What if you could spend a workday planting trees, building garden beds, harvesting fresh produce, or helping your community grow food, and still receive your regular paycheck?
For many employees, that’s exactly what Volunteer Time Off (VTO) makes possible.
Volunteer Time Off is a workplace benefit offered by many employers that allows employees to volunteer with nonprofit organizations during work hours while continuing to be paid. If your employer offers VTO, you can use that time to support Denver Urban Gardens (DUG) and help strengthen community gardens across Metro Denver.
What Is Volunteer Time Off?
Volunteer Time Off (sometimes called Paid Volunteer Time or Volunteer Leave) is an employer-sponsored benefit that encourages employees to give back to their communities.
Rather than using vacation or personal time, eligible employees receive paid hours specifically designated for volunteering with nonprofit organizations.
Many companies offer anywhere from 8 to 40 hours of paid volunteer time each year, though every employer has its own guidelines.
It’s a simple benefit with a meaningful impact: employees stay connected to causes they care about while employers invest in stronger, healthier communities.
Why Volunteer with DUG?
Every volunteer helps cultivate thriving neighborhoods.
Whether you’re planting vegetables, preparing garden spaces, supporting community events, or working alongside fellow volunteers, your time directly contributes to DUG’s mission of providing equitable access to urban gardening, healthy food, and education.
Volunteer support helps us:
- Care for more than 180 community gardens and food forests across Metro Denver
- Expand access to fresh, locally grown food
- Maintain welcoming and productive growing spaces
- Support educational workshops and community programming
- Build stronger connections between neighbors through shared stewardship
When you volunteer through your employer’s VTO program, you’re able to make this impact without using your personal time off.
How to Use Volunteer Time Off
Using your company’s VTO program is usually straightforward.
1. Check Your Eligibility
See whether your employer offers paid Volunteer Time Off. Many companies include VTO information in employee benefit materials or through their Human Resources department.
You can also search your employer on DUG’s Volunteer Grants & Workplace Giving page to learn about available workplace giving benefits.
2. Request Volunteer Time
Follow your employer’s process for requesting VTO. Some organizations ask employees to submit requests in advance, while others simply require manager approval.
3. Sign Up to Volunteer with DUG
Choose a volunteer opportunity that fits your interests and schedule.
Whether you’re joining a community workday, helping at a special event, supporting a food forest, or volunteering with your coworkers, every volunteer makes a difference.
4. Volunteer!
Spend your day making a positive impact alongside fellow community members while supporting healthy food access, environmental stewardship, and neighborhood resilience.
5. Report Your Volunteer Hours
If your employer requires documentation after your volunteer shift, DUG can verify your volunteer service so your company can record your participation.
Many Employers Offer Paid Volunteer Time
Volunteer Time Off has become an increasingly popular employee benefit as companies invest in community engagement and corporate social responsibility.
While every employer’s program is different, VTO policies often include:
- A set number of paid volunteer hours each year
- Eligible nonprofit organizations
- Approval guidelines
- Reporting requirements after volunteering
If you’re unsure whether your employer offers VTO, it’s worth asking. You may already have paid volunteer hours available to use.
Looking for a Team Volunteer Opportunity?
Volunteer Time Off is also a great option for teams looking to give back together.
Many employers encourage departments or employee resource groups to spend a day volunteering as a team. DUG offers engaging volunteer opportunities that bring coworkers together while making a lasting impact in the community.
Corporate volunteer days help strengthen teams while supporting gardens that provide fresh food, environmental education, and community gathering spaces throughout Metro Denver.
Your Time Makes a Difference
Every volunteer hour helps DUG grow healthier communities.
If your employer offers Volunteer Time Off, consider using a portion of those paid hours to volunteer with DUG. You’ll spend your workday making a tangible difference and helping cultivate greener neighborhoods, stronger connections, and greater access to healthy food.
Not sure whether your company offers VTO?
Visit DUG’s Volunteer Grants & Workplace Giving page to search for your employer and explore available workplace giving benefits. Then browse our current volunteer opportunities and find a way to get involved.
Your employer may already be giving you the time to make a difference.
