How to Get More Volunteers: 6 Proven Strategies to Find Volunteers for Your Nonprofit

Learning how to get more volunteers is a challenge for nonprofits of all sizes. Whether you need help with your annual fundraiser, social media management, or admin work, building a strong volunteer base is important for sustainable success.

If there’s one thing to know about how to recruit volunteers for nonprofits, it’s this: make it easy for people to find you and understand how they can contribute. Here are six strategies to help you recruit people and build a sustainable volunteer base.

Be Clear About Your Needs

When recruiting volunteers, be specific! One of the most common mistakes nonprofits make is being too vague about opportunities. Posting “We need volunteers!” is like putting up a “help wanted” sign without mentioning the job.

Identify what you actually need done and create a detailed “job description” for each volunteer role. Include specific duties, expected time commitment, any special requirements, and most importantly, the impact their work will have.

Instead of: “We need help with fundraising.”

Try this: “We need someone to coordinate our annual silent auction. They’ll be in charge of reaching out to 20-30 local businesses, organizing items on auction night, and tracking bids. This role will require about 15 hours over six weeks and directly supports our scholarship fund for local high school students.”

Spread the Word Through Multiple Channels

Effective outreach requires a multi-channel approach. Asking current volunteers and board members to reach out to their personal networks to share volunteer opportunities can be highly effective. 

In addition, you can promote your opportunities via social media platforms, your organization’s website, local community newspapers or blogs. And don’t forget about traditional flyers at community centers, libraries, or coffee shops.

Make It Easy to Volunteer

Many people would like to volunteer, but if there’s no obvious way to get started, they won’t do it. If people need to make phone calls or track down specific individuals in order to volunteer, you’ll lose potential helpers. That means your organization should do whatever it can to make it easy. 

Set up a simple signup form on your website or social media profiles. Add a QR code to printed materials to instantly connect people to digital signup options. Simple, free tools like SignUpGenius or Google Forms can create professional-looking forms without stretching your budget.

If you’re looking for more integrated solutions to manage both volunteer signups and your organization’s finances, tools like MoneyMinder can help streamline your administrative processes so you can focus more time on mission-critical work.

Offer an Incentive

While most volunteers are motivated by supporting your cause, small tokens of appreciation can help encourage them to commit. 

Branded items like t-shirts or tote bags show your appreciation while also promoting your organization. Providing food at volunteer events creates community and celebration around the work. Public recognition through social media shoutouts, newsletter features, or event acknowledgements helps volunteers feel valued while showing potential future volunteers that they’ll be appreciated by your organization.

For more ideas on showing appreciation, check out our free volunteer thank you cards and volunteer award templates to help you recognize their contributions.

Cultivate School or Corporate Partnerships

Smart outreach includes building relationships with schools and businesses that actively encourage community service. Building relationships with these organizations can give you ongoing access to groups of motivated potential volunteers.

Reach out to local high schools, colleges, and universities about their community service requirements. Many students need volunteer hours for graduation or scholarships. Contact local businesses about corporate volunteer programs or team-building opportunities.

Come prepared with specific volunteer opportunities that accommodate groups and provide meaningful experiences. Be flexible with scheduling and clear about mutual benefits.

Keep a List and Follow Up

Successful volunteer programs focus on building long-term relationships with people who care about your cause. Maintain a database of past volunteers and prospective volunteers and stay in touch regularly, not just when you need help.

One way to do this is by sending periodic updates about accomplishments, upcoming events, and new opportunities. It’s a way to keep your nonprofit top-of-mind and helps volunteers feel connected to the ongoing impact of their work.

Don’t forget to follow up after volunteer events to thank participants and ask for feedback. Running effective volunteer meetings can also help keep your volunteers engaged and organized throughout the year.

Building a Sustainable Volunteer Program

Building a strong volunteer base is an ongoing process, not a one-time effort. The most successful nonprofits treat volunteer outreach as a year-round priority. These proven strategies will help you build a reliable network of community members invested in your organization’s success.