We recognized an opportunity to centralize and engage volunteer leaders. Our focus was on strengthening volunteer partnerships and fostering teamwork to further the university's mission and vision. As a result, we created a comprehensive handbook to serve as a key resource for volunteers, guiding them as strategic ambassadors for UC Davis. This handbook provides essential organizational information, outlines expectations, and underscores the crucial role volunteers play in advancing fundraising initiatives. We worked closely with partners in marketing and communications and proposal services to design a resource that would remain relevant through the next campaign. We also gathered input from lead development officers and key volunteers--including our UC Davis Foundation Trustees--to refine the handbook's content. The final product serves approximately 700 volunteers, including alumni, faculty, staff, students, past and current parents, and grateful patients, across 55 philanthropic boards and committees spanning the Davis and Sacramento campuses. Digital copies are available, and two hardcover versions were produced-each representing either the UC Davis Health campus or the Davis campus, with identical content. This resource provides lasting guidance for current and prospective volunteers in their roles as ambassadors for the university.
From the Judges
Very well done! The handbook provides clear guidance to its volunteers and advice on how to act and react. It is sustainable, scalable, and looks to capitalize on long-term volunteer engagement.
