Here, three specific areas are outlined. Current welfare reform provisions could have a significant effect on the field because of the new requirements that recipients of state and federal assistance become employed or engage in volunteer work. Many nonprofits do not have sufficient staff to train or supervise an influx of volunteers. Moreover, most have limited office space in which to put volunteers to work, and most cannot help volunteers with daycare for their children or transportation. If volunteering is to be a meaningful form of personal development and community benefit, the programs that are providing the experience must receive the support they need to make it so.
Sustainable funding is a key issue for most volunteer programs.
People in the field are hoping for sustainable administrative funding that will complement the private grant monies that organizations receive and permit them to develop and sustain strong volunteer programs that will expand their ability to meet community needs. Volunteer liability is a serious concern for most nonprofit organizations. While liability insurance is available to cover the actions of volunteers, most is inadequate, particularly with regard to youth volunteers and where transportation is involved. As the nonprofit sector takes on new and expanded functions, the role of volunteers is likely to increase. In addition, welfare reform and other initiatives are drawing volunteers from nontraditional sectors, and this will increase the frequency of volunteering.