With a great demand for computer and job training classes, and a large supply of volunteers, the only limiting factor for Byte Back is revenue. There are plentiful opportunities for volunteers to join the fundraising team. You do not need to have previous fundraising experience — just a desire to learn new skills and to make a difference in the lives of our students.

Grantwriting

Volunteers would assist the Executive Director, Kelley Ellsworth with writing and/or editing proposals. This assistance could be done at home or at Byte Back. Ms. Ellsworth is an experienced fundraiser and is willing to train volunteers. She served on the Board of Directors and as Executive Director of the Spring Creek Foundation for eleven years.

Grant Research

There are a wide range of grant opportunities through local and national governent, foundations and corporations. Volunteers can greatly assist our fundraising efforts by conducting research to determine which opportunities are the best match for our organization and mission. Research can be done online from home or at Byte Back, or at the Foundation Center downtown. Volunteers will receive basic training in grant research.

Event Planning

Fundraising events and community events play a vital role in raising revenue as well as general public relations. Once a year Byte Back holds a large gala, and every Spring Byte Back holds Community Computer Day, an outreach event for the entire community. Volunteers can assist in such tasks as selecting a theme and venue, designing programs and advertisements, seeking corporate sponsors, soliciting silent auction items, decorating the venue, and addressing the attendees. Experience in event planning is preferred, but not neccesary. Volunteering to help plan an event involves some independent tasks, meetings, and a firm commitment to follow through.

Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon

Byte Back is a beneficiary organization of the annual Fannie Mae Help the Homeless Walkathon, which takes place the Saturday before Thanksgiving on the Mall. There are several ways in which volunteers can assist in this large fundraising effort: soliciting corporate sponsors, making posters, helping run a mini walk at a local public school, recruiting friends and colleagues to walk with us, or setting up a person fundraising page on their website.