There is nothing more valuable than your time. By giving some of that time by choosing a volunteer opportunity for your company, you'll be helping the community as well as fostering a team building environment.

You can find a ton of volunteer opportunities from small and large non-profits in need. The best volunteer programs for you to engage in often are linked to what your employees are most interested in, so before making a commitment to any volunteer organizations, poll your employees to find out where they'd like to donate their time.

1. Look for local volunteer programs for your business.

2. Get involved with a national-level non-profit charity.

3. Take your team and volunteer abroad.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Look for local volunteer programs

Volunteering with a local non-profit will improve your relationship with the community. It's also easier to network and get good word-of-mouth marketing when you affiliate yourself with a local charity.

I recommend: Search for a local charity by zip code at 1-800-Volunteer.org. Local Independent Charities of America is a membership of 700 small charities; see if there's one near you. VolunteerMatch is the most comprehensive database of volunteering opportunities, with multiple search options.

Get hooked up with a national or international volunteer organizations

If you're running your business at an enterprise-level, you might benefit more from having a relationship with one of the big non-profits. Besides holding fund raisers or volunteering locally, you can also get a team together to participate in runs/walks to raise money and awareness for various causes. Larger contributions usually means publicity for your company.

I recommend: Habitat for Humanity International, Make-a-Wish Foundation of America, United Way, the Salvation Army, the American Cancer Society and the American National Red Cross are all large non-profits that have corporate giving opportunities for you to contribute to, as well as local volunteer opportunities in most areas.

Take your team overseas and volunteer abroad

If your budget allows, overseas volunteering could be the best team building exercise your employees ever dreamed of.

I recommend: Search the database at VolunteerAbroad. If you know that you and your employees want to volunteer in Africa, go to UK-based VolunteerAfrica. Cross-Cultural Solutions offers the chance to take a "working vacation" for 1-12 weeks in more than 12 different countries.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consumers are being driven to buy from companies they consider socially conscious; use your philanthropy as part of your ad campaign.