SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS P.O.V.

Time is a Valuable Currency

By Sarah Toulouse

April 22, 2025

Time is a precious commodity. Yet, in a world where money talks, it’s easy to overlook the tremendous value of donated time.

According to the Independent Sector, the going rate for a volunteer hour in the United States today is $33.49.

Charitable organizations typically use this estimate to determine the amount of community support an organization receives from its volunteers. Businesses also use the figure to calculate the dollar value of staff volunteer efforts invested in communities.

However, the real valuation is exponential. During April, which is National Volunteer month, we celebrate the currency of time.

This month, volunteers will engage in thousands of volunteer projects and special events to honor and inspire more individuals to engage in service.

For businesses, volunteerism is not only a way to contribute to society but also an opportunity to provide personal and professional development for employees, such as:

Empowerment

Employees feel empowered when they’re able to contribute to causes they care about, and according to a Giving in Numbers report, when a cause resonates with employees, they are more likely to participate in a volunteer program. Moreover, a Deloitte 2022 Gen Z and Millennial Survey found that these generational employee groups feel a deep need to balance work with the capacity to affect social change. They prefer to work for companies that give them opportunities to serve the community.

Development

Volunteering can provide practical experience and skills that are transferable to an employee’s professional life. The Giving in Numbers report found that of companies that offer employer-sponsored volunteering programs, 73 percent offered skills-based volunteer programs that allowed employers to practice tangible skills to help the community. Employees then bring this expertise back to the company, which creates more value for the organization and enhances the employee's self-worth.

Contentment

The Journal of Happiness Studies discovered that volunteering can have a profoundly positive impact on employees’ physical and mental health, helping to alleviate stress. Employees who volunteer can have higher morale, work harder, and take pride in their work and the company. And happier, more engaged employees tend to stay, reducing turnover rates and helping to create a more stable, productive workplace.

Pittsburgh-Based PPG

For PPG, employee volunteerism is way more than community service. Each employee receives 8 hours of VTO - Volunteer Time Off – to build skills in leadership, communications, and relationship building through the experience of giving back. 

“We are investing in our employees and our communities,” said Malesia Dunn, Executive Director of the PPG Foundation and Global Corporate Social Responsibility. “At the end of the day, if our employees and communities are not thriving, our business doesn’t thrive.”

​PPG offers several employee engagement programs and initiatives to help meet their mission to protect and beautify the world:​ 

Colorful Communities® Initiative: This signature program enables PPG volunteers to leverage the company's paint products and color expertise to revitalize schools, community centers, and other public spaces. Since its inception in 2015, more than 600 projects have been completed in 50 countries, positively impacting more than 10.2 million people.

PPG recently announced it is extending this program for an additional 10 years. “PPG employee volunteers are engaged throughout each project, meeting with organizations, consulting with color scientists, and strategically selecting color schemes to achieve maximum impact. Then it’s time to roll up their sleeves and paint together as a team,” said Dunn.

Educational Outreach:

PPG employees engage in educational programs to inspire future innovators in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. ​Volunteers collaborate with schools and organizations, such as Carnegie Science Center and Boys and Girls Clubs, to deliver sustainability lessons and mentor students. 

GIVE Program (Grant Incentives for Volunteerism by Employees & Retirees):

Eligible employees can secure a $500 grant for their chosen nonprofit after meeting specific volunteer hour requirements.

Beverly’s PGH

For nonprofits, volunteers are often a critical necessity for success, offering invaluable services that drive missions forward and strengthen communities. Their contributions extend beyond mere assistance; they are integral to the sustainability and effectiveness of these operations.​

Beverly’s PGH, formerly known as Beverly’s Birthdays, focuses on the Three Bs - Babies, Birthdays and Basics - to bring support and resources to families regardless of financial circumstances. The organization relies heavily on a robust volunteer network to make the cheer happen in all three divisions. 

“Engagement equals investment,” said Kristeen Ballas, Senior Director of External Relations and volunteer coordinator at Beverly’s PGH. “We could not be where we are without our volunteers’ time, treasure and talent.”

Beverly's PGH offers a variety of volunteer programs for individuals and groups interested in supporting their mission:​

Birthday Party & Baby Shower Volunteers

Assist in organizing and hosting group birthday celebrations for children or baby showers for new and expecting parents. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and have clearances from Childline and the Pennsylvania State Police. Those aged 15–17 may volunteer with adult supervision. ​ 

Headquarter Volunteers & Custom Events

Assist at the organization's headquarters in North Huntington with tasks such as inventorying toys and creating birthday packages. This opportunity is available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Celebration Bakers

Provide baked goods like cupcakes for birthday parties and cookies for baby showers. Volunteers are asked to accommodate at least four dozen people and adhere to a no-nuts policy. 

Diaper Cake Creators

Create diaper cakes for community baby showers. Volunteers are responsible for sourcing materials that align with the shower's theme. 

Group Volunteer Opportunities

Groups interested in volunteering together can work with Beverly’s PGH to customize opportunities tailored to group needs and interests. 

To learn more or sign up for any of these volunteer opportunities, visit: www.beverlyspgh.org. 

National Volunteer Month serves as a reminder of the power of individuals to effect positive change and encourages everyone to participate in volunteer activities that align with their passions and skills. Volunteers are indispensable – their contributions are multifaceted, offering economic value, enhancing service quality, and enriching communities, while at the same time helping to amplify their own professional development and personal well-being. 

Time is a currency with unlimited value.

Sarah Toulouse is a mission-driven leader with a passion for connecting people and ideas to advance purpose. She currently serves as the executive director of a Pittsburgh nonprofit and has decades of corporate experience in social responsibility, foundation management, community relations, and communications.