The City of Raleigh’s Volunteer Raleigh Enrichment Fund (VREF) supports non-profit organizations seeking to build community through volunteerism. Community-oriented non-profits can apply for one of seven $1,000 awards designed to enhance volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition.
The fund supports projects designed by non-profits to enhance the volunteer experience within an organization and encourage volunteerism across our City and its surrounding communities. Previous funding has enabled organizations to support volunteers serving in a variety of settings, including community outreach, public health, social justice, education and youth, food security, economic impact, animal services, and environmental impact.
These four types of projects are eligible for Volunteer Raleigh Enrichment Funds:
- Volunteer Recognition: To create opportunities or events to show volunteer appreciation.
Examples: Service awards, volunteer welcome gifts, food truck celebration - Volunteer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: To diversify and expand volunteerism in under-represented communities.
Examples: Neighborhood volunteer drives, targeted ads, DEI training for staff - Volunteer Digital Storytelling: To create opportunities to share volunteer stories through a digital format.
Examples: Professional services for video production, equipment - Volunteer Supplies/Resources: To support volunteerism through the purchase of materials needed to complete volunteer work.
Examples: Purchase materials needed to make or create service projects
Eligibility requirements include:
- Operated by an organization with a 501(c)(3) status with and active Volunteer Raleigh Memorandum of Understanding
- Provide a volunteer benefit and be free and accessible to program volunteers and potential volunteers
- Emphasize services and carried out with volunteerism in mind
- Demonstrate community involvement
- Occur within the Raleigh City Limits
Applications for the VREF are open April 3-28. To apply, please complete the online form. Contact volunteer.raleigh@raleighnc.gov with any questions.