Ways to Volunteer

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Make an impact. Grow your leadership skills.

The success of Combined Charities is powered by volunteers like you. Volunteering isn’t just about giving back. It’s an opportunity for you to gain hands-on leadership experience and work on a campaign that impacts employees across the state.

There are three main ways to volunteer: join the Board, serve on a committee, or become an agency coordinator. To learn more about these opportunities and how to get involved, contact combinedcharities@state.mn.us or Lindsay Kerwin, board chair, at Lindsay.Kerwin@state.mn.us.

Join the Board

Board members provide strategic guidance and oversight for the Combined Charities campaign. They ensure the campaign stays aligned with its mission, strengthens outreach to state employees, and maximizes donations to local nonprofits.

Learn More About the Board
Qualifications
- Passion for charitable giving and supporting Minnesota communities
- Team-oriented mindset with integrity, accountability, and respect
- Commitment to attending and actively participating in board and committee meetings
Core Responsibilities
- Strategic Leadership: Shape the campaign’s direction so its goals, activities, and outreach stay focused on empowering state employees to support Minnesota nonprofits.
- Campaign Strategy: Lead the annual campaign through outreach and communications that inspire participation and giving. Promote the benefits of payroll giving and educate employees about participating federations.
- Governance and Policy Oversight: Establish, review, and uphold bylaws and policies to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with the Combined Charities mission and Minnesota Statute § 43A.50.
- Impact Reporting: Monitor and evaluate campaign outcomes (e.g., total donations, number of participating employees, distribution to federations). Share results with state employees to reinforce the impact of their giving.
- Financial Stewardship: Oversee financial reporting to ensure donations are collected and dispersed responsibly.
- Ambassadorship: Champion Combined Charities across state entities, energize participation at events, and build trust with participating federations.
Time Commitment

Approx. 4 hours per month, including board and committee meetings and occasional campaign activities.

Join a Committee

Support the Board behind the scenes and help shape the success of the Combined Charities campaign. Committees focus on specific areas and provide actionable ideas for the Board to consider.

Learn More About Committees
Committees
- Communications: Develop messaging to engage state employees.
- Coordinator Relations: Strengthen connections with agency coordinators and provide resources to help their success.
- Events: Plan and execute campaign events to inspire participation and giving.
- Governance: Review and draft policies to ensure the Board is staying up-to-date and in compliance.
- Pledge Management: Oversee the pledging process.
Time Commitment

Approx. 1 hour per month for committee meetings, plus occasional tasks depending on projects.

Become an Agency Coordinator

Lead your state entity’s campaign participation and make a real impact where you work. Organize events, encourage colleagues to give, and ensure donations are handled responsibly. Work closely with the Board to create an engaging campaign while building your strategy, leadership, and organizational skills.

Learn More About Agency Coordinators
Qualifications
- Passion for charitable giving and supporting Minnesota communities
- Collaborative mindset to work with the Board
- Integrity in following campaign rules and procedures, including handling donations
Core Responsibilities
- Organize and Support Campaigns: Plan and run fundraising events, track contributions, and ensure compliance with campaign policies.
- Engage Colleagues: Promote awareness, answer questions, and encourage participation throughout your department.
- Manage Resources Responsibly: Handle donations according to established procedures and support event logistics.
- Collaborate with the Board: Serve as a key link between employees and the Board by providing feedback and helping implement campaign strategies.
Time Commitment

Flexible. Typically, a few hours per month depending on events and activities leading up to the October campaign.