Here is our first set of calculations that can build your case for maintaining and even increasing the budget provided to your CHC. Identify key performance measures that illustrate the worth of CHC service. The second set of calculations is found here.
Calculating Monetary Value of CHC Volunteer Hours
To estimate monetary values for CHC service, we use reporting information submitted by CHCs across the state, specifically volunteer hours. While hours do not represent the broad impact of CHC work, tracking CHC volunteer hours each year provides a performance measure for CHCs that is easy to understand and explain. We'll use the following reporting data for our performance calculations.
To calculate cumulative value, let's say that 2020 CHC reports will have the following results -- 189 CHCs reported a combined total of 447,079 volunteer hours. To illustrate calculations for individual CHCs, we'll use the fictional Post Oak CHC and assign the statewide reporting average--2,400 volunteer hours.
CALCULATE estimated monetary values for the volunteer hours donated.
- $27.20 is the 2020 estimated national volunteer hourly rate as per independentsector.org.
- We'll say that Texas CHCs reported 447,079 volunteer hours for the 2020 year of service.
- 447,079 hours × $27.20 = $12,160,548 in volunteer service provided by Texas CHCs.
CHC volunteer hours carry a monetary value of more than $12.1 million for the 2020 year of service.
We typically use the national rate when discussing CHC service but a state rate is available, as well. The state rate often is lower than the national rate, so we use the higher national rate to maximize our calculations. Be sure to compare the national and state rates each year and use the higher rate for your calculations. Just be sure to label the rate correctly when sharing your numbers.
Now follow the same steps to calculate amounts for an individual CHC. Remember, we're using the Post Oak CHC total of 2,400 volunteer hours for our example.
CALCULATE estimated monetary values for the volunteer hours donated by one CHC.
- $27.20 is the 2020 estimated national volunteer hourly rate as per independentsector.org
- Post Oak CHC had 2,400 volunteer hours for the 2020 year of service
- 2,400 hours × $27.20 = $ 65,280 in volunteer service provided by Post Oak CHC
Using national volunteer hourly rate, Post Oak CHC provides $65,280 in service to Post Oak County in 2020.
Post Oak CHC reported an average number of volunteer hours when compared with other CHCs across the state. However, the estimated monetary value for an average number of CHC volunteer hours is quite high.
Remember, you can only figure these calculations if you track volunteer hours! More about tracking volunteer hours here.
Calculating Workload Demonstrated by CHC Volunteer Hours
Demonstrating the value of CHC service can also be accomplished by considering how volunteer hours translate into full-time employment. For instance, you could brag, CHC volunteers do the work of 10 full-time employees! To make this type of statement, use volunteer hours total and some common-sense math.
CALCULATE total in-kind, full-time job positions using volunteer hours.
- Determine hours for one full-time employee: multiply 40 hours (work week) by 52 weeks a year = 2,080 hours
- As noted above, we're estimating that CHCs reported a cumulative total of 447,079 volunteer hours for the 2020 year of service
- 447,079 hours ÷ 2,080 hours = 214.94
Statewide CHC volunteer hours reflect the work of 214 full-time individuals dedicated to preservation!
Now, use the same formula to determine the answer for one CHC. Again, we use the fictional Post Oak CHC that represents an average reporting CHC––2,400 volunteer hours during the 2020 year of service.
CALCULATE in-kind, full-time job positions for Post Oak County using volunteer hours.
- Determine hours for one full-time employee: multiply 40 hours (work week) by 52 weeks a year = 2,080 hours
- As noted above, Post Oak CHC reported 2,400 volunteer hours for the 2020 year of service
- 2,400 hours ÷ 2,080 hours = 1.15
Post Oak CHC volunteer hours reflect the work of 1 full-time employee for Post Oak County.
More calculations associated with CHC service here.
More about what the CHC Outreach Program does for you here.
CHC Orientation content located here.
