Nonprofits and Volunteers in North Dakota Communities

Abstract

This study looks at non-profit organizations in North Dakota to see how they attract and keep volunteers, how volunteer hours can be used to draw funding to nonprofits, and the increasingly important role non-profit groups play in local economies by creating jobs, services, and acting as a voice for those who might not be heard otherwise. Results show how universities can support local communities by developing research data nonprofit groups can use to solve practical problems, by acting as a bridge between student volunteers and appropriate organizations, and by creating a journal or online site communities can use to connect with each other and as a resource for information. This paper examines the following questions: which kinds of volunteer work do the people in North Dakota consider beneficial? What do residents consider to be the main benefits of volunteer work in U.S. society? What do they consider to be the main problems and challenges associated with volunteer work in U.S. society? The research used qualitative methods. The study made use of focus group data and panel discussions analysis published in academic journals.  The research concluded that the main issues confronting volunteer organizers are limited resources, and the need for information and knowledge about volunteer efforts in North Dakota. In these circumstances community engagement centers serve as vital sources of news and information. They can also serve as a prospective mobilizing platform for volunteer organizations.