Do-it Connect

The 'Do-it Connect' project will increase the number of people volunteering by introducing new ways for organisations to find the volunteers they need and by combining the power of Do-it's volunteering database with Facebook.

Website: www.Do-it.org and www.youthnet.org

Do-it.org is the UK's largest volunteering database with over 200,000 people, per year, finding relevant volunteering opportunities with charities and in their local communities. However, Do-it.org has seen a change in the expectations of both volunteers and organisations. Volunteers are increasingly interested in shorter, one-off opportunities and organisations want to recruit volunteers with specific qualities. The demand for brokering these relationships is growing so for the first time, Do-it.org will introduce a new search function. It will enable organisations to search, find and connect to volunteers.

In addition, Do-it.org is looking to integrate with Facebook. Volunteers will be able to promote their activity through their social networks. With the average person having 130 Facebook friends and 20,000 people signing up to Do-it each month, there is a significant opportunity for these volunteers to help promote local causes, the value of volunteering and inspire others to get involved.

The award: Do-it.org has been awarded £48,500 which will support the tech development of both the search functionality and the log-in integration with social networks.

Contact

Emma Motherwell, Head of Marketing and Communications, YouthNet: Emma.Motherwell@youthnet.org