Turn Your Volunteer Time Into Donations With Workplace Giving

Last year, The Mountaineers community gave over 182,654 volunteer hours. We're grateful for each volunteer who donated their time to support our mission.

Did you know the impact of your time spent volunteering with The Mountaineers can be multiplied? Many employers offer volunteer hour matching programs, which can translate into real financial support for our mission. Whether you’re leading trips, teaching courses, or helping out at events, your employer might be able to match your time with dollars. Matching programs are one of the easiest ways to amplify your impact at no extra cost to you.

What is Volunteer Hour Matching?

Volunteer hour matching is a type of workplace giving program where companies donate funds to a nonprofit based on the number of hours their employees volunteer. This support often comes as a dollar amount per hour volunteered, and some companies even offer grant opportunities for employees who meet certain thresholds.

These programs are designed to encourage employee engagement in the community and amplify the value of time given to nonprofit organizations like The Mountaineers.

How Does It Work?

The process usually looks something like this:

1. Volunteer with The Mountaineers. Whether you're leading a trip, instructing a course, serving on a committee, or helping at an event, your volunteer time is eligible.
   
2. Track your hours. The Mountaineers website makes it easy to see and track your volunteer history. Simply log in to view your hours under your profile. (If you’re missing volunteer hours on your profile, reach out and we'll help you get those added.)
   
3. Submit your hours. Most companies have an internal portal where you can log your volunteer hours. Some may ask for verification, which we’re happy to provide: just email us at development@mountaineers.org.
   
4. Matching funds are sent. After your hours are approved by your employer, they send a matching donation to The Mountaineers on your behalf, usually within 4-6 weeks after you submit.
   

Depending on your employer, matching funds could be $10, $25, or more per hour in support of The Mountaineers.

Real Mountaineers, Real Impact

In Fiscal Year 2024, matched volunteer hours brought in tens of thousands of dollars to support our mission. This support directly strengthens our Conservation & Advocacy work, Youth and Partner Programs, leadership development, and much more!

Longtime volunteer and course leader Glauco Ferrari, who works at Microsoft, shares, “There’s a simple internal system where I log my Mountaineers hours after leading a trip or course. Submitting takes less than five minutes, and my employer does the rest.” Glauco’s employer donates for every hour he volunteers, multiplying the value of his time spent outside investing in our community.

Fellow Microsoft employee and Youth Programs volunteer Dragana Lassiter agrees. “I submit my hours when I close my hikes. It’s really easy, especially since The Mountaineers website already tracks most of them.” She recommends building the habit early and setting reminders to submit hours regularly.

What Types of Volunteer Work Are Eligible?

Employer’s policies may vary, but the following types of Mountaineers volunteer work typically qualify:

• Leading or instructing courses and activities
  
• Supporting youth or adult programs
  
• Committee meeting participation
• Participating in Mountaineers stewardship activities
  
• Event support (e.g., volunteering at lectures or our annual Gala)
  

If you're not sure whether your volunteer activity qualifies, check with your HR department or employee portal.

How Do I Get Started?

1. Talk to your HR team. Ask if your company has a volunteer hour matching program. (Here is a list of companies we know of that offer volunteer matching.)
   
2. Search internal portals. Use your company’s giving platform to look up The Mountaineers using our Tax ID: 27-3009280.
   
3. Submit your volunteer hours. Reference the hours recorded in your Mountaineers profile or export them to make reporting easier.
   
4. Reach out if you need help. We’re here to support you. Email us at development@mountaineers.org if you need help verifying hours or confirming eligibility.
   

Helpful Info for Submissions

• EIN (Tax ID): 27-3009280
  
• Mailing address: 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
  
• Organization type: 501(c)(3) nonprofit
  
• Volunteer recognition: Matching contributions received in honor of your volunteer time may count towards your membership dues, including elevated membership types such as Ridgeline or Peak Society.