your resources go exactly where they’re needed most—and where your team feels most connected.

Volunteering Should Help, Not Hinder

At its best, volunteering uplifts everyone involved—the nonprofit, the community served, and the volunteers. But that only happens when support is thoughtful and aligned with the organization’s operations.

When companies bring in dozens of volunteers without clear roles, or deliver donations that don’t match what’s requested, it can strain resources instead of strengthening them. That’s why partnership, communication, and a little planning make all the difference.

Ready to Get Started?

Control Alt Delete welcomes corporate volunteers who are ready to make a real, practical difference. Whether collecting essential items like tennis shoes, hygiene items or supporting our awareness efforts, your time and energy matter.

Every community need can be met when businesses step up with purpose and humility—ready to serve, listen, and support in the ways that truly make an impact.

A great way to introduce your team to a variety of grassroots nonprofit organizations is to host a nonprofit introduction event. Invite several local nonprofits to give brief, 5-minute presentations highlighting their mission, the specific needs they address, and how businesses like yours can get involved. This format creates an efficient, engaging way for employees to learn about different causes, discover meaningful volunteer opportunities, and build connections with organizations that are making a direct impact in your community. It’s a simple, powerful way to spark partnerships rooted in purpose.