Service Enterprise

United Way of Greater New Bedford is committed to the Service Enterprise Program offered by ALIVE . Nonprofits that operate as Service Enterprises more effectively address community needs and spend about half as much as nonprofits that do not use volunteers across all levels of their organization. When an organization leverages volunteers, managing them effectively, it is in a better position to grow.

What is a Service Enterprise?

A Service Enterprise is an organization that strategically leverages volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact. Service Enterprises are among the top 11% of nonprofits in the country in volunteer engagement and organizational performance. Research shows that organizations operating as Service Enterprises are as effective as peers but at almost half median budget and are significantly more adaptable, sustainable, and scalable. Join the journey to become a leader in capacity building and engagement by becoming an accredited Service Enterprise Organization or a Training and Implementation Partner.

Service Enterprise is an initiative of AL!VE and administered locally through Massachusetts Service Alliance. United Way serves as the local coach for organizations going through the Service Enterprise Certification. 

United Way was originally certified as a Service Enterprise through Points of Light in 2016 and re-certified in 2021. We are currently working toward recertification under AL!VE.  

Our Service Enterprise Vision

United Way of Greater New Bedford strives to create an environment that welcomes, encourages and engages individuals and families to volunteer to utilize their skills to meet the needs of the organization as well as fulfill the aspirations of the volunteers. Through Volunteer SouthCoast, United Way assists organizations by connecting them with potential volunteers to fulfill organizational needs, thus encouraging volunteerism community-wide.