Volunteering is Vital: Ushering in a New Era at Better Impact

A New Beginning: Why I Joined Better Impact

When I first came across Better Impact, what stood out wasn’t just the software — it was what the software made possible. Behind every login, every scheduled shift, and every report was something deeply meaningful: people showing up for their communities in real and tangible ways.

Even without a lot of fanfare, Better Impact was already helping thousands of organizations coordinate volunteers who give their time, skills, and heart to causes they care about. From hospitals to food banks to city governments, these teams were using Better Impact to keep things moving — often with limited resources and huge responsibilities.

But as I spent more time with the company, I started to see something else: a lot of untapped potential.

Potential to make life easier for volunteer leaders. Potential to support our clients in more strategic ways. And potential to lead the way in how technology and volunteerism come together.

That’s what drew me in — and why I decided to join as CEO.

I believe volunteerism is one of the most important and underappreciated forces in society. It doesn’t always get the credit or support it deserves, but without it, so many essential services would simply stop. I also believe that Better Impact is in a unique position to help — not just by building tools, but by helping shape how volunteerism evolves for the future.

That’s the work I’m excited to be part of — and I’m glad you’re here for it too.

Why We Chose to Rebrand — and What It Means

We’ve spent the last few months in deep reflection and dialogue — with our clients, our team, and our partners. Through that process, one thing became clear: to meet the moment ahead, we needed to evolve.

Our old brand served us well, but it no longer told the full story of who we are or where we’re going.
We’ve grown, and so have the expectations placed on us — and rightly so.

This isn’t just a cosmetic update. It’s a recommitment.

We’ve redefined our purpose with clarity and conviction:

Our Mission: To unlock the potential of volunteerism
Our Vision: To transform volunteer strategies

We’re not just adjusting fonts and colors. We’re realigning our company — from our product roadmap to
our customer experience — to help organizations see volunteerism not just as a support function, but as
a lever for transformational impact.

The Moment Volunteerism is Facing

Volunteerism is more essential than ever — but also more strained.

Organizations are struggling to recruit, onboard, and retain volunteers. Burnout is growing. Systems are
disconnected. Many leaders in the sector are operating with outdated tools, siloed data, and minimal
strategic guidance. And yet, they are still expected to meet growing community needs with fewer
resources.

This gap — between the value volunteers bring and the support they receive — is unsustainable.

It’s time to bridge it.

And it starts by recognizing that volunteerism isn’t just about good intentions. It’s about outcomes. It’s about designing experiences that honor the time people give. It’s about equipping leaders to manage, measure and mobilize volunteers as a critical extension of their mission.

What Comes Next: Teasing a New Direction

At Better Impact, we are beginning to look beyond what a volunteer management system can do —and toward what a strategic volunteer partner should do.

We’re imagining a future where we:

• Help organizations define and measure the outcomes of their volunteer programs
• Provide insight, coaching, and frameworks to strengthen volunteer strategy
• Equip leaders with the tools to communicate the true value of volunteerism to boards, funders, and the public
• Support innovative models of engagement — from episodic to virtual to skills-based volunteering
• We believe that organizations that treat volunteers as strategic assets — and invest accordingly — will not only recruit more people, but retain and empower them in deeper ways.
• While we’re not ready to reveal everything just yet, I can say this: our team is exploring new capabilities and partnerships designed to help you make the most of your people-powered mission.

Raising the Bar, Together

This is a defining moment not just for Better Impact, but for the sector as a whole. Volunteerism is not broken — it’s just ready for what’s next.

And what’s next will be built by those who are willing to challenge assumptions, elevate standards, and put people at the center of strategy.

At Better Impact, we’re not just building software — we’re building belief. Belief in a future where volunteers are given the tools, support, and recognition they deserve. Belief in the organizations that lead them. And belief in our own responsibility to raise the bar.

To the thousands of clients who already trust us: thank you. We are honored to be part of your story.

To those just discovering us: welcome. We’re just getting started.

Let’s unlock the potential of volunteerism — together.

Warmly,
Houston Goodwin
CEO, Better Impact