Partnering with Nonprofits: How COLAB Helps Amplify Impact Through Collaboration

April is National Volunteer Month, and it always prompts me to reflect on the collective power of giving. At COLAB, volunteering isn’t just something we encourage; it’s a reflection of who we are. Whether it’s through personal efforts or initiatives we take on as a team, I’m constantly inspired by how we show up for the causes we care about and the values we hold dear.

Leading Through Mentorship

Mentorship has always been a part of my life, and it’s been a privilege to stay connected to nonprofit organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). I began as a mentor, have served on the board, and continue my involvement in working to further their mission through outreach and fundraising. Knowing that consistent, small acts can change someone’s path keeps me inspired and committed. It’s not about grand gestures; it’s about showing up, over and over.

I’ve also been fortunate to serve as a mentor for the University of Richmond’s Robins School of Business. Watching young leaders, particularly women, grow and find their footing is incredibly rewarding and, in some ways, feels like my gratitude practice for those who have and continue to mentor me. It’s a way for me to carry that torch forward and share my experiences in the hopes of imparting some small bits of wisdom I’ve collected along the way. I hope that torch never stops spreading; in fact, I hope the flames only grow larger after me.

What so interesting to me, upon reflection, is how the mission of BBBS – to help children realize their potential through one-on-one mentorship – has resonated across my work with MBA students and also my team. There’s so much power in knowing that potential lies within each individual. It’s not something you bestow upon another person; it’s something you help bring to the surface and reflect back to them.

When I look at COLAB, I see individuals – whether peers or managers – constantly drawing out potential in others. I see shared values in every act of service and every effort to make a difference, big or small, inside or outside our agency.

Supporting Our Communities

One of the initiatives I’m most proud of from the past 12 months is our school supply drive for Blackwell Elementary. Preparing for a new school year can be stressful for teachers and families, and we wanted to do something to help ease that burden. The outpouring of support from our team and community was incredible.

Principal Coleman’s words about the drive truly stayed with me. She described it as “Christmas in September,” sharing:

The intricate grips of tiny fingers will wrap around the pencils and crayons and help them learn to write legibly, create stories, increase reading abilities, illustrate masterpieces, and demonstrate mathematical calculations.

Those words are a beautiful reminder that small things like pencils, crayons, or tissues can fuel creativity, learning, and health—not just for students but for an entire community.

Moments like these remind me how powerful collective action can be.

COLAB’s Collective Contributions

Beyond individual efforts, we also contribute as a team to causes that align with our values as a company. This year, our donations supported organizations working on youth and mentorship, access to education and the arts, environmental advocacy, and technology equity.

I’m especially proud of how these contributions tie into the personal efforts of our team. Whether it’s through financial contributions or participating in group projects like our hydration supply restock during Camp COLAB, it’s our people who bring these initiatives to life.

Partnering for Impact

I’m continually inspired by the community engagement efforts of our nonprofit clients. Many create unique opportunities for our communities, and our team loves working with clients that make a meaningful impact. To name a few:

• Sports Backers brings people together through events that promote physical activity around Richmond.
• Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden fosters education and community through its programming.
• The Richmond Forum uses civic dialogue to create inspiring conversations.

Together, we accomplish so much more than we could alone.

Stories That Go Beyond the Desk

Our team embodies what it means to give back. From board leadership to grassroots organizing, here’s just a glimpse of our team’s collective impact:

• Albert Kotchish: Volunteering with MADRVA, RVA Community Bail Fund, and Friends of the James River Park, among others.
• Mike Garrett: Supporting local organizations like WRIR 97.3 FM and Charlottesville Ballet through technology and operations expertise.
• Ralph Otto: Rebuilding websites for nonprofits, serving on the board of Advertising Club of Richmond, and leading neighborhood micro cleanups.
• Eddie O’Leary: Serving on boards for groups like the VCU Foundation and Virginia Squash Racquets Association.

These contributions aren’t isolated efforts. They’re part of a greater pattern of service, woven into the lives of everyone here at COLAB.

Building a Culture of Service

At COLAB, we want to make it as simple as possible for everyone to get involved. Whether through our four-day work week that provides more time for community involvement, group service initiatives, or team-led campaigns, we’re always looking for ways to support our people in supporting their communities.

If you have a cause close to your heart or an idea for how we can make an impact, I’d love to hear it. After all, this is a shared effort—to create ripples of change wherever we can.

Thank You

To our team, community (Richmond and beyond), and everyone who has given their time, efforts, donations, and care this year—I want to say thank you. Whether you’re mentoring a student, providing supplies to a school, or stepping up quietly in the background to make a difference, your work matters. Together, we’re building something bigger than any one of us could do alone.

Here’s to the spirit of volunteering. Not just this month, but every day. If you’re a growing nonprofit and hope to increase your impact this year, reach out. We’d be happy to share how we’ve helped other organizations.