by Lauren Finke, Executive Director, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and CFNEIA board member

Every April, National Volunteer Month offers a moment to recognize the people who show up for their communities, not for recognition, but because they care deeply about the places they call home.

As the executive director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, I see the impact volunteers make every day. They are at the heart of the nonprofit sector. They organize food drives, serve on boards, mentor young people, respond in times of crisis, and help build the connections that make communities stronger. Their work reflects something powerful: when people invest their time and talents locally, they help make more possible for everyone.

That impact is not only felt, it is also measurable. Volunteers across the United States contribute billions of hours each year, generating more than $100 billion in economic value (U.S. Census Bureau). It is also estimated that the value of a single volunteer hour is nearly $35 (Independent Sector, 2024). For nonprofits, that translates into real capacity. Volunteers help stretch limited resources, expand services, and reach more people without increasing costs.

But the value of volunteering goes beyond dollars.

At the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, volunteers play a central role in that work. I see the importance of volunteers at CFNEIA and across its 20-county region first-hand as a member of its board of directors. The impact of the organization’s funding and work to help people turn their generosity into the good they want to see in their community is dependent on the volunteers who love where they live and want to make a difference.

Our board of directors, board committees, and nearly 200 local affiliate community foundation committee members give their time and leadership to guide decisions that shape the region. These volunteers are not removed from the work. They live and work in the communities they serve. They understand the challenges, see the opportunities, and care deeply about the people and places around them.

That local knowledge matters.

It is especially important in grantmaking. Each year, CFNEIA partners with volunteers across its 20-county region to recommend grants that support nonprofits and community initiatives. These decisions are grounded in lived experience and deep community connection. Volunteers bring insight that goes beyond data alone, insight rooted in relationships, trust, and an understanding of what will make a meaningful difference.

This is what we mean when we say: local decisions, local impact.

If you are interested in volunteering with CFNEIA or one of our local affiliate community foundations, go to cfneia.org/volunteer to learn more and fill out our volunteer self-interest form. You can also visit the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley website at vccv.org to find other volunteer opportunities across the Cedar Valley.