TRAIL begins Service Enterprise training

TRAIL has been selected to participate in the 2026 Volunteer Iowa Service Enterprise Program, a prestigious designation that positions our organization among a distinguished cohort of nonprofits elevating volunteer engagement through intentional strategy and innovation. Fewer than 15% of organizations nationwide can be characterized as Service Enterprises, and TRAIL is proud to be invited to be among them. 

Volunteers have always been at the heart of TRAIL’s work. Being chosen for the Service Enterprise Program allows us to take that commitment to the next level. This opportunity will help TRAIL:

• Invest in volunteer-centered practices that build capacity and deepen impact
• Adopt systems and strategies used by high-performing nonprofits nationwide
• Foster an organizational culture where volunteers are at the center of everything

The Service Enterprise Program is rooted in the national Service Enterprise Initiative, a rigorous framework designed to help nonprofits transform volunteer engagement into a strategic asset. Service Enterprise encourages organizations to embed volunteers into core operations for measurable outcomes and lasting sustainability.

Participating organizations undergo a thoughtful process, including evaluation, training, and implementation of best practices, supported by Volunteer Iowa and aligned national partners. At the completion of this process, TRAIL also will receive a $4,000 grant to strengthen and enhance our volunteer program.

By embracing the tools and insights of the Service Enterprise Program, we are strengthening the foundations of TRAIL’s mission of helping older adults maintain their health and independence. This investment will positively impact:

• TRAIL members, who will receive consistent, responsive support
• TRAIL volunteers, who will have clearer pathways to meaningfully contribute
• The Johnson County community, which will benefit from a more resilient, connected, and sustainable  organization