08 Apr How to Encourage, Engage, and Retain Volunteers for Nonprofits

If donors provide nonprofits with the foundation on which they can achieve stability, volunteers are the organization’s backbone. These selfless heroes help nonprofits become strong enough to complete their missions mission, from fundraising and administrative tasks to operations. They do the hands-on work that makes a difference. Because volunteers are so valuable to nonprofits, there should be an equal focus on recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers as on raising funds. Here’s how you can encourage more people to volunteer for your cause:

Express gratitude

One of the most important things you can do to encourage volunteers is to show your appreciation for their work. Knowing that you’re making a difference can be a powerful motivator. Let volunteers know that you are grateful for their contributions by expressing appreciation verbally or through small but meaningful acts of recognition. Show how much you appreciate your volunteers by boasting about them on social media. Publicly expressing gratitude also shows that you are the type of organization that recognizes the value of those who are freely giving of their time. Not only will this give your volunteers a sense of pride and accomplishment, but it will also encourage others to participate.

Give branded volunteer swag

A great way to express gratitude is through volunteer swag. Fun ideas include branded tech accessories, self-care products, t-shirts, playing cards, and travel coffee mugs. Branded swag items allow volunteers to quietly flex their involvement in a worthy cause, and it’s also great for your own marketing.

Promote collaboration

The most successful nonprofits have strong leadership that knows the value of collaboration. Keep volunteers engaged by creating opportunities for them to pitch their ideas or work in teams to accomplish projects. Let their voices be heard before pushing forward with events and activities. You can also involve them in organizational decision-making, give them leadership roles within projects, and allow them to take on new challenges over time.

Be specific

Rather than call for volunteers, ask for people to perform specific jobs. When you use a general term like “volunteer,” many people will hesitate, worrying that they may not be up for the task – especially if it’s physically demanding. Different people have different skills and being specific about which job you need volunteers for allows you to connect with the right people who will be content with their contribution and more likely to come back when the need for their special skills arises.

Create a sense of community

Retain volunteers by making them feel like part of a community. This can be done by creating social events outside of work hours, such as happy hours, cookouts, and potlucks. Even if someone says they’re only volunteering for a day, include them in a group chat or email list specifically for volunteers. Create opportunities for everyone to meet again outside of volunteer duties. This way, former and current volunteers get the chance to meet and make new friends who already have a shared interest – the nonprofit’s mission. With newly-formed friendships and relationships, they will be more likely to volunteer again in the future, knowing they’ll be reconnecting with people they like.