Volunteer Engagement Cohort Opportunities

For nonprofit volunteer engagement professionals.

Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply to join a Supportive Environments for Effectiveness (SEE) learning cohort, where they will explore the SEE framework with coworkers and peers, and apply it to volunteer engagement best practices. Participants will consider the different volunteer engagement hurdles they are facing (e.g., unclear training or lack of retention), and learn to approach them with a SEE lens. Each organization will try out a small experiment to shift their work environments in an attempt to address that challenge and bring out the best in their people.

About

“The SEE framework helped us be more intentional about how we utilize volunteers. I especially appreciated the simplicity and people-first approach of the framework!” -Monica DeWitt, Civic Engagement Specialist, Community Resource Center

group of smiling women sitting at a round table. working together to learn the SEE framework

Application Requirements

Participating organizations must be registered 501(c)3 public charities. In order to apply, please have at least one person from your organization:

Program Benefits

Participating organizations will receive:

  • 16+ hours of interactive training

  • Grant funding between $2,500 to $5,000 for your nonprofit’s time and resources implementing SEE

  • A collaborative learning environment with other nonprofit leaders

  • Individual, personalized coaching and support

  • Activities and tools to support your SEE learning

Between 2023-2025, reDirect awarded funding to over 60 organizations through our SEE cohort programs.

“The SEE framework has helped me to take big ideas and really think through the small steps that can be taken to get the idea up and running. It's a consistent reminder that not everything has to be figured out right away.” -Nicole Schaefer, Volunteer & Foundation Events Coordinator, Prairie Ridge Health

“I really appreciate how SEE helped me recognize our organization's potential needs and struggles. And while at first it felt overwhelming—the large foundational changes I felt needed to be made—I realized that truly breaking it down into smaller actions will ultimately make a huge impact.” -Steven Buchannon, Volunteer Engagement Coordinator, Mile High United Way

Timelines

  • Colorado cohort with Traci Lato-Smith

    • February-May 2026, eight 2-hour sessions

  • Wisconsin cohort led by Kristy Judd

    • Late Spring 2026

  • National (virtual) cohort led by Traci Lato-Smith

    • June-September 2026, eight 2-hour sessions

Key Dates

  • Colorado cohort led by Traci Lato-Smith

    • SEE 101 Introductory Sessions (Register here)

      • Wednesday, January 14, 2026 – 10:00 am-11:30 am Mountain time

      • Thursday, January 15, 2026- 11:00 am-12:30 pm Mountain time

      • Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – 11:00 am-12:30 pm Mountain time

    • Applications due: Thursday, January 22, 2026

  • Wisconsin cohort led by Kristy Judd, Spring 2026

  • National (virtual) cohort led by Traci Lato-Smith

    • SEE 101 Introductory Sessions

      • Wednesday, April 22 - 11:00 am-12:30 pm Mountain time

      • Tuesday, April 28 - 10:00-11:30 am Mountain time

      • Thursday, May 14 - 10:00-11:30 am Mountain time

    • Applications due: Friday, May 15, 2026

Our Review Process

After the close of the application period, reDirect may reach out to qualifying applicants to schedule follow-up screening interviews.

More Questions?

  • Check out our FAQs below, or email ambassadors@redirect.org

  • We require at least two participants and welcome up to five.

  • We require participation from individuals involved in your organization’s volunteer engagement program. That said, you should have the support of leadership in order to be able to allocate staff time, and support the changes (small experiments) decided on during the cohort.

    Board members and long-term volunteers are also eligible to participate as representatives of your organization. Staff who interact with volunteers in any way are also welcome to participate in some or all sessions.

  • Five organizations will be selected to participate, with 2-5 people representing each.

  • We require consistent participation at the cohort sessions, but understand that not every meeting date will work for every participant. Please make sure that most of your intended participants can attend all of the sessions and there are no sessions that your organization would miss completely.

  • No. While everyone is welcome to attend, only one person per organization is required to attend as a prerequisite for applying.

  • Grant funding can only be awarded to registered 501(c)3 public charities and tax-exempt governmental entities.

  • Cohort grant funding is unrestricted and intended to help offset the cost to learn about the SEE framework and implement a change. With a few limitations, grant funds can be used to support the organization achieve its mission.

  • The primary contact is who we will reach out to for:

    • Questions related to your application

    • Scheduling the application screening interview

    • Signing the grant contract

    • Confirming who will be participating

    • Participating in an optional exit interview after the cohort

FAQs