From Moments of Generosity to Movements of Service: Clare Davis and the Future of Volunteering
Some changemakers lead by showing what is possible when compassion meets structure.
Clare Davis, Founder of Impact Squad, is one of them.
Her work sits at the intersection of digital innovation, nonprofit strategy, and human connection, a space where she is redefining what it means to volunteer in today’s world. From corporate coaching to mobilizing over 50,000 global participants for a nonprofit initiative, Clare’s journey is proof that service can be both scalable and deeply personal.
Today, she is building Impact Squad: a virtual volunteer ecosystem that empowers nonprofits to grow without overwhelming their teams, while helping individuals unlock their own capacity to serve anytime, anywhere.
Below is Clare’s journey in her own words.
Tell us a bit about your background
I’m the founder of Impact Squad, a virtual volunteer program that helps nonprofits grow without overwhelming their teams. My background blends corporate business development and nonprofit leadership, but the common thread has always been helping people discover and use their strengths in meaningful ways.
Even in corporate roles, what energized me most wasn’t sales targets it was coaching others toward growth. That passion carried into my work at Luv Michael, where I launched an international volunteer program that engaged over 50,000 people worldwide. It confirmed what I believed all along: with the right structure, anyone , anywhere , can make a difference.
What first inspired you to begin this journey?
The spark came from witnessing the surge of generosity around Giving Tuesday and how quickly it would fade. People wanted to help beyond donating but lacked simple ways to get involved, while many nonprofits didn’t have the capacity to manage growing volunteer interest.
Impact Squad bridges that gap by turning moments of inspiration into year-round service through virtual volunteering. I believe generosity shouldn’t be seasonal it should become a habit. When people connect to real stories behind nonprofit missions, they stay engaged for the long term.
Along the way, what has been one of the most defining experiences?
Reimagining what volunteering can look like by moving beyond in-person events alone into a virtual and digital model. This shift opens doors for students, professionals, retirees, and global community members who may not otherwise be able to participate while giving nonprofits steady support without increasing staff burden.
Building a structured digital framework has shown me how service can remain deeply human while also becoming scalable and accessible.
What impact do you feel your work has created so far?
The greatest impact has been increasing both accessibility and connection. Virtual programs allow people from all walks of life to serve and truly understand the missions they support, transforming volunteers into ambassadors who share those stories across their own networks.
This ripple effect builds greater awareness, deeper giving, and stronger community ties that extend far beyond one-day events.
Looking ahead, what is your vision or goal for the future?
I envision Impact Squad helping lead the next phase of volunteering blending virtual and community-based service so that anyone can participate, regardless of location or circumstance.
My goal is to build a national network connecting schools, corporations, and nonprofits through digital programs that drive real outcomes and develop the next generation of purpose-driven leaders. Volunteering shouldn’t be occasional, it should be woven into everyday life.
What message would you share with others who want to create positive change?
Start where you are. Impact doesn’t require perfection or proximity. Choose a cause you care about, offer what you can, and commit to showing up consistently.
Real change grows from everyday actions taken by people who care not from single grand gestures.
UPDEED Reflections
Clare Davis reminds us that volunteering is not defined by proximity, privilege, or free time. It is defined by intention. Her work shows that when people are given simple, structured ways to contribute, they don’t just complete task, but they join movements.
At UPDEED, we believe stories like Clare’s carry an important lesson for all changemakers:
impact grows when it becomes visible, accessible, and shared.
Whether it’s a student supporting a nonprofit after class, a professional contributing skills virtually, or a community member amplifying a cause they believe in.
Our mission is to make this kind of connection possible every day.
To help nonprofits find the support they need.
To help volunteers discover where they fit in.
Because the future of impact will belong to those who can do two things well:
show up with heart, and show up with consistency.
UPDEED is forever committed to empower these voices in the world and to always show that kindness is limitless.
