Project Idea Development

In developing your Day of Caring project, ask yourself these questions:

• What activities/projects would my organization like to tackle, but never can due to time or staffing restrictions? Be selfish. Think about what will work for your organization’s benefit…and do not forget that we welcome more than one Day of Caring project!

• What activities/projects will educate and interest others in a positive way about my organization? Remember that volunteers will tell others about their Day of Caring experience and become ambassadors for you in the community.

• How does this project connect to the mission of my organization? You want volunteers to carry your message into the community. Your project should connect to the work that you do on a daily basis.

• How much volunteer time do we need for our project – and are our expectations realistic? The volunteers’ time should be planned wisely. They should be kept busy – neither bored nor overwhelmed – and project “completion” should offer them a sense of accomplishment.

• Is this a project that you (or a fellow employee) would like to do as a volunteer? If the answer to this question is no, then re-think your project! The project needs to incorporate FUN – either in the project work itself or in “extras” you plan for the volunteers as part of their total Day of Caring experience.

• Project ideas are endless so be creative! The only restriction we ask is that the project not be an organization fundraiser, as Day of Caring will kick-off the United Way Community Campaign. 

Successful Former Projects:

• Cooked and served lunch to clients in a shelter—connected to the organization’s mission of reducing food insecurity in the community
• Hosted a playground clean-up day (weeding, raking, planting, mulching, etc.)—created a safer environment for children and families using the playground
• Planted a garden with clients to create “curb appeal” for a site—made a place that people were proud to come to for needed services
• Painted cottages at a residential youth facility—helped to increase pride in a place where youth are working to improve their lives
• Installed adaptive equipment at a facility—created unrestricted usage of a large facility for clients with special needs
• Read stories with children at an early learning center—helped children increase their literacy skills
• Cleared hiking trails and walking paths—created a safe environment for youth groups to explore nature
• Held an “exercise” party for clients and served healthy snacks—increased life enjoyment and taught healthy eating skills to an at-risk population
• Taught clients how to use computers—increased job skills and helped clients work toward increasing family assets
• Built, painted and installed organization’s signage—increased visibility making it easier for clients to access its services
• And many more!

If you have any further questions, please email Day of Caring project manager Libby Richardson or call (860) 493-1109.