Your nonprofit wouldn’t be able to make an impact without its volunteers. However, volunteers don’t just appear out of thin air! Building robust, sustainable volunteer recruitment strategies is key.
In this post, we will discuss 17 effective volunteer recruitment strategies that can be easily put into action.
What is Volunteer Recruitment?
Volunteer recruitment is the strategy your nonprofit organization uses to attract new volunteers. Volunteer recruitment aims to find new individuals excited to use their time and talents to support your nonprofit’s mission.
While organizations often intensify their efforts to recruit volunteers before significant events like galas or fundraisers, it is essential to maintain active volunteer recruitment strategies at all times.
Being proactive in recruiting volunteers ensures that you have a strong and diverse pool of talent ready to step in at a moment's notice. Whether faced with last-minute cancellations or unexpected changes, you can rely on having dedicated and well-prepared individuals available to support your organization.
Volunteer Recruitment Benefits
Enriching your organization with volunteers through recruitment sets the stage for success by broadening your volunteer base. The advantages of volunteer recruitment encompass:
- Reduced operating costs. Volunteers execute jobs that otherwise would require paid staff members, and their work is critical to nonprofits, which already run on very limited resources. An Independent Sector study found that volunteers are worth an estimated $28/hour.
- Expanded impact. Volunteers are key to scaling your nonprofit. With more volunteers, you have more resources at your disposal to expand our organization’s reach and impact.
- Enhanced fundraising efforts. Gaining new volunteers also increases your donor base. Volunteers are passionate about your cause and will discuss your program with the people in their network, who can potentially become new donors. Not to mention that volunteers are also very likely to become donors themselves!
- Increased community presence. Volunteer recruitment strategies don’t just attract new volunteers; they also market your nonprofit to your entire community. This increased local visibility will make more people aware of your mission and generate more supporters.
- Smoother personnel changes. A variety of factors can contribute to volunteers leaving your organization, and not all of them are within your control. If a key volunteer changes their schedule, moves away, or experiences a major life event, your volunteer recruitment initiatives will ensure that you have someone else who can step into their role.
Before You Begin: Crafting Volunteer Recruitment Strategies
Effective volunteer recruitment initiatives kick off with thorough planning. Kickstart the process by evaluating the specific requirements of your program:
- Where are the gaps in your current volunteer base?
- What skills does your organization need?
- Are there specific positions that need to be filled?
- Do you anticipate any personnel turnover?
- What values do you want new volunteers to embody?
After pinpointing the specific individuals you are seeking, it's time to craft a volunteer recruitment strategy that speaks to potential volunteers. Here are some key volunteer recruitment ideas to consider:
- Target your recruitment efforts. While it can be tempting to cast a wide net, focus on the people you want to recruit. Reach out to special interest groups, professional organizations, and community organizations that you know have members with the skills and values you need.
- Write clear job descriptions. Make sure that prospective volunteers have a clear vision of the roles they will fill. Job descriptions help your organization be upfront about the volunteering process, and they can also attract people with specific talents and interests.
- Evaluate your recruitment channels. Does your organization already have volunteer recruitment strategies in place, and if so, how effective are they? If you’ve been relying on word of mouth, consider expanding to other options, like social media marketing and connecting with local organizations. Having more than one recruitment channel will increase your chances of success.
- Develop a volunteer recruitment budget. While volunteer recruitment has a strong value proposition for your organization, volunteer recruitment strategies do carry a cost. Understand how much money, time, and effort your organization has to put towards recruitment and build your plan accordingly. Some volunteer recruitment ideas, like peer-to-peer advertising, are free, and others are very low cost, such as social media, website landing pages, and newsletters. Placing an advertisement online or in local newspapers may carry a higher fee, but they also promise a greater reach and can tailor your efforts towards more specific audiences.
- Have registration and training programs in place. To retain recruits, they need to be able to start the volunteer training process as soon as possible. Make sure you already have a plan for registration, training, and event sign-up.
- Create a volunteer handbook. Volunteer handbooks are essential training materials for recruits. A volunteer handbook should outline your organization’s mission, processes, and policies so that potential volunteers understand exactly what is expected of them.
17 Volunteer Recruitment Ideas
With a solid plan in motion, it's time to kickstart your recruitment program. Dive into our carefully curated list of 17 volunteer recruitment ideas to elevate your efforts to the next level.
Mobilize Current Volunteers
Do not underestimate the power of peer-to-peer promotion. Word of mouth is incredibly valuable and cost-effective! Inform your current volunteers about your active recruitment efforts. Encourage them to share recruitment emails, flyers, and social media posts or refer a friend. You might even want to establish a formal volunteer ambassador program, equipping particularly charismatic and dedicated volunteers with persuasive pitches and recruitment materials.
Given that your current volunteers are already dedicated to your cause, chances are they know someone else who shares similar interests and skills, and they possess the inside scoop to inspire others to join. Your volunteers serve as exceptional advocates for your organization, making them an invaluable asset for your volunteer recruitment initiatives.
Reconnect with Former Volunteers
Don't overlook the potential of your former volunteers when it comes to recruitment. Reach out to see if they would be interested in rejoining your organization. Their past dedication shows they may be inclined to volunteer again! Even if they are unable to commit at the moment, they could still provide valuable referrals.
Before you reach out, consult your volunteer database or exit interview records to understand why that volunteer left. If they simply had a change of availability or needed a break, they may be more than ready to return! If the volunteer felt disengaged or under-appreciated, you can outline the ways you’ve optimized your program since they left, such as introducing more rewards and recognition or easy self-scheduling.
Engage Your Board
Your nonprofit’s board is already committed to your organization’s success, and they will be happy to support volunteer recruitment efforts. Board members are often prominent members of the community with extensive networks, and they can connect you with potential recruits, corporate volunteer programs, and local organizations that are looking for volunteering opportunities. You can even see if board members are interested in volunteering themselves!
Optimize Your Volunteer Landing Page
Harness the power of the internet as a key tool for volunteer recruitment. Your website serves as the initial point of contact for potential volunteers, so ensure you have a dedicated page specifically for volunteering that is regularly updated. This volunteer landing page should feature job openings, a registration form link, contact details for the volunteer manager, as well as testimonials and case studies showcasing your impactful initiatives.
Transform your volunteer landing page into a central hub for current volunteers, enhancing engagement and retention. Consider incorporating additional features such as event calendars, self-scheduling options, training resources, donation forms, and important announcements to further support your volunteer recruitment endeavors.
Harness Social Media
Utilize the power of social media as a dynamic tool to engage with your supporters. Through social platforms, potential volunteers can gain a deeper insight into your organization, offering a glimpse behind the scenes of your impactful work. Announce volunteer openings, showcase dedicated volunteers, and consider running targeted ads. Ensure your volunteer recruitment content is shared across various channels, including popular platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and more, while actively engaging with followers to foster a sense of community.
Explore innovative strategies to leverage additional social media platforms. YouTube serves as an excellent platform for hosting recruitment videos that can be shared on various platforms such as your website or newsletters. LinkedIn, often overlooked, can be a valuable resource for connecting with volunteers possessing specific skill sets, corporate volunteer programs, and individuals seeking professional development opportunities.
Consider Online Ads
Online advertisements can play a critical role in reaching new volunteers, especially people who may not be familiar with your organization. Online ads can let you target specific search engine keywords or individuals from a specific demographic. Many online ad programs offer pay-per-click options, where you only pay when someone clicks on your ad—giving you the best return on investment.
But did you know that your organization could potentially access thousands of dollars worth of online advertising for free? The Google Ad Grant program offers eligible nonprofits $10,000 in credits per month.
Send Email Newsletters
Email newsletters have the power to effortlessly convert your supporters into dedicated volunteers and generous donors, yielding an impressive return on investment of $36-$40 for every $1 spent. While signing up for an email list at an event is a breeze, ensuring your newsletters don't get lost in the email clutter is crucial. To craft impactful emails that resonate with your audience, focus on making them stand out and deliver genuine value. Here are some key strategies to consider:
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Write an eye-catching headline
- Clearly articulate your needs
- Showcase your program’s impact
- Make a personal connection through testimonials and case studies
- End with a call to action
Collaborate with Local Businesses and Sponsors
Engaging with local businesses can significantly boost your volunteer recruitment efforts. Look for companies that offer corporate volunteer programs, volunteer time off (VTO) benefits, or volunteer grant programs. When reaching out, propose collaborative volunteering events, offer roles on event committees, or suggest new initiatives that align with both your organization's mission and the company's values. Additionally, consider involving your current corporate sponsors. Since they already contribute funds and auction items, they may be open to donating volunteer time as well.
Network with Local Government
Your nonprofit shares a common mission with local government officials: enhancing the well-being of your community. With their deep understanding of the needs of constituents, government officials can offer valuable guidance on government programs, civic groups, corporate sponsors, and potential donors.
Connect with Community Organizations
Reach out to community organizations and civic groups that share your nonprofit’s values. You can find engaged, qualified volunteers, and you may even find valuable collaboration opportunities with the organizations themselves. Be flexible and connect with a broad variety of groups. Consider engaging with networking events, civic groups like Kiwanis International, religious organizations, community theaters, music ensembles, public libraries, sports teams, scouting organizations, and book clubs.
Tap Into Professional Organizations
Volunteering can play a critical role in professional development. Volunteer positions offer valuable upskilling experience, giving individuals the chance to hone transferrable skills like communication, collaboration, and organization, as well as networking. Also, many professionals are willing to donate their talents to a good cause. Connecting with local professional organizations can give you access to new volunteers, and it can also make it easier for you to find volunteers with specific skill sets.
Reach Out To Schools
Students offer a wealth of potential for volunteer positions! Their enthusiasm for learning and giving back to their communities is unmatched. Whether they are fulfilling volunteer hour requirements, eager to enhance their resumes, or seeking to build professional connections, students are valuable assets to any volunteer program.
Engage with colleges, high schools, and even middle and elementary schools to explore opportunities for collaboration. Consider hosting events together, promoting your organization on campus, or being featured in a volunteer opportunity database. Partnering with educational institutions can open doors to a pool of motivated and dedicated student volunteers ready to make a difference.
Pitch a Local News Story
Partnering with local media can get your message out to a wide range of potential volunteers. Craft a strong narrative around your volunteer program and pitch the story to local TV stations, radio stations, newspapers, magazines, bloggers, and influencers. You can also consider talking to local media organizations about buying ad space; many will be willing to offer discounted rates to local nonprofits.
Host Info Sessions
Info sessions give potential volunteers a chance to get to know your organization better. They can be critical steps in the volunteer recruitment process, bridging the gap between hearing about the program and registering. Organize in-person and/or virtual info sessions hosted by your volunteer coordinator and current volunteers. During the session, outline:
- Your organization’s mission
- The types of volunteer positions available
- Application and screening procedures
- The training process
- Volunteer testimonials
Make sure you leave space at the end of the session for potential recruits to ask questions!
Prioritize Accessibility
When you prioritize accessibility, you make it easier for more people to volunteer with your organization. Consider offering:
- Virtual volunteering opportunities
- Micro-volunteering (quick, one-time task) opportunities
- Flexible scheduling
- Wheelchair accessible spaces
- Extra training
Take Advantage of Volunteer Matching Sites
Utilize volunteer matching sites as valuable tools for connecting your organization with enthusiastic volunteers. These platforms streamline the recruitment process by eliminating the need to actively seek out volunteers or persuade individuals of the value of volunteering. Instead, you can concentrate on effectively communicating your organization's mission and specific needs to attract the right volunteers.
Popular volunteer matching websites include:
Leverage Volunteer Management Software
Volunteer management software like VolunteerHub is a critical ally during every step of the volunteer experience, including volunteer recruitment. Volunteer management software allows you to make the most of your volunteer recruitment resources, saving you critical time, energy, and money.
VolunteerHub’s volunteer recruitment features include:
- A secure, centralized volunteer database with segmentation options
- Volunteer landing pages
- Volunteer groups
- Automated communication
- Registration
- Liability waivers
VolunteerHub provides a user-friendly platform to attract new volunteers and maintain the engagement of current volunteers. Its features encompass self-scheduling, tracking volunteer hours, offering rewards, and providing recognition, making it an essential resource for optimizing volunteer management.
