While a traditional business seeks to generate money for the benefit of its leaders, employees, and shareholders, a nonprofit organization uses its revenue to further a specific cause. Nonprofits are dedicated to a wide variety of causes, from preventing diseases and protecting endangered species to ending homelessness. Here are the top three reasons to volunteer for one.

Why You Should Volunteer for a Nonprofit Organization

1. Develop New Skills

Volunteering fosters compassion, empathy, and gratitude by exposing you to serious world problems and the people affected by them. These traits can help you better navigate your personal relationships and resolve conflicts, giving you a unique understanding of other peoples’ perspectives and allowing you to feel grateful for what you already have.

Depending on the organization’s field of work, you can learn professional skills that can boost your resume. You may develop soft skills, like time management and the ability to work with a team, as well as hard skills, such as project management and data analysis. 

2. Connect With Others 

When you volunteer for a cause you care about, you’ll meet other people with similar passions and interests. These individuals can become lifelong friends. Meeting new people and forming new relationships can expand your professional network. This can be beneficial during a job hunt or when trying to find new clients and businesses to partner with. Volunteers tend to be well-connected throughout the community, which can be helpful in your personal and professional life.

3. Make a Difference

Volunteering allows you to make a positive impact on the community. Nonprofits use volunteers so they don’t have to pay traditional employees, which lets them put most of the revenue toward furthering their cause. Even if you only volunteer a few hours a week, you’re strengthening the organization’s impact. That’s why volunteers often feel a sense of purpose that boosts their mood and lowers stress, especially when working for causes they’re passionate about. 

If you’re looking for a way to make an impact on your community, turn to Riding for a Reason in Granite City, IL. This nonprofit organization is dedicated to increasing colorectal cancer awareness and prevention. Established in 2015, they host annual ATV charity rides to benefit families affected by colon cancer and fund research for treatment, prevention, and cures. The next charity ride will be held on March 26, 2021. To learn more about how you can make a difference, visit them online or call (314) 614-1911.