Despite concerns that philanthropic and charitable support for community service organizations may be waning, VolunteerMatch will use a $750,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to increase its reach. This grant brings VolunteerMatch's total funding to $7 million over the past 12 months, or more than half of the $12.3 million, 3-year fundraising goal launched by VolunteerMatch in 2001.

While the grant offers a significant boost to VolunteerMatch's funding efforts, it also conveys critical national recognition for the relatively new nonprofit web service. Most importantly, Knight's operating support helps VolunteerMatch remain tightly focused on increasing volunteerism and helping community service organizations throughout the U.S. improve volunteer recruitment efforts.

"We were an early supporter of VolunteerMatch, and are pleased to be a part of the national service's growth and effectiveness," said Penelope McPhee, Knight vice president and chief program officer. "We look forward to helping VolunteerMatch spread the word and expand its reach."

VolunteerMatch simplifies the process of finding and getting involved in local volunteer opportunities, and makes it easier for any nonprofit or tax-exempt organization to recruit talented, enthusiastic volunteers. The Webby Award-winning nonprofit Internet service has already generated over 600,000 volunteer referrals to a network of more than 18,000 community service organizations throughout the United States.

"We are extremely grateful to the Knight Foundation for its ongoing support of VolunteerMatch," said Jay Backstrand, president of VolunteerMatch. "Our commitment to volunteer service ensures that many more people and organizations will come together to address the important needs of our communities."

About VolunteerMatch

VolunteerMatch (www.volunteermatch.org) is the nonprofit, online service that helps interested volunteers get involved with community service organizations throughout the United States. The ease and simplicity of the service have already resulted in over 600,000 referrals between volunteers and more than 18,00 organizations, providing real-world community assistance nationwide. VolunteerMatch is the recipient of two 2001 Webby Awards for 'Activism' and 'Services', has been honored by the Smithsonian Institution and MIT, and has been recognized for its social service efforts in The San Jose Mercury News, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, Forbes ASAP, and also on ABC News, CBS, MSNBC and The Oprah Winfrey Show.

About Knight Foundation

The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation (www.knightfdn.org) promotes excellence in journalism worldwide and invests in the vitality of 26 U.S. communities.