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HALO Award Stories
We hope to inspire greater investments in volunteer programs—from individuals, nonprofits, and funders—beyond HALO.
Recognizing that volunteerism is a powerful force for good, the HALO Award seeks to strengthen nonprofit organizations through supporting volunteer programs and recognizing extraordinary volunteers.
In the Award’s 10th year, our community reflects on the impact of investing in volunteer programs and shares their experiences in their HALO Award Stories.
Featured Stories
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
Sister Terry Dodge
The Nonprofit Journey
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Daisy Sanchez
The Nonprofit Journey
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Jennifer Lieberstein
Funder Reflections
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
“This work is HARD...and nonprofits across LA are digging in.”
Cassie Roque
The Nonprofit Journey
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Samuel Herod
The Volunteer Perspective
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
“Volunteerism is the backbone of any nonprofit.”
Sarah Ali
Funder Reflections
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
“Driving resources towards capacity building in nonprofit organizations is essential to their success.”
More HALO Stories below, and also...
Want to know more about the impact on organizations by investing in volunteer programs? Explore what the Foundation has learned over the past decade of this capacity building initiative.
Inspired to start volunteering? Interested in utilizing HALO insights for your own organization? Looking to invest in volunteer programs?
The Volunteer Perspective
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
Jaclyn’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
“HALO changed our perspective and made us realize that we have a lot that we can offer to our volunteers.”
Angelita’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
“When we volunteer...we’re helping staff have more chances at creating the best type of program that they can...”
Cindy’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
“Our focus was on the recruitment, training, and retention of Garden volunteers...”
Felita’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
“Now...I always introduce myself as the Board of Director volunteer.”
Patricia’s Story
Beauty Bus Foundation
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
“I have been acknowledged...in the past, however the HALO Award is the most cherished and meaningful to me.”
Samuel’s Story
CASA of Los Angeles
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
“This Award not only helped CASA of Los Angeles, but it helped the [nonprofit] in my community too.”
The HALO Program Year
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
Rachel’s Story
My Friend’s Place
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
“In a year where it was easy to feel disconnected and isolated, we developed a community of support with each other.”
Shelly & Keith’s Story
St. Joseph Center
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
“We designed a volunteer services plan to expand and diversify our volunteer pool, which will only magnify the impact we have on those we serve.”
Way-Ting’s Story
Blue Garnet
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
“I’ve been able to work with over 50 organizations from Cohorts 2 through 10—and throughout the years, I get to see these little moments of transformation…with each organization.”
Ingrid’s Story
Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
“The idea of a volunteer survey was born, which really helped inform how to prioritize our volunteer management plan, moving forward.”
Valeria’s Story
POPS the Club
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
“We built a community that allowed us to be vulnerable and lean on each other, and it was really important to have at this time.”
Madeline’s Story
Blue Garnet
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
“We are not alone in our struggles with volunteer management.”
The Nonprofit Journey
Benjamin’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
Suzette’s Story
Mar Vista Family Center
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
Rob’s Story
“The HALO Award’s workshops I attended were essential in helping us streamline and organize our volunteer efforts during our weekly Sunday meal distribution event.”
Anne’s Story
San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
Alison’s Story
Safe Place for Youth
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
Lucinda’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
Nancy Carol’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
Beth’s Story
Stars
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
Ann’s Story
A Place Called Home
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
Sister Terry’s Story
Crossroads, Inc.
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Cassie’s Story
Venice Family Clinic
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Daisy’s Story
Bresee Foundation
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Benjamin’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
Suzette’s Story
Mar Vista Family Center
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
Rob’s Story
“The HALO Award’s workshops I attended were essential in helping us streamline and organize our volunteer efforts during our weekly Sunday meal distribution event.”
Anne’s Story
San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
Alison’s Story
Safe Place for Youth
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
Lucinda’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
Nancy Carol’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
Beth’s Story
Stars
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
Ann’s Story
A Place Called Home
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
Sister Terry’s Story
Crossroads, Inc.
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Cassie’s Story
Venice Family Clinic
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Daisy’s Story
Bresee Foundation
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Benjamin’s Story
Los Angeles United Methodist Urban Foundation
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
“We’ve been able to pave the way for new major roles and to instill a sense of confidence, ownership, and agency within our volunteers at the Kid City program.”
Suzette’s Story
Mar Vista Family Center
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
“I went from viewing the impact of the HALO Award from an outside perspective, to now being fully immersed and responsible for holding that position.”
Rob’s Story
“The HALO Award’s workshops I attended were essential in helping us streamline and organize our volunteer efforts during our weekly Sunday meal distribution event.”
Anne’s Story
San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
“Now, our ranks have grown and our volunteer membership has greatly diversified, meaning that we can meet our mission better than ever before.”
Alison’s Story
Safe Place for Youth
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
“The HALO Award allowed us to systematize how we were onboarding volunteers, collecting their data, making sure that we were taking care and training our volunteers to a really high standard…”
Lucinda’s Story
California Botanic Garden
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
“The HALO Award year was an absolutely terrific opportunity for our volunteers—working in close partnership with our staff—to really advance the volunteer program...”
Nancy Carol’s Story
Pasadena Educational Foundation
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
“HALO helped us go on the right path, and enabled us to really make our community stronger.”
Beth’s Story
Stars
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
“It helped us understand the significance of organizational culture, and how to best set that up for our volunteers.”
Ann’s Story
A Place Called Home
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
“The opportunity for our team to come together and create volunteer ‘paths’ was a really powerful takeaway from our APCH cohort experience with the HALO Award group.”
Sister Terry’s Story
Crossroads, Inc.
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
“It was that capacity building—helping us think outside the box—that helped us to move beyond this obstacle that was put in front of us.”
Cassie’s Story
Venice Family Clinic
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
“This enabled us to think completely differently about how volunteers were leveraged throughout the Clinic.”
Daisy’s Story
Bresee Foundation
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
“Volunteer work can play an important role in the process of bettering communities.”
Funder Reflections
Alyssa’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
Jennifer’s Story
UniHealth Foundation
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
Sean’s Story
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
Jacqueline’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
Dorothy’s Story
W.M. Keck Foundation
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
Diana’s Story
South Central LAMP
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
Chris's Story
Street Poets, Inc.
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
Jennifer’s Story
Program Consultant
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
Sarah's Story
Philanthropic Advisor
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
The Foundation's Story
How the HALO Award was created.
Alyssa’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
Jennifer’s Story
UniHealth Foundation
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
Sean’s Story
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
Jacqueline’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
Dorothy’s Story
W.M. Keck Foundation
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
Diana’s Story
South Central LAMP
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
Chris's Story
Street Poets, Inc.
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
Jennifer’s Story
Program Consultant
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
Sarah's Story
Philanthropic Advisor
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
The Foundation's Story
How the HALO Award was created.
Alyssa’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
“Having the opportunity to read the heartfelt volunteer nominations, exciting hopes and plans laid out in their application narratives—and then being able to offer the support to realize those goals, is truly a rewarding and inspiring position to be in, year after year.”
Jennifer’s Story
UniHealth Foundation
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
“I was struck by how thoughtful and reflective the Awards process was, for incorporating the experience of the individual volunteer.”
Sean’s Story
The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
“I realized just how integral volunteerism was to many organizations. It wasn't just an add-on…in many cases it was a core part of an organization's work—really, a core value.”
Jacqueline’s Story
The Carl & Roberta Deutsch Foundation
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
“If we strengthen the volunteer program, we are also building the capacity, strength, and sustainability of the organization.”
Dorothy’s Story
W.M. Keck Foundation
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
“[The Selection Committee]’s broad range of experiences and thoughtful perspectives made for a stimulating and fruitful discussion.”
Diana’s Story
South Central LAMP
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
“I really learned how difficult the process is to select a few grantees when you have so many incredible agencies in Los Angeles, really doing a great job making the lives of those they serve better.”
Chris's Story
Street Poets, Inc.
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
“It amplifies the volunteer spirit in this city, and shines a light on those who give selflessly and give from their hearts…”
Jennifer’s Story
Program Consultant
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
“It’s humanity at its best—and it’s absolutely inspiring.”
Sarah's Story
Philanthropic Advisor
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
“Volunteerism is a love letter to your community.”
The Foundation's Story
How the HALO Award was created.
HALO Award Insights
Want to know more about the impact on organizations by investing in volunteer programs? Explore what the Foundation has learned over the past decade of this capacity building initiative.
Take Action
Inspired to start volunteering? Interested in utilizing HALO insights for your own organization? Looking to invest in volunteer programs?
Apply for HALO
Ready to take your volunteer program to the next level? Find out about our next application cycle and consider applying.
Share Your Feedback
We would greatly appreciate your feedback on HALO Stories in this short survey.
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