service enterprise accreditation

What is a service enterprise?

A Service Enterprise is a high-performing organization that strategically leverages and integrates volunteers to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and enhance impact in delivering its social mission.

The value of service enterprise

According to research from the TCC group, only 11% of organizations operate as a Service Enterprise. Organizations that participate in the accreditation process can realize the following benefits:

  • Increased Capacity– Strengthen adaptability to scale volunteers and strategically utilize their skills to serve the community more effectively

  • Operational Efficiency – Optimize staff roles and maximize volunteer contributions, operating at almost half the median budget of a peer organization

  • Financial Growth – Enhance long-term sustainability through strategic volunteer engagement, demonstrating a 3-6x return on investment

  • Stronger Community Presence – Improve networking, brand awareness, and recognition

  • Holistic Human Capital Strategy – Develop strong HR management practices that also align donor and volunteer efforts for greater impact

Becoming a Service Enterprise requires dedication, time, and resources, as it involves transforming how an organization engages and integrates volunteers into its core operations. However, the long-term rewards are substantial, leading to a more sustainable and high-performing organization.

service enterprise domains & characteristics

Using the Service Enterprise model, organizations engage in a comprehensive change management process to establish and enhance systems and infrastructure that enable them to effectively manage volunteers and strategically integrate them across all areas of their operations. This approach differs from traditional volunteer management training by offering a framework and ongoing support to guide organizations in building a culture and organizational structure that fully supports effective volunteer engagement.

A Service Enterprise demonstrates excellence in twelve key characteristics, organized into three domains:
(*Required characteristics to demonstrate excellence to achieve accreditation as a Service Enterprise)

The accreditation process

The accreditation process for organizations is outlined in the following phases:

    • Identify organizational participants that will be involved in the accreditation process

    • Attend program orientation to prepare and plan for all steps of the accreditation process

    • Complete a diagnostic self-assessment of existing volunteer engagement practices

    • Debrief results with facilitator and receive tailored recommendations for improvement based on the twelve characteristics of Service Enterprise

    • Complete change management training tailored to integrate recommendations from the diagnostic

    • Develop an action plan to transform and reimagine how volunteers are engaged

    • Receive coaching throughout the process to help translate knowledge from the diagnostic and training into the action plan in preparation for accreditation

    • Ensure demonstration or significant progress in each chosen domain

    • Submit accreditation materials to facilitator for review

    • Facilitator provides any further feedback and submits documentation to AL!VE for approval

    • Receive complimentary AL!VE membership (for one year) to further professional development

    • Join AL!VE’s community of practice for Service Enterprise organizations

    • Enjoy AL!VE discounts to conferences and services

Ready to become a Service Enterprise?

Select an option below to begin the process:

let’s get started.