Case Studies
Our Volunteering programs connect business people with the arts and cultural sector.
We create opportunities for people from business and the arts to work together, strengthening management and governance in the arts sector.
AbaF’s Volunteering programs are boardbank and adviceBank.
"There is only one organisation providing in-depth support to both non-profit organisations and volunteers and this is the Australia Business Arts Foundation." Non Profit Australia report, The Skilled Volunteer
Volunteering with the arts and culture is becoming a popular option for business professionals. AbaF's Sue Roff and Adelaide business volunteer and AbaF Councillor John Irving contributed to an ABC radio discussion on volunteering on 15 May 2007. Listen here (arts volunteering discussion begins at 36.05).
Benefits for the arts and cultural sector
Volunteering programs are a great way to be connected with business people who apply their skills to a specific project (adviceBank) or bring their experience to your board (boardBank).
Benefits for business volunteers
Volunteering with an arts organisation enables business people to contribute to the community and develop their professional and personal skills in a different creative environment.
When business people volunteer with arts organisations there are benefits to the arts, to the volunters and the companies who employ them, writes KPMG's Robert Bazzani. Read the article in The Age.
Benefits for employers
AbaF’s Volunteering programs provide significant development opportunities and motivate staff. They fit easily within employee community involvement programs. Volunteering boosts staff loyalty and morale and strengthens skills in communication and leadership.
“I’d say ‘go for it!’ to anyone thinking of being a business volunteer – you’ll gain satisfaction, appreciation, build up your skills, expand beyond your comfort zone. Have a shot!” Daryl Pedder, Manager Learning Services, National Australia Bank, Adelaide. Through adviceBank, Daryl and two colleagues volunteered with conservation service Artlab, advising on customer service.
By September 2006, the value to the arts of AbaF’s Volunteering programs had reached a combined value of $2 million in completed projects.
