Released on = February 26, 2007, 10:56 am

Press Release Author = SmartVolunteer

Industry = Non Profit

Press Release Summary = In an effort to streamline and strengthen the process of
connecting non-profits with volunteers, SmartVolunteer has announced the launch of
the first website to offer tailored searches for skills-based volunteer projects.
The website's unique focus on skilled giving is designed to enable more individuals
to volunteer in projects that maximize their personal satisfaction while at the same
time maximizing in-kind contributions to non-profits.


Press Release Body = New York, NY, February 10, 2007 - In an effort to streamline
and strengthen the process of connecting non-profits with volunteers, SmartVolunteer
has announced the launch of the first website to offer tailored searches for
skills-based volunteer projects. The website's unique focus on skilled giving is
designed to enable more individuals to volunteer in projects that maximize their
personal satisfaction while at the same time maximizing in-kind contributions to
non-profits.

The website's founding team consists of a non-profit management consultant (Moshe
Bellows, Esq.), a corporate attorney (Howard Felson), a software engineer (Jeff
Schlanger), a strategy consultant (Nir Altman) and a student at Stanford Business
School (Dan Abelon). The team developed the idea and worked entirely pro-bono for
countless hours to implement it, fulfilling its own credo of using professional
expertise in socially beneficial ways. The founding team was aided by dozens of
other volunteers recruited to assist with technology, design, legal, marketing, PR
and other mission-critical functions.

"Pro-bono work isn't just for lawyers anymore," says attorney Howard Felson. "Now
accountants, PR execs, graphic designers, consultants, educators, researchers,
business analysts and other talented volunteers can get the same satisfaction as
lawyers who donate their services. People love to give. We just help them give
smarter."

To-date, over 100 international, national and local non-profits and charities have
partnered with SmartVolunteer to offer volunteer opportunities, including: the
American Red Cross, ASPCA, Big Brothers, Big Sisters of New York City, Doctors
Without Borders, Housing Works, and the Jewish Coalition for Service.

"We founded SmartVolunteer to fill a critical void in the volunteer placement
arena," says consultant Moshe Bellows. "Many programs simply focus on servicing open
opportunities, without evaluating how best to utilize their volunteers' skills.
SmartVolunteer is dedicated to more effective, efficient and focused volunteerism
and has built the leading website for matching a volunteer's skill set and
availability with the particular needs of the non-profits."

How the Site Works
The SmartVolunteer website (located at www.smartvolunteer.org) enables qualified
non-profits to post volunteer projects that require specific professional skills and
then allows the volunteers (affectionately known as "SVs") to search and apply for
the projects that are suited to their skills, time and personal interests.
Getting started for both volunteers and non-profits is as easy as filling out a few
simple questions and registering a username and password. Once registered, a
volunteer can search directly on the database of volunteer projects or can choose to
have SmartVolunteer send them a weekly email with pro bono projects meeting their
desired criteria. "No obligations, just a wealth of opportunities," says Jeff
Schlanger, whose tireless volunteer efforts were devoted to programming the code
that runs the website.
With all the buzz surrounding professional and social networking, SmartVolunteer
made sure to equip its website with a robust member directory complete with
messaging, profiles and pictures. Volunteers can browse or search the directory for
other members from their colleges, companies or industries and anonymously contact
them through the site. The organization plans to run networking events and other
social gatherings as its roster of professional members expands through the country.

"We hope to build and support a community of skilled professionals who share a
passion for volunteering," says co-founder Nir Altman. "By volunteering for
opportunities in their area of expertise and connecting with others who share their
skills and values, the volunteer will have a more positive experience and come to
increase their connection to the non-profit and their overall commitment to
volunteering. It's a win-win!"
SmartVolunteer is also exploring partnerships with corporations to enhance their
corporate giving programs, such as co-branded volunteer portals, direct data feeds
of non-profit projects and outsourced volunteer coordinator services.
The name "SmartVolunteer" was the brainchild of one of the organization's first
smart volunteers, Dan Abelon, who joined the SV founding team and for the last
several months has been spearheading Smart Volunteer's West Coast presence and
recruiting efforts as a student at Stanford Business School.
* * * *
SmartVolunteer, like the organizations it seeks to help, is a non-profit with
501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Built entirely by volunteers, SmartVolunteer is a
practical example of the impact that volunteers can make by putting their time and
expertise to use in socially meaningful ways. The organization was awarded the
2006/2007 Prestigious Entrepreneurship Award from the NYU Stern School of Business.

The founders, Moshe Bellows, Howard Felson, Jeff Schlanger, Nir Altman and Dan
Abelon, dedicated the site to the memory of JJ Greenberg, who recognized that we
each have a role to play in making this world a better place.


Web Site = http://www.smartvolunteer.org

Contact Details = For Further Information Contact:
Meredith Waltzer
(516) 801 0785
mwaltzer@smartvolunteer.org

or visit the website at www.smartvolunteer.org