As someone deeply invested in relationship-based fundraising, I’ve volunteered countless times with various organizations. I’ve had favorite experiences, and a few I wouldn’t necessarily repeat. But rarely am I surprised by a volunteer experience—or truly learn something new about myself in the process.
That changed during my recent experience volunteering with Habitat for Humanity of Hillsborough County. Stepping out of my comfort zone in an unexpected way reminded me why nonprofits like Habitat thrive: they know how to engage, train, and empower volunteers at every level.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
Let me be honest—construction, repairs, and handy work are not my thing. If it can’t be fixed with my tiny, trusty repair kit, I’m calling a professional. So, when I signed up for Habitat’s Women’s Build, I fully expected to offer my time as a heavy lifter or someone to hold things in place while others worked. I’m comfortable with a hammer, but power tools? Not so much.
Yet, thanks to Becca, our incredible forewoman, and the team at Grayson, I walked away from that day with new skills and confidence. By the end of my shift, I was wielding a hammer drill and using a hand saw—tasks I never thought I’d be capable of doing! This experience challenged my assumptions about myself and reinforced that we are never too old or too set in our ways to learn something new.
What I Learned
Volunteering with Habitat didn’t just teach me construction skills; it also offered lessons that resonate deeply with the work I do in relationship-based fundraising. Here are three takeaways that stood out:
Good Leaders Are Everywhere in an Organization
On-site, I met three leaders I hadn’t worked with before, and they were all outstanding. Their ability to lead by example, patiently train volunteers, and engage with us in a meaningful way was inspiring. Habitat has cultivated a culture where leaders at every level are empowered and equipped to succeed. For nonprofits, this is a powerful reminder: great leadership isn’t just at the top—it’s cultivated throughout the organization.
Volunteers Can Do Almost Anything with Proper Training
I came in skeptical about my construction abilities, but the team made it possible for me—and others—to contribute in ways I never expected. I installed windows and doors, tasks I never imagined myself doing. Habitat’s ability to train and empower volunteers to take on meaningful roles is a testament to their intentional approach. For nonprofits, this highlights the importance of creating clear processes and training systems to maximize volunteer impact.
Breaks Are an Opportunity for Connection and Education
Habitat didn’t waste a moment, even during our breaks. Through what they call "Habi-chats," they shared mission facts, the importance of sweat equity and financial literacy for homeowners, and their commitment to international builds through tithing. They even invited us to return for one of their seven themed builds. Every break was an opportunity to deepen our connection to their mission and ensure we left as advocates, not just volunteers.
Building Relationships While Building Homes
What struck me most during this experience was how effectively Habitat engages their volunteers to become lifelong supporters. It’s not just about the work being done on-site; it’s about the relationships they build and the way they inspire you to care deeply about their mission. Habitat leverages volunteer experiences not only to complete immediate projects but to cultivate long-term support and advocacy.
The construction site I worked on will ultimately house six families in three townhomes, and I feel deeply proud to have been a small part of this effort. As nonprofits, we can all take inspiration from Habitat’s example: they empower volunteers with training, lead with kindness and expertise, and use every moment—whether on-site or on break—as an opportunity to connect people to their mission.
This was my first experience with Habitat for Humanity, but it won’t be my last. I’m honored to have participated in this year’s Women’s Build and look forward to continuing to build relationships—with donors, volunteers, and organizations—just as Habitat builds homes and communities.
For Nonprofits: What You Can Learn
Empower Your Volunteers: Provide the tools and training they need to succeed in meaningful ways.
Inspire through Leadership: Equip leaders at every level to guide, engage, and connect.
Maximize Engagement: Use every opportunity—breaks, events, conversations—to share your mission and inspire continued support.
To my fellow nonprofit leaders: let’s take a page from Habitat’s book and remember that building relationships is the foundation of everything we do.
"Whether we’re building homes or building donor bases, it all starts with connection." - Mandy
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