Nonprofit organizations have great potential to address our community’s most challenging problems, but often lack the resources to fulfill that potential.   Correspondingly, more than half of the Bay Area nonprofits who responded to United Way’s Nonprofit Pulse Survey stated they needed more in-kind support from specialists, such as pro-bono legal or marketing counsel.  Forty-four percent of respondents said they need more board-level volunteers.

The good news is the professional support that nonprofits need is abundant in the Bay Area, and many executives are seizing the opportunity to combine their expertise with their desire to help the community.

For example, several senior executives from Wells Fargo provide critical volunteer support to United Way, serving on our board of directors, as well as working on our fundraising team.  Last year, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf led United Way’s Bay Area fundraising efforts, serving as our 2008/09 Campaign Chair.  This year, eight Wells Fargo professionals are serving as United Way volunteers:

• Internet Services Executive Vice President Jim Smith is serving as the Wells Fargo 2009 Bay Area campaign chair.  He is responsible for coordinating fundraising efforts for more than 16,000 Wells Fargo employees in the Bay Area. 

Jim Smith inspires fellow Wells Fargo employees to give, advocate and volunteer during the United Way campaign

A long-time leadership donor, Jim said, “The experience of leading the Bay Area Community Support and United Way campaign this year was very rewarding.  I had a front row seat to see the creativity and passion of our team members as they walked, weeded, biked, baked, lent a hand, and made a difference. Throughout the month, and every day of the year, it’s obvious to me that Wells Fargo team members are committed to supporting their community. It makes me very proud.”

• Global Correspondent Banking Executive Vice President Ron Caton and Commercial Mortgage Division Head Ed Blakey serve on United Way’s Board of Directors. 

“Volunteering as a board member has been both valuable and fulfilling,” said Ed.  “I have experienced first-hand how United Way of the Bay Area encourages collaboration among people from all walks of life to help solve some of our community’s most pressing needs.”

• General Counsel Jim Strother has served on United Way’s Koko Challenge Cabinet for three years.  He plays a key role in recruiting new law firms to participate in this annual fundraising competition among Bay Area law firms. 
• Director of Supplier Diversity Senior Vice President Clayton Lloyd is a “loaned executive” at United Way.   His salary is paid by Wells Fargo while he spends three months as a member of our fundraising team during our intense fall fundraising season.  He has spent the last several weeks working the phones, visiting management and employees at top Bay Area companies, and coordinating campaign events.
• Greater Bay Area Regional President Jim Foley is a member of United Way’s 2009/10 Campaign Cabinet, which leads United Way’s fundraising activities throughout the region. 
• Home Mortgage Executive Vice President Brad Blackwell and Internet Services Group Executive Vice President Teddy de Rivera serve on United Way’s Tocqueville Cabinet, which hosts events and develops strategies for soliciting donations from local philanthropists who give $10,000 or more annually. 

“Volunteers can help nonprofits significantly increase the quality and level of services, as well as reduce costs,” said Anne Wilson, CEO of United Way of the Bay Area.  “As local nonprofits work harder than ever to serve our community’s growing needs, I encourage individuals and employers to follow Wells Fargo’s lead by going beyond their checkbooks and increasing their volunteer support as well.” 

To find out about professional volunteer opportunities at United Way, contact our volunteer manager Aditi Aggarwal at 415-808-4300; aaggarwal@uwba.org.   To explore opportunities with other nonprofits, contact the Bay Area Volunteer Center that serves your county – information is available by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting the Volunteer page on our website.

The Taproot Foundation, whose mission is to strengthen nonprofits by engaging business professionals in service, also links business experts with volunteer opportunities at nonprofit agencies.