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We recently put together a list of things that sets VolunteerConnector apart. We have never been very good about bragging about ourselves so this is good stuff! 

Why the VolunteerConnector 

VolunteerConnector is the only Canada-wide platform that blends national reach with unique local needs, equity-first design, and sector-shaping data — empowering every organization, from grassroots to large-scale, to engage volunteers inclusively and effectively. 

National Reach + Local Relevance 

The VolunteerConnector connects 5,000+ organizations and over 1.5 million volunteers across 293+ communities. 

Most competitors are either hyper-local or purely national; VolunteerConnector blends nationwide accessibility with localized support, customization, and relationships, including regional partnerships and on-the-ground sector connections. 

Regional partners and volunteers help shape the platform based on their experience and knowledge of community needs. 

Equity-Driven Volunteer Engagement 

The VolunteerConnector shifts the responsibility for inclusive engagement onto organizations — a major differentiator from platforms that focus solely on supporting organizations. 

This reframes volunteerism as systemic change work, not just matching skills to needs, aligning with social sector values and priorities. 

The VolunteerConnector integrates anti-racism and accessibility principles directly into the digital platform, making equity practical and scalable. 

Data-Backed Sector Influence 

The VolunteerConnector holds one of the largest datasets on volunteer behaviour in Canada, showing who engages, how, and where barriers exist. 

This insight is not only operationally useful; it positions us as a thought leader capable of influencing policy, funding priorities, and best practices for volunteerism nationwide. 

Competitors may track volume, but few transform that data into storytelling, advocacy, and sector capacity-building. 

We are a nonprofit with over 65 years of experience supporting volunteers and organizations. 

Technology + Human Support 

Many platforms are just volunteer postings or just management software. VolunteerConnector is both, a digital recruitment tool with built-in volunteer management software. 

The platform provides sector-specific support 24/7, along with coaching and resources that help organizations improve their practices — all for free. 

Our widget and API-like integrations give partners customized access to the platform that aligns with their branding, streamlining postings and support for local communities. 

We are not profit-driven — our priority is removing barriers and creating more connections for volunteers to support the organizations they care about in the communities where they live. 

We are committed to continuous improvement and investment in the platform to ensure the needs of volunteers, organizations, and regional partners are met. 

Low Barrier for All Sizes of Organizations 

Grassroots groups, large institutions, and everything in between can join without the barrier of a fee or technical complexity. 

This democratization means VolunteerConnector isn’t just serving the “usual suspects” — we are expanding the volunteer pool and improving access and representation across the sector. 

We have some awesome features that help humans connect with volunteers and ease in a way that works best for the organization!  One of the features that used to be behind the paywall but is now available for everyone to use; a live url link to your own internal application process. That could be a google form or another software you use to process the applications. Volunteers can use this link to go directly from VolunteerConnector to your system. Less steps make it helpful for the human who is looking to engage with the cause they care about. This awesome feature can be found under the postings heading. Simply put your link right in the field and publish your posting like that. No more using the workaround of trying to include a link in the description of the role. Features like this come as a direct result of feedback from users of VolunteerConnector; organizations and volunteers. If you have insights to share with us, do not hesitate to get in touch. If you need any help using this tool let us know! 

VolunteerConnector is a platform that exists on the world wide web, which is very cool! It also offers a hyper-local solution to people looking to be connected inside their community! It is the best of both worlds helps humans to build thriving community whatever that version is for them! There are three spots when posting your opportunity that can help ensure the humans you want to see your postings are. We have this handy little sheet to help you make the best out of those features!

Remote- use this toggle if it does not matter where a volunteer is located. Remote means someone can be in a different time zone and at a coffee shop or in their living room! It does not mean 

Address- use this for the physical location of role. If you are needing humans live and, in the flesh, (think a festival, museum greeter, youth programming, fitness instructor) use the most accurate location for where this work is occurring. People need to know where they need to be and if that works for them. 

Audience- you get to choose where your opportunity will show up for people. If you are thinking the humans, you need are in your postal code select local. If you are looking for someone who lives anywhere across the country than national is the space, you need. If you are looking for support in different provinces or territories, you can directly target them as well. Choose the option that works best for you and what is reasonable for the person seeing this opportunity

In the past 30 days the conversation around corporate volunteer groups has come up a lot. It is this season that puts a magnifying glass on what can be a tough experience for both organizations and the humans inside a company, all to the tune of a lovely holiday jingle. 

Volunteering should always feel meaningful for both parties. Volunteer Canada has put together this helpful resource for organizations and corporations in thinking about engaging in a mutually beneficial relationship. Volunteer Canada (2023, November 14). Different Ways to Engage with Your Local Business Community [PowerPoint Slides]. Centerville Network Forum – November 2023, Volunteer Canada.

If you are looking to work with an organization in your area, have a look on VolunteerConnector and start next year off with a conversation.