Video Overview

Introduction

Benchmarks let you recognize and motivate your volunteers by celebrating their achievements. When a volunteer reaches a goal—such as completing a set number of hours—they earn a badge that appears on their profile and volunteer resume.

Note: Benchmark updates take overnight to display on the site.

How it Works

A Site Manager creates and sets the parameters for the benchmark.
The volunteer achieves the benchmark.
The Benchmark Awarded notification is sent to volunteers after they complete that benchmark.
- You can edit the notification at any time by visiting Communication > Notifications > Benchmark Awarded.
- To learn more about updating your site's notifications, see our article, Managing Your Site's Automated Notifications.

Please note, only the volunteer receives an automated notification once they achieve a benchmark. Site Managers and Program Managers can track benchmark progress by using the User Filter and applying the following filter: Volunteer > Benchmark > has achieved > [name of benchmark].

Adding Benchmarks

Go to Volunteerism > Benchmarks.
Click Add New Benchmark.
Select a Status:
1. Active: Benchmark is enabled and awarded when criteria are met.
2. Pending: Benchmark isn't active yet; you can finish editing later.
3. Inactive: Use when you want to disable a benchmark.
Configure your benchmark's Display settings:
1. Badge Name: Add a clear, descriptive name (e.g., Superstar Vol).
2. Badge Image:
  1. Stock Badge: These are the stock badges that come with your site.
    Select a badge: Select one of the available stock badges that fits the parameters of the benchmark.
  2. Custom Image: Upload your own custom image for the badge.
    If you select this option, you can either drag and drop a custom image into the box or click Select from Files and add your custom images.
    Supported formats for custom images include JPG, PNG, GIF, and SVG. Use an image size smaller than 1080px x 1080px.
Determine the Criteria for the benchmark:
1. Hours Earned:
  1. Annual: Dates are automatically set from Jan 1 - Dec 31.
  2. Hours Required: Add the number of hours necessary to achieve this benchmark.
  3. Approval Required: Switch this On if hours must be approved before the benchmark can be awarded.
  4. Allow Individual Hours: Switch this On if Individual Hours can count toward the hours requirement for this benchmark.
  5. User Group: Add a User Group here to restrict this benchmark to users within that User Group.
2. Years of Service:
  1. Years of Service: Enter the number of years required to achieve this benchmark.
  2. Measured From:
    Years since the volunteer's account was created: Years are counted from the time the volunteer's account was created.
    Years since the volunteer first responded to an opportunity: Years are counted from the first time the volunteer submitted a response to an opportunity.
    Years since the volunteer first logged hours: Years are counted from the first time the volunteer logged hours.
  3. User Group: Add a User Group here to restrict this benchmark to users within that User Group.
Optional: Click Preview Badge to see how it will appear on the user's profile once they have met all of the specified criteria for the benchmark.
Click Create Benchmark to finish.

Benchmarks are awarded within 24 hours to users who have already met its criteria.

Available Stock Badges

Stock badges come in bronze, silver, and gold, with multiple wording options to celebrate volunteer milestones.

Badge	What it looks like
Bronze - 10 Hours
Bronze - 25 Hours
Bronze - Community Champion
Bronze - I Made a Difference
Bronze - Outstanding Service
Silver - 20 Hours
Silver - 50 Hours
Silver - Community Champion
Silver - I Made a Difference
Silver - Outstanding Service
Gold - 50 Hours
Gold - 100 Hours
Gold - Community Champion
Gold - I Made a Difference
Gold - Outstanding Service

Benchmarks and Badges

Video Overview

Introduction

How it Works

Adding Benchmarks

Available Stock Badges