HOG – How to Submit a Project

How to Submit a Project for HANDS ON GREENVILLE Day

⚠️ Important: You must be a registered nonprofit partner to host a project. Registration is free and approval typically takes one business day. Apply to become a nonprofit partner.

Step 1: Log In to Hands On Connect

  • Access your Partner Portal by logging into Hands On Connect.
  • Select: “Return to Managing Opportunities” from the top right navigation bar.

Step 2: Create a Volunteer Opportunity

  • Select Volunteer Opportunities (left sidebar)
  • Select Create Volunteer Opportunity (top right)

Step 3: Complete Basic Setup

  • Opportunity Name: Start with HOG 2026
    Example: HOG 2026: Hygiene Kit Assembly

  • Schedule Type: Date & Time Specific

  • Registration Type: Sign Up

Step 4: Write a Strong Project Description

This is what volunteers use to choose their project. Include:

  • What volunteers will do
  • Who it’s best suited for
  • What to wear
  • What to bring (if anything)
  • What is provided
  • Full address + parking details
  • Rain plan (if outdoors)
  • Required tools (if applicable)

Be clear. Be specific. Make it easy to say yes.

Step 5: Add Additional Details

Complete:

  • Opportunity Coordinator (on-site contact)
  • Location (add if not listed)
  • Primary Impact Area
  • Participant Age Requirements
  • Maximum Attendance
  • Outdoor Project + Rain Plan (if applicable)

🚨 Important

Under Volunteer Event, select: Hands On Greenville Day 2026

If this is not selected, your project will not appear on the HOG Day page.

Step 6: Schedule & Submit

  • Click Next Page
  • Enter Date: May 2, 2026
  • Enter start and end time, 3–4 hours (end by noon)
  • Click Create

What Happens Next?

Our team will review your submission and connect with you for a quick 15-minute check-in to ensure everything is set up for success. After that, your project will be published and open for volunteer registration.

Need Help? 

Contact: volunteer@unitedwaygc.org

We’re here to help you create a meaningful, well-organized HOG Day experience.

What Types of Projects Fit HOG Day?

Need inspiration? These project types work well:

  • Deep cleaning (windows, desks, baseboards and shared spaces)
  • Planting flowers and beautifying outdoor areas
  • Landscaping and mulching
  • Park and neighborhood cleanups
  • Painting projects (basic experience recommended)
  • Decluttering and organizing spaces
  • Removing unwanted plants, trash and debris
  • Revitalizing parks and community spaces
  • Planting or building a community garden
  • Preparing food boxes
  • Assembling hygiene kits
  • Sorting and labeling donations
  • Building or improving outdoor classroom spaces
  • General outdoor maintenance projects

Projects should:

  • Be clearly defined
  • Be safely managed
  • Be achievable in a 3–4 hour window
  • Have a designated on-site coordinator

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Hands On Greenville Day?

Hands On Greenville Day (HOG Day) is Greenville County’s largest volunteer day, mobilizing businesses, nonprofits and community members to complete impactful service projects across the county.

Saturday, May 2, 2026. Projects begin at 8:00 am and typically run between 2 and 4 hours, concluding around 11:00 am, followed by an optional afterparty.

Any nonprofit serving Greenville County may submit a project. If your organization is not already in our system, you will need to complete a nonprofit registration form first.

Volunteer registration will open at a later date (TBD), after we have projects to choose from.
Individuals may submit an interest form now to be notified when registration goes live.

Projects are selected through our volunteer portal, Hands On Connect. Sign up for an account or log in to view and select available opportunities.

As the thespians say, the show must go on! HOG Day is rain or shine (barring serious safety concerns). Projects should have a rain plan in place and will be communicated via your Site Coordinator.

For project-related questions, contact the Hands On Greenville team at volunteer@unitedwaygc.org.

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Volunteer registration takes place through our portal, Hands On Connect. Create an account or log in to view and select available projects once registration opens.

We are currently in project submission phase. You may submit an interest form now to be notified when sign-ups go live.

Projects begin at 8:00 am and typically run between 2 and 4 hours, concluding around 11:00 am. Some projects may vary slightly depending on location and scope.

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting dirty

  • Weather-appropriate layers

  • HOG Day t-shirt if provided

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Sunscreen if outdoors

  • Work gloves if you prefer your own

Most tools and materials will be provided by the nonprofit site.

HOG Day is rain or shine, barring serious safety concerns. Check your email the week of the event for any updates.

Yes. When registering, you may join a team or select the same project as others if space is available.

If you can no longer attend, please log into Hands On Connect and withdraw from your project as soon as possible so another volunteer can fill the spot.

What is my role as a Volunteer Team Leader?

Team Leaders serve as the primary contact between your volunteer group and the nonprofit project site. You are responsible for:

  • Communicating details to your team

  • Ensuring volunteers arrive on time

  • Supporting the site coordinator during the project

  • Reporting attendance (if required)

HOG Day is rain or shine (barring serious safety concerns). Connect directly with your site coordinator to confirm the rain plan.

Most agencies provide tools and materials. If volunteers are expected to bring anything, this will be communicated in advance.

Volunteers should bring:

  • Closed-toe shoes

  • Weather-appropriate clothing

  • A reusable water bottle (access to water is required on-site)

Check with the Site Coordinator about potential back-up tasks. Volunteers may be dismissed as early as 10:30 AM if work is complete.

United Way provides a general waiver, but agencies are encouraged to provide their own liability waiver as well.

If someone is injured:

  1. Follow the agency’s safety protocol immediately.

  2. Notify a member of the Hands On Greenville team.

You must designate a backup Team Leader in advance. If an emergency arises, notify the Hands On Greenville team as soon as possible.

What is my role as a Site Coordinator?

Site Coordinators are responsible for:

  • Preparing the project site

  • Having materials ready

  • Providing clear instructions

  • Ensuring volunteer safety

  • Serving as the on-site lead for the day


 

HOG Day is rain or shine (barring serious safety concerns). You should have a rain plan in place and communicate it to your assigned Volunteer Team Leader(s).

Yes. Most agencies provide tools, materials, and project supplies.

If volunteers are expected to bring specific items, clearly communicate this in advance.

Water bottles or access to drinking water is required. Snacks are optional.

We recommend identifying a backup project or secondary task in advance. Volunteers may be dismissed as early as 10:30 AM if work is complete.

We encourage each agency to provide its own liability waiver.

If someone is injured:

  1. Follow your organization’s safety protocols.

  2. Notify the Hands On Greenville team immediately.

You must designate a backup Site Coordinator in advance. Notify the Hands On Greenville team immediately if a change is necessary

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsoring Hands On Greenville Day is a powerful way to:

  • Align your brand with community impact
  • Engage your employees
  • Increase visibility across Greenville County

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING HANDS ON GREENVILLE DAY POSSIBLE:

Impact Sponsors
Community Sponsors
Supporting Sponsors
Coastal Carolina National Bank (CCNB)
McMillan Pazdan Smith
Womble Bond Dickinson

aeSOLUTIONS   •   CAROLINA LAW GROUP   •   KPMG
QUIKTRIP CORPORATION   •   SOUTHERN FIRST BANK   •   WOODWARD

aeSOLUTIONS

CAROLINA LAW GROUP

KPMG

QUIKTRIP CORPORATION

SOUTHERN FIRST BANK

WOODWARD

BALLOON AND MONOGRAM LLC
BW FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS
CCNB
FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
FOX CAROLINA
HOSPITALITY AMERICA
INTERNATIONAL VITAMIN
CORPORATION
MCMILLAN PAZDAN SMITH
PARK NATIONAL BANK
RESURGENT CAPITAL SERVICES
R.W. BAIRD
SEALED AIR
SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION
SUGA PIE HONEYBUN
UCW LOGISTICS

BALLOON AND MONOGRAM LLC
BW FLEXIBLE SYSTEMS
CCNB   •   FIRST COMMUNITY BANK
FOX CAROLINA   •   
HOSPITALITY AMERICA
INTERNATIONAL VITAMIN CORPORATION
MCMILLAN PAZDAN SMITH
PARK NATIONAL BANK
RESURGENT CAPITAL SERVICES
R.W. BAIRD   •   SEALED AIR
SELF-HELP CREDIT UNION
SUGA PIE HONEYBUN   •   UCW LOGISTICS

SPONSOR HANDS ON GREENVILLE DAY

You can make a tremendous impact in our community by sponsoring United Way Hands On Greenville Day. Review our Sponsorship Guide to learn how you can contribute to the Upstate’s largest annual day of service.

Questions or Issues with your volunteer account?

Please reach out to volunteer@unitedwaygc.org and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

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