First of all, we want to extend a huge thank you to the 30,534 individuals who donated more than $13.8 million to 855 nonprofit organizations during this year’s Big Day of Giving — the impact is immediate and extremely beneficial. This 24-hour giving day, organized by the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, provides unrestricted gifts that nonprofits can use where they are needed most, within our four-county region.

For example, the donations will purchase necessary supplies like formula and diapers, retain talented staff to execute critical programs, and boost nonprofits’ ability to carry out their missions. These donations come at a critical time as many nonprofits face looming cuts from federal and state grants, which will dramatically impact our community well into the future.

While dollar donations are mission critical and help to keep the figurative lights on at many nonprofits, donors also contributed volunteer hours as part of the Big Day of Giving. The donation of time is invaluable for a variety of reasons, including:

• Volunteers often provide professional expertise that would otherwise be unaffordable for many nonprofits — ranging from legal advice to marketing support.

• Hands-on volunteers help extend the organization’s capacity, allowing more services to be delivered without proportionate increases in operating costs.

• Consistent volunteer involvement fosters deeper community engagement and trust, which, in turn, strengthens the nonprofit’s reach and long-term impact.

• Volunteers often become the most passionate advocates and ambassadors for the organization.

• Volunteer involvement can lead to long-term donor relationships, as many volunteers go on to become financial supporters after witnessing the organization’s impact firsthand.

Now that the 2025 Big Day of Giving is in our rearview mirror, the community is urged to continue to help support nonprofit organizations by giving their time, experience, and skill set. From the 1,300 organizations listed on GivingEdge.org, the community’s nonprofit database, over half are seeking volunteers right now. From one-time event set up, to weekly tutoring, to quarterly donation sorting and board service, volunteer opportunities abound. Volunteer requirements range from age and availability to specialized skills like carpentry and graphic design. Filters help community members identify volunteer opportunities or explore board service by location, mission, size, and needs.

In fact, the most in-demand type of volunteer role needed is board service. These volunteer leaders guide nonprofit missions, ensure good governance, and help build sustainable futures. On average, one in five local nonprofits is looking to fill board positions, particularly in the human services and housing sectors. A recent Sacramento Venture Philanthropy survey found that many nonprofits are specifically seeking board members with experience in finance, fundraising, and strategic planning.

Board members bring valuable assets and experience, along with outside perspective. Boards are more commonly expanding their reach during member recruitment to include current and past service recipients. This helps organizations ensure those with lived experience can contribute to strategic ways to address challenges. Organizations of every size are looking for volunteers like you to help enhance their board make up.

The estimated value of a volunteer hour is $38.61 in California*, demonstrating how vital volunteers are to the health of our communities. It is nearly impossible for nonprofits to create change without the valuable support of volunteers. Additionally, many corporations provide time off or work and/or financial matches to their employees who contribute volunteer hours. This provides a great perk for an individual wanting to give back, knowing that their service hours will go even further.

Many companies also utilize volunteerism as a successful employee benefit. With opportunities to volunteer in large groups and promote team building along with offering paid time off to serve locally for individual employees, our community benefits from businesses who include volunteerism as part of their company culture.

On Big Day of Giving, nearly 1,000 individuals indicated they would like to begin volunteering for the organization they supported with a financial gift. With a pledge of at least 10 hours, hundreds of nonprofits are now poised to strengthen their service delivery thanks to these individuals. Animal organizations received the highest commitment of volunteer pledges with 17 percent. Others mission categories included human services such as serving food and counseling (13 percent), arts, culture and humanities (13 percent), education (10 percent) and youth development (10 percent).

Please harness the energy and momentum behind Big Day of Giving and continue to make an impact locally. Find a nonprofit organization that can benefit from your expertise, your in-kind donations, your advocacy, your voice. With thousands of nonprofits providing nearly every imaginable and needed service in our community, your contribution of time will help shape a brighter and more vibrant region for us all.

*2025 Value of Volunteer Time study was conducted by Independent Sector, the only national membership organization that brings together a diverse community of changemakers, nonprofits, foundations, and corporations working to strengthen civil society and ensure all people in the United States thrive.

About Sacramento Region Community Foundation

Kerry Wood is CEO of the Sacramento Region Community Foundation. Since 1983, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation has awarded over $275 million in grants and scholarships on behalf of local people, families, and businesses — and through its flagship program to grow charitable giving in the capital area, Big Day of Giving. The center of philanthropy in the capital area, the Foundation’s mission is to lead, serve, and inspire enduring philanthropy for a just and vibrant Sacramento region. Learn more at www.sacregcf.org.

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