Volunteer Time is Worth Money Too!

Volunteers who donate their time, energy and expertise are the backbone of the GBCTA. It is hard to put an actual value on their contributions because the organization could not exist without them.

But sometimes it’s necessary to try. For example, year-end summaries of a not-for-profit society require an estimated value of volunteer work, as do most applications for funds from various levels of government. If you are a volunteer with the GBCTA, it is important that you keep track of your donated time and report it on a regular basis to the Trails Association. The following are guidelines provided by Alberta’s Quarterly Grants Program.

1. The value of unskilled labour is $10/hour.

2. The value of skilled labour is $25/hour. The skilled labour category is very specialized. For example, a landscape consultant who donates time and knowledge to landscaping along a path might be classified as skilled labour.

3. Donated materials and professional services are valued at fair market value. An example might be a lawyer who provides legal services without charge.

4. Donated heavy equipment (including an operator) is valued at $50/hour.

· Time and labour donated towards funding applications, planning meetings, fundraising and administration are not eligible.

When you volunteer for the Trails Association, make sure to send a time/money report that includes your name, contact number, the project, the kind of work you did, and the dates. You can email it to trails@braggcreek.ca