In a community impact study issued by VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, the region’s nonprofit resource center, respondents identified transportation, homelessness, drugs and education as the most critical areas facing Hampton Roads.  The organization issued the survey as part of its activities to commemorate its 50^th anniversary in 2007.  “The goal of the survey was to discover the key concerns in our region that must be addressed by the nonprofit sector,” notes Elizabeth Lloyd, president & CEO.  “Surveys were sent to nonprofit professionals, business leaders, government representatives and volunteers in order to capture the opinion of our community and to identify the impact nonprofits, including VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads, must make in addressing these concerns.”

The web-based survey was conducted by Vistas Volunteer Management Solutions, a New Jersey based business committed to improving the strategic operations of nonprofits and businesses that support nonprofits.  Other findings indicate that Hampton Roads residents recognize that the nonprofit sector plays an important role in helping the community address issues.  However, funding was cited as the most critical need of nonprofit organizations, suggesting the ability to respond may be constrained. 

Results also give a high rating to VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads’ performance in supporting workplace volunteerism, training nonprofit professionals and volunteers, managing volunteer projects, and serving as an overall resource to the nonprofit sector.  Nearly one-third of respondents indicated that all nonprofits must proactively seek opportunities for collaboration in order to successfully address community needs.  Finally, mobilizing volunteers was considered to be an important part of community well being, and respondents suggested that civic engagement of volunteers will be even more important of the next three years. 

“VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads has evolved from a volunteer clearinghouse into a powerful nonprofit resource center,” says Lloyd.  “This shift reflects the economic growth of Hampton Roads and the increased sophistication of the nonprofit sector.  Looking ahead, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads will continue to undergo dynamic change.  As demographics shift and changes in industry, government and social policies occur, community needs also will be impacted and change.  In this environment, nonprofit organizations will be challenged to adapt their missions and operating strategies to provide appropriate responses to challenging conditions.  Given this scenario, VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads’ role has never been more relevant.”

VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads is among a handful of area organizations that can help create systemic change and increase the capability of nonprofits to achieve their missions and deliver their programs to collectively address the needs of the over one million residents in southeastern Virginia. 

As the organization faces its 50^th anniversary, it is preparing for the next 50 years of service to Hampton Roads. The survey will be used to set the organization’s agenda of key community issues to be addressed.  It also will help address VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads’ program development to prepare the nonprofit sector and its volunteers respond effectively to community needs.

To see the results of the survey, click here.