HandsOn Suburban Chicago seeks 50 companies for campaign

HandsOn Suburban Chicago, as part of the national A Billion + Change initiative, is seeking 50 local companies to commit to this campaign in order to mobilize $1 billion of pro bono and skills-based service by 2013 to address core issues our communities face.

Since November 2011, more than 250 companies have taken this pledge, committing an estimated $1.9 billion worth of skills-based or pro bono services to build nonprofit capacity.

A Billion + Change strategically aligns philanthropy and business goals, and provides a platform for enhanced collaboration, leadership development and community visibility for the company and its employees.

On a local level, HOSC strives to engage businesses in solving community issues. As title sponsor of the Business Ledger’s 2013 Guide to Business Philanthropy & Social Responsibility, HOSC continues to build awareness and facilitate relationships between businesses and local nonprofits, assisting companies in developing employee volunteer programs and finding causes they wish to support.

“There are so many ways that businesses of any size can get involved,” said Patty Neuswanger, director of Community Engagement & Development for HOSC. “We are fully embracing this national initiative on a local level because it is the perfect way for companies in our service area to show commitment to community service and demonstrate measurable contribution.”

To participate, companies are asked to commit to creating or expanding a skills-based volunteer program in their workplace. The company pledges a specific amount of hours that are tracked and attached to a monetary hourly value, which generates an actual dollar amount of contribution.

There is no cost and pledging can be done online in just a few moments. Pledge now to Billion + Change and join the growing list of companies that have already pledged.

Companies have found this pro bono approach helps them achieve a “triple bottom line” by adding value to the company, its employees and the community as a whole. It is a strategic, proven approach that helps the nonprofit sector achieve greater scale, sustainability, and impact while simultaneously providing an outstanding return on investment.

According to Deloitte’s 2011 Volunteer Survey, skilled volunteer engagements provide valuable learning opportunities that respond to millenials’ voracious appetite for professional development, leadership roles and stimulating and rewarding work.

Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics state that for nonprofits and communities, the value of skilled support in areas such as general operations, technology and professional services can be 500 percent greater than the value of traditional volunteering.

For more information, visit www.abillionpluschange.org.

HandsOn Suburban Chicago (HOSC), a nonprofit 501(c)(3), has been inspiring, equipping and mobilizing people to volunteer and take action that builds vibrant and prosperous communities for more than 40 years. Last year alone, HOSC recruited and referred over 10,000 volunteers for more than 200 member agencies, nonprofits and schools, and provides other support to local charitable organizations, such as consultations and trainings.

Part of the national HandsOn Network, HOSC service area includes 45 core communities in Chicagoland and a population of over 1.6 million residents.

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