Volunteer Journal / Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP)

New for 2009: Active U.S. Based Employees: New for 2009, please register your volunteer hours using our new online Volunteer Journal. You can now register daily volunteer journal entries, or can make one journal entry for multiple days of volunteerism with the same organization/school.

If you journal 50 or more volunteer hours this year with the same organization/school, the system will notify you that you can request a $750 Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) grant for that organization/school. Employees may request VIP grants on behalf of two separate organizations for a total of $1,500 each year.

How to use the Volunteer Journal / Request A VIP Grant

  1. Volunteer with a 501C3 nonprofit or public school district.
  2. Login to the online Volunteer Journal system to log your volunteer activities
  3. If you log 50 volunteer hours with the same nonprofit, the system will automatically notify you that you can request a $750 Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) grant for that non-profit.

    ALL 2009 volunteer hours must be completed and registered using the Volunteer Journal by December 31, 2009.

>> Ready to create or access your volunteer journal? Login now to begin.

>> Looking for volunteer opportunities in your community? Visit our Volunteer Connections online database .

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Verizon Foundation Volunteer Incentive Program:

What is the online Volunteer Journal?
The Volunteer Journal is a new online tool introduced in January 2009 to help Verizon employees track their volunteer hours. Using this tool, active U.S.-based Verizon employees can register a journal entry each time they volunteer with a non-profit organization /school, or they can make one journal entry for multiple days of volunteerism with the same non-profit organization/school. Each journal entry registered includes the date(s), the number of hours volunteered and a summary of the volunteer activity. If an employee registers 50 volunteer hours with a nonprofit or public school, the system will automatically notify them that they can request a $750 VIP grant for that non-profit organization/school.
Login now to create/access your volunteer journal.
Am I required to make daily entries for my volunteer hours?
No, you have the flexibility to register daily volunteer journal entries or you can make one journal entry for multiple days of volunteerism with the same organization/school. To qualify for a VIP grant, you must register 50 or more volunteer hours in the Volunteer Journal by Dec. 31, 2009. Hours volunteered in a prior calendar year are ineligible for the VIP grant (i.e. hours volunteered in 2008 are not eligible to be registered in 2009, the transaction will be rejected.)
How many hours must I volunteer to earn a 2009 VIP grant?
In order to qualify for a VIP grant you must track your volunteer hours using our new Volunteer Journal. If you volunteer 50 or more hours this year with a qualified nonprofit or public school you can apply for a $750 Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) grant from the Verizon Foundation.
Can I register for a VIP grant if I volunteered on company time?
No. To qualify for a VIP grant, all volunteer hours must be performed on the employee's own personal time.
How many $750 VIP grant awards can an employee earn each year?
Active Verizon employees can earn VIP grants on behalf of two separate organizations for a total of $1,500 each year. All volunteer hours must be registered using the Volunteer Journal, once you log 50 or more hours, they system will notify you that you can apply for a $750 VIP grant.
If I serve on a nonprofit board, does the Verizon Foundation pay board membership fees, dues, and/or provide financial support in connection with my nonprofit board service?
No. Employees are responsible for any/all board membership fees, dues and financial support in connection with nonprofit board service. However if an employee volunteers 50 or more hours with a qualified nonprofit or public school, including board meetings and activities associated with board service, they can apply for a $750 VIP grant for the organization where they serve. All volunteer hours must be registered using the Volunteer Journal, once you log 50 or more hours, the system will notify you that you can apply for a $750 VIP grant.
How does the nonprofit verify my volunteer hours?
You should direct the nonprofit to verify your volunteer hours online at http://foundation.verizon.com/nonprofit/vip If the organization needs assistance navigating through the verification process, they may contact the Verizon Volunteers Program Support Center via email at vznmail@cybergrants.com or by calling (866)247-2687 between 8am and 8pm ET. Note: Employees should ensure that someone at the nonprofit, other than themselves or someone with whom they share a close personal relationship, confirm their volunteer hours.

Ready to register your volunteer hours and/or apply for a VIP grant? Click Here >>

Nonprofits are encouraged to visit our website (www.verizon.com/foundation) to learn more about our funding priorities, where they may apply for competitive grants year-round that meet our grant guidelines in the areas of literacy and domestic violence awareness, prevention and recovery.

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