megan888
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If you volunteer for an organization located somewhere that typically charges for parking or has harder-to-find free parking (e.g. downtown), does the organization typically pay for your parking? Or are you expected to pay for it/find it yourself?
Thanks!
Liner Notes
Short North
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I haven't had to pay to park for volunteering as of yet. However, I do know that if you itemize your tax return, travel expenses are deductible.
Lakee911
Clintonville (South)
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rus
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megan888 wrote >>
If you volunteer for an organization located somewhere that typically charges for parking or has harder-to-find free parking (e.g. downtown), does the organization typically pay for your parking? Or are you expected to pay for it/find it yourself?
Thanks!
find it / pay for it yourself.
lifeontwowheels
Highland West
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The parking is always free w/ us (for volunteers who bike).
brothermarcus
West Siiiide
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I have experience with one agency that does make sure volunteers are reimbursed for downtown parking, can't say that this is representative of all agencies or that even this agency would continue to do it if the budget turned south. fyi, fwiw.
Ezmerelda74
Clintonville
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I work for a downtown non-profit, New Directions Career Center. Three years ago we moved our office from a location that included unlimited parking, to a location where our parking is so limited that we don't have enough spaces for staff, more or less the clients that come for the career counseling and career programs we offer.
The shift has been beyond difficult and increasingly expensive to the organization. In any given month, we've added more than $1500 in parking fees for our clients alone, and struggle daily to make the parking situation work. It is a very delicate balance to make sure we're never paying for too much parking.
The decision had to be made, rather recently, to ask our volunteers to pay for parking when they come to our location. It was difficult to ask volunteers - some who have volunteered for nearly our entire 30 year existence - to pay for what we used to be able to provide for free. However it was honestly a matter of our bottom line.
In order to increase our services, we have had to pay for more of our clients' parking and travel expenses - using those funds that used to be allocated for volunteers. Instead, we have provided instructions regarding parking options in the area - meters, paid lots, and "try at your own risk" situations. The request was done with a heavy heart and much concern for our dedicated volunteers. For the most part, the reception has been good. We've had a few who have expressed concern - more often relative to safety rather than the expense.
If you are considering volunteering for an organization who is requesting that you pay for your own parking, I encourage you to really weigh the merits of your time.
*Is this an organization with a mission you truly want to support?
*Review the agency's financials. Is this a fiscally responsible organization? Do you feel your monetary dedication in the form of parking fees is justified given their expenditures?
*Keep track of your financial layout for these organizations - As Liner Notes indicated, several expenses are available as a tax write-off when volunteering, speak to a tax professional.
*Finally, do you feel that the expertise and experience you are giving and receiving is worthy of the cost of your parking? Would the agency be better to have your cash donation? If you're paying $5.00 a week to volunteer, but you aren't enjoying it, or feel that what you have to provide isn't truly that helpful - could your $260 annual donation be more impactful?
For many agencies, volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization. They bring in expertise, experience and opportunities that the organization simply cannot afford to obtain without the kindness of stranger-friends. Being a part of a non-profit as an employee has changed my life. I believe that with a good match, any volunteer can see their time and energies result in good within their community. If the match is good, I don't believe the sacrifices are felt.
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