HandsOn Network, the largest volunteer network in the nation, today announced that it is partnering with Crowdrise, the recently launched web platform that brings the power of crowdsourcing and the fun of social networking to fundraising and volunteerism. Crowdrise will help HandsOn volunteers increase their impact with its innovative online tool for raising money and awareness for their causes.

Through Crowdrise's online tools and resources, volunteers can seek sponsorships for their volunteering time in the same way that runners, walkers and cyclists have done for years, and in the process win prizes and recognition.

"We're excited to work with Crowdrise to offer this new idea of 'sponsored volunteering' as an innovative way for individuals to raise money and friends for the organizations and causes they are passionate about," said David Ray, Chief Strategy and Public Policy Officer of Points of Light Institute, the umbrella organization of HandsOn Network.

Notes Edward Norton, co-founder of Crowdrise, "One of the main reasons we started Crowdrise was to give people a fun and easy tool for making even more of a difference through their volunteering. Think about it...why should you have to run a race or walk all day to raise money for a cause you care about? It should be just as easy to get your friends and family to sponsor your volunteer efforts and help you make an even bigger impact. What HandsOn Network achieves is totally inspiring. We're really excited to work with them."

About HandsOn Network

HandsOn Network, the volunteer-focused arm of Points of Light Institute, includes more than 250 HandsOn Action Centers in 16 countries. HandsOn includes a powerful network of more than 70,000 corporate, faith and nonprofit organizations that are answering the call to serve and creating meaningful change in their communities. Annually, the network delivers approximately 30 million hours of volunteer service valued at $626 million. For more information, please visit www.HandsOnNetwork.org.

About Crowdrise

Crowdrise is an innovative new web platform that brings the power of crowdsourcing and the fun of social networking to fundraising and volunteerism. Co-founded by actor and activist Edward Norton, the site was created with online retailers Robert and Jeffrey Wolfe, the team behind Moosejaw.com. Crowdrise allows individuals and organizations to build personalized online fundraising campaigns to spur supporters into action. The site offers a point system and prizes to incentivize participation and a signature sense of humor and irreverence. Producer Shauna Robertson, another Crowdrise co-founder, brings her band of comedic performers to the site. Seth Rogen, Paul Rudd, and Will Ferrell are amongst the celebrities who use Crowdrise to engage fans in action.

Points of Light

Points of Light

Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year, contributing $498.7 million of value in people power into communities around the world. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

Partnering with Points of Light means you’ll have the expertise and support you need to mobilize your colleagues and create community impact using all aspects of civic engagement. We've helped companies with a variety of needs including implementing large-scale employee volunteer events, tackling your larger social impact vision, expanding how you engage communities and consumers, infusing new ideas to your annual employee engagement programs, connecting with peers to bring the latest and greatest ideas on impact measurement, and getting company leadership investment and buy-in. Learn more today.

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