You’re not too busy growing your business to help out a non-profit. Helping a non-profit can help you grow your business.

How can non-profit organizations help market your business? By spending your time and efforts with non-profit organizations, you will create greater exposure for you and your business. I volunteer for several non-profits (two of my favorites are the Alzheimer’s Association and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society) and it’s one of my favorite things to do. I’m busy running my business, of course, so why do I make time to volunteer? It’s actually a great way to make connections which helps my business. Also, I like helping your community and a worthy cause. Let’s talk about various ways to find non-profit organizations in your area.

Why not ask your friends about worthy non-profits that they’re involved in? Joining together with your friends for an important cause sounds like fun. Also, working with a non-profit organization is a great way to receive word of mouth marketing for your business. When you seek out ways to help out the non-profit organization, including members of the organization, you will create a relationship with others and further your networking efforts.

Look online for non-profit organizations. A Google search can find quite a few, but there are other ways to find great non-profit organizations online. Check out VolunteerMatch, GreatNonprofits, or Guidestar. Volunteer Match connects you with causes that you care about and that need you. GreatNonprofits allows you to review a cause and has ratings for each cause. GuideStar rates non-profits to let you know which ones are legitimate and the best place to put your time and money. These are a few search engines specifically geared toward finding that perfect non-profit organization for you.

I know you’ve heard of United Way. Did you ever think of joining one of the United Way groups? Their Women’s Leadership Council or Young Adults group are ways to join groups of people making a lasting change. Also, by going to the United Way’s Volunteer search site, you can find opportunities to help your community. The search function allows you to narrow your search by skill (like education), category (such as senior services), and activity type (like meal preparation).

How about volunteering at your local food bank or soup kitchen? What a wonderful way to help out your community and those less fortunate as well as meet new people and expand your sphere of influence. Be sure to contact the food bank or soup kitchen for the times they need people the most. These places tend to have an abundance of volunteers around the holidays and would really welcome you to volunteer during other times as well. Search online in your area for your local food bank or soup kitchen.

Volunteering. It’s great for the community and for you. You earn valuable experience, increase your confidence, and develop new skills. You also get to meet new people and increase your business’ exposure all while helping out a worthy cause. But remember, be sure to do your homework and join a non-profit that fits you.

If you have had experience volunteering for a non-profit, please comment below and let us know what you got out of it.