POLF Three Essential Services

The Points of Light Foundation defines an essential service as a service that delivers one of the Core Competencies in a specific manner that will provide for consistent reliable experience for the constituent across the Network. These Core Competencies include:

• Connect people with the opportunities to serve
• Build the capacity for effective local volunteering,
• Promote volunteering
• Participate in strategic initiatives

The following brief explanations of the essential services links to materials that will help our member centers implement them.

Essential Service #1
Volunteer Centers must have “a web-based, searchable volunteer-matching software application that allows individuals and organizations to access and promote volunteer opportunities.” The essential service was created to promote consistent levels of service across the network and to connect volunteers with opportunities to serve. Click here for a guide to meeting this essential service.

Essential Service #2
Volunteer Centers must have “Volunteer management training for nonprofits and other organizations at least once every two years.” The essential service was created to promote consistent levels of service across the network and to promote volunteering. Click here for a guide to meeting this essential service.

Essential Service #3
Volunteer Centers must have “An annual volunteer recognition activity (program or event) that heightens awareness of volunteering in the community and recognizes community volunteers.” The essential service was created to promote consistent levels of service across the network and to promote volunteering.
Click here for a guide to meeting this essential service.