Group memberships are free for qualifying schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, clubs, scout troops, youth programs, faith-based organizations, institutions, and other community groups. Qualifying organizations select the number of volunteers they wish to recognize.
Group membership in Volunteer Scholars runs from September 1 through August 31 to follow a typical school year plus the following summer. All award programs also run from September 1 through August 31, for a seamless, coordinated award experience.
Prorated membership fees are not offered; groups who join later in the membership year may still report community service performed for their organization retroactively back to the start of the award cycle, September 1.
For information on Individual memberships, click here.
Group Membership ($0.00)
The gateway for qualifying schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, clubs, scout troops, youth programs, faith-based organizations, institutions, and other community groups that submit required documentation and receive approval.
Access to the Volunteer Tracking System
Group managers can add or import their volunteer’s information and track the community service hours for their own volunteers on the group’s own programs, projects, events, or initiatives. Group managers can also approve the volunteer activities of their own members.
Volunteer Service Records
Group managers can download a clean, concise service record report for each volunteer and a consolidated, summarized report for all volunteers in order to have an accurate annual record of hours contributed by volunteers.
Member-only communications
Group managers will receive helpful, timely tips and updates to support them in achieving their community service and award goals.
Guide to finding volunteer opportunities
Group managers will receive access to the proprietary Volunteer Scholars Idea Guide to identifying volunteer opportunities in their communities. The Guide is available online through the members-only portal.
Included in Volunteer database
Qualifying groups will be listed in Volunteer Scholars’ referral database to be contacted by volunteers seeking to connect to opportunities with the group.
Group Volunteer- Basic Level ($39.00 per volunteer, min. 5)
For volunteers of a qualified group whose service hours are tracked and verified by the group for American Volunteer Service Award eligibility. Includes certificate only.
Option to earn the American Volunteer Service Award
Group volunteers can earn the AVSA award at the bronze, silver, or gold level subject to all program requirements. A full-color, print-ready digital AVSA certificate is provided in the volunteer portal. (Physical AVSA items are available for purchase.)
Membership Certificate
Group volunteers will receive a full-color, print-ready Volunteer Scholars membership certificate as a pdf in the volunteer portal.
Guide to finding volunteer opportunities
Group volunteers will receive access to the proprietary Volunteer Scholars Idea Guide to identifying volunteer opportunities in their communities. The Guide is available online through the members-only portal.
Member-only communications
Group volunteers will receive helpful, timely tips and updates to support them in achieving their community service, citizenship, and leadership goals.
Group Volunteer- Premier Level ($49.00 per volunteer, min. 5)
All of the benefits of Basic Level (above) plus:
Receive a Physical American Volunteer Service Award
Group volunteers will earn a physical AVSA award at the bronze, silver, or gold level subject to all program requirements. Certified recipients will have the choice of a medal, coin, lapel pin, or embroidered patch shipped to their group.
Getting Started: Schools, nonprofits, civic organizations, clubs, scout troops, youth programs, faith-based organizations, institutions, and other community groups should follow the steps to request a Group Membership including uploading documentation and supporting evidence of your non-profit status, number of years operating, types and scope of services or clients.
Once approved, qualified groups can purchase a minimum of five (5) volunteer slots at the Basic or Premier level, import/upload volunteer information, and enter volunteer activities back to September 1 of the membership year.
Tax Deductible: Thank you for the purchase of a Volunteer Scholars membership. Volunteer Scholars is a program of The Scholarium Foundation, a 501c(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. Membership fees are tax deductible in accordance with IRS Publication 1771. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your contribution:
Considered donations to Volunteer Scholars and The Scholarium Foundation, membership fees are non-refundable.