Dakota County, Minnesota: Enhancing Volunteer Management with Better Impact

The Challenge

Dakota County, Minnesota, encountered several obstacles in its volunteer management processes. The system was plagued by inefficiency and disorganization, primarily due to the reliance on spreadsheets and paper records. This approach was not only time-consuming but also hindered the effectiveness of their volunteer programs. Recognizing the need for a more streamlined and efficient solution, Dakota County sought to revamp their volunteer management system to better align with their goal of offering efficient and effective government services.

The Solution

In the pursuit of a solution, Dakota County discovered Better Impact's Volunteer Management Software. The decision to select Better Impact was driven by the software's ability to streamline volunteer management processes and its robust functionality. "We wanted to do things better, to not fall into the 'it's another governmental dysfunction' cliché. Our county prides itself in offering efficient and effective government to our constituents and so the volunteer program needed a refresh to better align with those goals," explained Garrett Zaffke, Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator. The implementation of Better Impact allowed Dakota County to automate several administrative tasks, centralize volunteer information, and enhance communication with volunteers. This transition not only alleviated the administrative burden but also empowered the team to focus on creating a high-quality volunteer experience.

The Results

The outcomes of adopting Better Impact were profound. Dakota County achieved an estimated total potential time saving of 3,980 hours per year, translating to a staff time value saved of $132,028. The return on investment using the new software was a staggering 2,970%. These efficiencies enabled the team to produce higher-quality content and opportunities, significantly boosting volunteer recruitment and retention. Annual volunteer engagement surged to between 5,000 and 6,000 volunteers. Departments across the county actively participated in volunteer hosting, and the county effectively mobilized COVID-19 clinics during the pandemic. As Garrett Zaffke noted, "Embracing change requires effort and can be intimidating, but the benefits far outweigh the concerns. Better Impact has taken 'the little annoying things' and helped manage them so that they don't get in the way anymore, leaving time for us to focus on creating a high-quality volunteer experience to our residents."