HOW IT WORKS

FAQ for Volunteers
What region does Companis serve?

Companis primarily serves nonprofits across King & Snohomish Counties. However, volunteers can come from outside these areas and may be able to assist a nonprofit remotely. 

What happens now that I’ve submitted my application?

After you apply, we’ll schedule a conversation to get to know you—your skills, interests, and what you’re hoping to get out of volunteering.

From there, we match volunteers to existing nonprofit opportunities within our focus areas. When we see a role that feels like a strong fit, we’ll reach out to share more and explore whether you’d like to move forward with an introduction.

Timing can vary. Some volunteers are matched quickly, while others may take longer depending on current nonprofit needs and how closely your interests align with available opportunities.

Being open to a range of opportunities within our focus areas can often lead to a quicker match.

How many hours per week/month are your typical placements?

Most Companis volunteers serve between 2–10 hours per week, with a maximum of 20 hours. We work with you to determine a volunteer schedule that feels sustainable & meaningful. 

How long do Companis volunteers commit to volunteering?

Because we aim to support meaningful, relationship-based placements, many roles are designed for a 12-month commitment, with a 6-month check-in to assess fit and any changes in your availability.

That said, we know life changes. Some placements can be adjusted to a 6–9 month timeframe, and we occasionally offer short-term, project-based opportunities as well.

Do I get to choose the agency where I’m recommended for placement? How does Companis make the match?

Yes—your voice is central to the process.

We take time to understand your interests, skills, and what matters most to you. When we identify a potential match, we’ll share the opportunity and talk it through together before making any introductions.

You’ll never be placed randomly. Our goal is to find a match that feels like a strong fit for you and the nonprofit.

Can Companis help me find a very specific or custom volunteer role?

We match volunteers to existing nonprofit opportunities within our focus areas, rather than creating fully custom roles.

If you’re open to using your skills in one of these areas, we’ll work to find a strong match for you. Volunteers who are flexible in the types of roles they’re open to often have the quickest and most successful placements.

Could I serve as a Companis Worker from my home/remotely?

It depends on the role. Some opportunities can be done remotely, while others require an in-person presence. We’ll discuss expectations for each role before moving forward so you can find a placement that fits your schedule and preferences.

How is Companis different from a temp agency, job placement firm, or websites like VolunteerMatch?

Companis is a relationship-based matchmaking program—not a job placement service or open listing platform.

We take the time to get to know both volunteers and nonprofits, and we match people to specific, pre-defined roles where their skills can make a meaningful impact.

Rather than browsing listings, you’ll be guided through a thoughtful matching process designed to create strong, well-supported placements that benefit both you and the nonprofit.

I work full-time. Is it possible for me to have a meaningful service commitment?

Absolutely.

Many of our volunteers work full-time and still find meaningful ways to contribute. Because we take the time to understand both volunteer availability and nonprofit needs, we’re able to find placements that fit alongside your schedule.

 

What does ‘Companis’ mean, and why is that your name?

The name Companis comes from Latin: com (with) + pan (bread)—to break bread together.

We believe meaningful connection is at the heart of service. Our Volunteer Support Program creates space for reflection, learning, and community, often centered around sharing meals together.

At its core, Companis is about bringing people together—volunteers and nonprofits—in the spirit of mutuality and shared purpose.

FAQ for Nonprofits
What region does Companis serve?

Companis primarily serves nonprofits working in King and Snohomish Counties, including organizations with broader reach that directly serve communities in this region.

We are continuing to explore opportunities to expand our geographic footprint over time.

 

Is there a cost for Companis’ services?

There is currently no cost for nonprofits (or volunteers!) to partner with Companis. 

What kinds of roles can Companis support?

We place volunteers in clearly defined, operational & direct service roles within four core areas:

  • Administrative support
  • Client-facing program support
  • Communications and social media
  • Accounting and bookkeeping

These roles are designed to support your organization’s day-to-day operations and free up staff capacity for mission-critical and strategic work.

How many hours per week/month are your typical placements?

We request volunteers to agree to at least 6 months of service for placement. Our standard placement length is 12 months, with a 6-month check-in to reflect on fit and make any needed adjustments.

That said, placements can sometimes be structured as a shorter, project-based role for nonprofits & volunteers interested in an alternative timeline. 

What happens now that I’ve submitted my application?

After you apply, we’ll schedule a conversation to learn more about your nonprofit + clarify any details about your volunteer needs.

From there, we collect a few pieces of documentation from you (ex. 501c3 determination letter), finalize the details of your role, and launch our search. 

When we identify a strong volunteer match, we’ll reach out to share more and explore whether you’d like to move forward with an introduction.

Timing can vary. Some placements are filled quickly, while others may take longer depending on the scope of your needs. 

How soon can we expect to meet a potential volunteer?

There’s no fixed timeline. Our process is thoughtful and match-based, and timing depends on current volunteer availability and how closely your role aligns with our focus areas.

When we identify a strong match, we’ll reach out to coordinate an introduction.

If your needs change while you’re waiting, please let us know—we’re always happy to reassess together.

Are all of your volunteers retired people?

Not at all.

Our volunteers span a wide range of life stages and backgrounds—some are retired, while others are working professionals, students, career changers, or caregivers. What they share is a desire to use their skills in meaningful ways.

Can we have more than one Companis volunteer placement at a time?

Yes! Many of our nonprofit partners host multiple volunteers, depending on their capacity and needs. We’re happy to work with you to determine what structure makes the most sense for your organization.

Where do you find your Companis volunteers?

Companis volunteers come from across our community—young professionals, retirees, career changers, and more.

Many find us through word of mouth, drawn by our relationship-based approach and Volunteer Support Program. We also recruit through community partnerships and online outreach.

Companis makes our community healthier, safer, and more just by fostering skilled volunteer service. We match volunteer professionals and nonprofits to bridge the gap in delivering vital services in the greater Puget Sound.

The magic is in the matchmaking — but how does the matchmaking work?

Everything we do starts and ends with relationships. That means getting to know our volunteers and our nonprofit partners personally. Here’s the secret: we listen.

We listen closely. For the things that you say loudly, and the things that are a little bit quieter. The things we learn from you, about you, are how we make the right connections at the right time.

Here’s what you can expect after you click the “apply” button:

  1. Companis program staff review your application.
  2. We schedule a time to get to know you.
  3. We listen and gather important details about who you are and what you’re looking for.
  4. We connect the dots in our Companis vault of community knowledge (figurative of course, we don’t have a literal vault).
  5. We make introductions between volunteers and nonprofits that we think will be a great mutual fit.
  6. Companis facilitates the written agreement between the nonprofit partner and the volunteer, which outlines the kind of work, hours, length of time, and stipend if applicable.
  7. We provide monthly support meetings for all volunteers, and as-needed support for nonprofits, for the duration of the placement, plus ongoing professional development for both.

Of course, not everything is instantaneous.

There’s a little bit of luck and a dash of community synergy that’s always in the mix too.

Why it works – Companis supports our volunteers throughout their service

Our mission to foster skilled volunteer service begins with the matchmaking, and is delivered beyond that through personalized volunteer supports that sustain a Companis Worker during their service commitment. The Companis Worker Support program offers one-on-one and group meetings, one-day and multi-day retreats, opportunities to experience and take part in exciting cultural events, Companis Connects professional development workshops and webinars, picnics and and other gatherings that help us live into our name: “To share bread and sustenance together.” Companis events are an ‘ala carte’ menu for our placed Workers to choose from, and Workers always receive direct assistance, advocacy and check-ins from Companis staff. 

The difference this makes among our volunteers is outstanding: On an average annual basis, 96% of Companis Workers complete their placements, compared with a national volunteer average of 60 to 65% annually. Supported volunteers are fulfilled volunteers, building healthy and resilient community, and have a lot of fun along the way. That’s why so many of them continue their service year after year.