By Jackie Sue Griffin, MBA, MS

Volunteers are a mighty resource for your nonprofit for several reasons. They are passionate about your cause, have built a relationship with you, have experience and expertise on the subject of your work and more. And now here are three ways you can help them fundraise for your organization!

1. They Can Invite Friends to Non-Ask Events

Non-ask events are one of the most effective ways for any nonprofit to expand its donor base. A non-ask event is typically a gathering at your nonprofit’s location, or even at the office or home of your supporter or a board member — or a virtual event in the days of the global pandemic — where people can hear more about your mission and work. As the name indicates, a non-ask event is free for attendees, and no ask is made at the event. Your volunteers can significantly boost your development program by inviting their friends, family and colleagues to your organization’s next non-ask event. You’ll be surprised at how willing your volunteers are to bring their circle to hear about the work they do at your nonprofit.

2. They Can Make “Thank You” Calls

Donors who receive a thank you call from a nonprofit within three days of making their gift are more likely to donate again. And the call doesn’t even have to be from a board member or any other executive in your nonprofit. A simple ‘Thank you for donating to our organization; we really appreciate it!’ call from a passionate volunteer can make all the difference. This can be especially useful if your nonprofit is understaffed and struggling to handle all those calls. Creating a team of trusted volunteers to do this work can have a direct, positive impact on your fundraising revenue.

3. They Can Spread the Word Online

Your volunteers are more than willing to promote your nonprofit through social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Put together a team of volunteers who are active online and provide them sample posts and updates to spread the word about your nonprofit online. Direct them to use links that lead back to your website and your sign-up page to help attract people who will respond to your volunteer’s promotions and add them to your fundraising funnel.