COLOGNE, Germany – Ford Philanthropy is inviting colleagues to support local communities this May as part of Vibrant Volunteer Week in Europe. Interested? Here’s how you can get involved.
You can nominate a local charity of your choice to receive a Ford Philanthropy grant of up to $2,500 to purchase tools and supplies to support a volunteering activity from May 5-9. Click this link to access and complete the application document.
“This year, Vibrant Volunteer runs from May 5-9, and like Global Caring Month it is all about community service,” explains Ford Philanthropy Europe senior manager Judith Kleinemeyer. “This year, we are encouraging Ford volunteers to get involved with local charities who are helping everyone stay mobile, stay safe and/or use sustainable mobility solutions and transportation to deliver vital services to those in need.”
Judith adds: “Fifteen projects across Europe will be selected to be referred to our international grant making partner, GlobalGiving. GlobalGiving will contact each charity/NGO to confirm their eligibility for a charity donation, and where they successfully meet their due diligence requirements, will manage and administer the grant. A due diligence guide can be found here.”
If you want to volunteer your time to support a good mobility cause, but need some pointers, consider these.
- Deliver food or vital services using sustainable transportation
- Join a walking scheme e.g., “walking bus” or “ride your bike to work day”
- Bring the “Safety in Mobility” pop-up to schools, charities near you
- Donate and/or refurbish bicycles for children, the vulnerable and refugees
- Run bike maintenance workshops / bike repair clinics
- Deliver road safety, pedestrian and cyclists training
- Build/install bicycle shelters in community areas
- Hold road-safety-inspired art, film making, crafts workshops or competitions
- Develop and promote safe routes and safe practice on the way to school
- Run “mobility workshop” support for young people
- Work with a charity to design “parklets” in parking spots for one day
