The United Way Volunteer & Community Resource Center (VCRC) recently learned it will be a local partner in a national Challenge Grant, bringing an additional $14,000 in federal funding to Martin County.

The Challenge Grant is designed to promote volunteer opportunities for the baby boomer generation. The funding originates from the Corporation for National and Community Service and is sub-granted through the Points of Light Foundation to local volunteer centers. VCRC is one of just 14 volunteer centers nationwide that are partners in the Challenge Grant, which became effective in March.

VCRC applied for the Challenge Grant to support the development of the Executive Service Corps of the Treasure Coast. The effort is designed to engage high-caliber volunteers who will serve as consultants to help local nonprofit agencies achieve their goals.

The volunteer consultants of the Executive Service Corps will address a variety of management issues, such as strategic planning, board development, human resources, marketing, financial management, and organizational analysis. The Corps also will help nonprofits become better prepared to deal with disaster and serve people impacted by the hurricanes.

VCRC has invited agency executive directors to an introductory meeting about the Executive Service Corps, 8:30 a.m. May 4 at Hospice of the Treasure Coast, 1201 SE Indian St., Stuart.

FEDERAL FUNDING FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS

In addition to being the source of the Challenge Grant, the Corporation for National and Community Service is the federal entity that grants more than $85,000 annually to VCRC to operate the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) in Martin County. United Way of Martin County is the local sponsor of both programs, matching the federal dollars with the required local dollars.

“Volunteer centers are a tremendous resource for any county where they exist,” said Carol Hodnett, director of VCRC. “In Martin County, VCRC brings in more than $100,000 in state and federal funding each year to support volunteer services, which are multiplied many times over.”

For example, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program, in its 16th year in Martin County, has 980 registered volunteers age 55 and better. During 2005, those volunteers reported 72,300 in service at more than 100 nonprofit agencies, schools, libraries and faith-based organizations.

The total value of that volunteer service is an estimated $1,304,292, according to the Independent Sector, a coalition of nonprofit organizations and foundations that placed the value of volunteer time for 2005 at $18.04 per hour.

ABOUT VCRC

The United Way Volunteer & Community Resource Center engages people of all ages and backgrounds in volunteer service that enriches the individual and strengthens the community.

Its many local projects include the White Doves Holiday Project, the School Supplies for Students Drive, disaster services, the Florida Volunteer Administration Certification training course, and the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP). It also works with more than 100 nonprofit agencies, schools, libraries, civic and faith-based organizations countywide, placing and supporting volunteers.

For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, please call (772) 220-4472 or visit www.martinvolunteers.org.