Engaging Volunteers In Fundraising

If you always use the same methods to recruit - you'll always end up with the same people. Whether you're trying to reach more diverse staff, volunteers, or supporters; exploring different means of reaching out is key. This is something I've been spending a lot of time thinking about with my team, as we know we have a long way to go on our journey to be more diverse, equitable, and inclusive Here are some things we've tried: 💡 Working with local community organisations - we've been identifying, building relationships with, and supporting local community organisations to use our content and share relevant opportunities with the people they reach. We seek to ensure a positive benefit for both organisations, so this approach is not extractive. 💡 Trialling place based advertising - as well as targeting specific geographic locale's, we are exploring digital 'places', that allow us to reach specific audiences we are currently underserving. 💡 Supporting user generated content - one of the best ways we have found to engage diverse audiences is supporting user generated content, through seeing 'people like me'. This rough and ready and very real approach, allows us to hear from individuals in a format that is relaxed and informal. 💡 Increasing online presence - particularly when trying to reach more young people, we have boosted our online spaces in places where young people are at. We go to them, rather than expecting it to be the other way round. We need everyone's support in bringing our world back to life and it's up to us to ensure that everyone feels able, welcome, and excited to be a part of that. I'd love to know your thoughts and what you have tried? #Diversity #Inclusion #Equity #Recruitment

After graduating university, I got a big girl job that I was NOT ready for.  It was a mid-senior role that I had applied to because I was slightly delusional. Miraculously…I got it. LOL Some of the responsibilities: recruiting, training, onboarding, and managing people. 11 volunteers to be more specific. My first year? Eeek. Scary times. Volunteers weren’t responding to my emails or their clients. Appointments were missed. Chaos prevailed. I spent most of my time putting out fires and doing the work myself. Thanks to a lot of trial and error (mainly error) I was ready to #slay my second year. By my second year, things looked very different: ✅ 50 volunteers recruited (28 onboarded) ✅ $250,000+ in refunds delivered to clients ✅ 72% increase in clients served I built systems from scratch and here’s what worked: 👥 Recruiting 1️⃣ Ghosting is real, so start early (I began 4 months before the next cycle) 2️⃣ Be intentional. Reach out to professors, orgs, and networks where your ideal volunteers already are. 3️⃣ Leverage social media. Highlight previous volunteers. Repurpose content.  4️⃣ Host info sessions + 30-min 1:1 calls with every registrant. 5️⃣ Communicate via their preferred method (email, phone, Zoom). 6️⃣ Follow up 2–3 times. Silence doesn’t always mean no.  7️⃣ Track every lead’s stage: Registered → Info Session → Committed. 8️⃣ Document your outreach. Use a simple spreadsheet or CRM to track where leads are coming from. 9️⃣ Treat recruitment as a two-way street: ask about their skills, capacity, & what they hope to gain from volunteering. Determine if the position is a right fit for both of you! 👩💻 Onboarding 1️⃣ Offer multiple sessions (mornings, evenings, weekends, in-person, remote, self-paced) 2️⃣ Use newsletters to keep everyone aligned and resourced. 3️⃣ Give LOTS of examples + scenarios they’d encounter! 4️⃣ Train them on tools, tech, and scheduling systems that will be used. 5️⃣ Create a central hub. Store onboarding materials in a Google Drive or on Notion. 🌱 Managing 1️⃣ Offer shadowing opportunities (to be shadowed and for them to shadow) 2️⃣ Create resources: how-tos, checklists, FAQs, etc. 3️⃣ Create + share a scheduling calendar. 4️⃣ Use Calendly + add your volunteers to the plan (it's a lifesaver I swear). 5️⃣ Start a group chat that won’t be ignored (GroupMe is awesome). 6️⃣ Give and receive feedback often. 7️⃣ Recognize accomplishments + celebrate wins. 8️⃣ Schedule office hours + check-ins. 9️⃣ Throw in some dad jokes!!! It was intimidating to step into this role without a blueprint, so I’ll forever be grateful for the opportunity to work with some incredible, mission-driven people who taught me so much about leading with empathy, transparency, patience, and adaptability. For my fellow first-gen and early professionals, what’s one thing you wish you’d known before stepping into a new role without a roadmap? 🌱 (p.s. Thank you to all of the supportive volunteers who laughed at my dad jokes.)

💡 How to Lose a Volunteer in 5 Clicks I’ve been analysing volunteer recruitment data from previous campaigns and the difference between a simple Expression of Interest and a full Application form couldn’t be clearer. 👉 People were nearly 5x more likely to take action when asked to register their interest through a short sign-up form, compared to completing a full application. 👉 And the cost of recruiting each volunteer dropped by more than 75%, proving that simplicity isn’t just effective, it’s efficient too. Every extra click, form field, login screen or “create an account” step filters people out, often before they’ve even had the chance to feel excited about giving their time. It’s the same principle marketers use all the time: capture interest first, build trust second, and then ask for commitment. So why is it the norm to find a volunteer application form on website rather than an expression of interest? ❔ How many people visit your volunteer page compared to how many complete an application? ❔ What might happen if you replaced “Apply now” with “Register your interest”? ❔ Are our systems designed to welcome people in, or filter them out? I think this could be one of the biggest missed opportunities in volunteer recruitment and the data really backs that up. I’d love to hear from others who’ve tested this too. What results did you see when you simplified the start of your volunteer journey? 📩  If you’re preparing for a recruitment campaign and would value some extra support to review or refine the volunteer journey, I’d be happy to help. #Volunteering #VolunteerRecruitment #VolunteerEngagement #VolunteerManagement #CommunityEngagement #RecruitmentStrategy #CampaignStrategy

It’s that time of the year again! NGOs would be putting out calls for volunteers to join their organizations, this includes mine Sustainable Impact and Development (SID) Initiative and many of you would immediately repeat the same cycle expecting a different result. You would quickly submit an application, you get selected, you join the WhatsApp group and by the end of the year, you ask yourself what have I achieved and it’s nothing. You have listened to so many experts and influencers in the NGO space tell you that they all started from volunteering but you wonder, how, because you are not getting the opportunities and travels that they keep getting. No worries, here are 5 things you can do differently this year. 1. Do an initial assessment of all the organizations you are currently volunteering with. If you can’t identify one thing in 2024 that you were able to achieve with this organization, it’s time to leave. If the goals you set for yourself have already been achieved, you can request to leave. Volunteering does not have to be a long-term engagement, it’s okay to leave when it no longer serves you or the organization. 2. Identify organizations with volunteer opportunities that align with your goals and priorities. Are you looking to develop your skills, gain work experience, grow your networks and social capital, let these guide you. 3. Put together a killer application. Make sure all your details are correct. Make sure to answer the essay question well giving valid reasons why you should be selected. Yes, the question says 100 words maximum, that does not mean you should just drop one sentence. Tell them what you have to offer, this could be your skills in writing, graphic design, project management, finance, monitoring and evaluation, social media management, networks, resources or even your time. Make sure to read up on the organization through their website or social media platforms and align your answers to what they do, this shows you are interested and passionate about their cause. Make sure you submit before the deadline. 4. Be a strategic volunteer and not a passive volunteer. Always be the first person to indicate availability for their programs or engagements. Take initiative and recommend solutions that can be implemented in the organization. Offer to take up tasks with the team. This can be moderating programs, writing reports, social media engagements, designing fliers, or even mobilizing participants. At the core of it all, be that person that gives VALUE always, even when it looks like you are doing too much, keep going, don’t stop. 5. Document everything that you do, no matter how small. Have an excel sheet or word document where you write everything you do. Take pictures or screenshots where applicable. Most importantly, SHARE because if it’s not seen, it’s as good as not done. I hope this helps and GOODLUCK! 📸: 8th Nigerian Family Planning Conference, Abuja, Nigeria

Having worked in the nonprofit space for over six years and directly managed Volunteers for 4+ years, I’ve realized one thing📌 Volunteers are not just part of the work... Volunteers are the work. Yet, many nonprofits struggle not because of funding but because volunteers quietly disengage, lose motivation, and eventually disappear. And most times, it comes down to three things. I've coined it the "3 Rs of Effective Volunteer Management" which are Recruitment. Retention. Recognition. [Get these right, and your nonprofit becomes sustainable, impactful, and people-driven.] Here’s how 👇 1️⃣. Recruitment — Don’t Just Find Volunteers, Find the Right Ones Recruitment isn’t a one-time activity. It’s a continuous process. Think beyond “we need volunteers” and ask: • Who are we looking for? • Where can we find them? • How will we communicate opportunities? • How will we onboard and train them? Use digital tools. Share clear roles. Make it easy to join. Because when people understand how they FIT, they SHOW UP with purpose. 2️⃣. Retention — People Stay Where They Feel Valued Volunteers don’t just leave because they’re busy. They leave when they feel unsupported, unseen, or disconnected. To retain volunteers: • Match volunteers with roles that fit their skills • Provide adequate support and resources • Create a sense of community (online or offline) • Offer opportunities to grow and take on leadership roles When volunteers grow, your organization grows too. 3️⃣. Recognition — Appreciation Is Not Optional Recognition doesn’t require a big budget. Sometimes, a simple thank you goes a long way. Try: • Appreciation messages • Certificates • Volunteer spotlights • Thank-you events • Small awards or tokens What matters most? Consistency, not cost. Because people don’t just volunteer to give… They also want to feel valued, seen, and appreciated. Or don't you agree? So when you recruit intentionally, retain intentionally, and recognize consistently, You don’t just BUILD volunteers but a MOVEMENT. And when they move on (as it isn't a permanent service), they leave as ambassadors, reflecting on the experience, speaking well of the organization, and evangelizing its impact. In many cases, they go a step further by recommending others and continuing to support the mission from afar. So which of these 3️⃣Rs does your organization need to strengthen RIGHT now? Freely share in the comments 👇 TAG a nonprofit organization you know and kindly SHARE and REPOST ♻️ so more people can learn how best to build stronger volunteer communities. 👋 Welcome to my page I'm Gift Chika IFOKWE| Queen of VolunteerIN Matters| Sustainable Development Strategist I'm redefining volunteering by turning ideas into impact through sustainability and purpose-driven action💪 FOLLOW now for MORE ✅ #VolunteeringManagement #EffectiveTips #VolunteerIN #ProfessionalVolunteer #TheGiftedHands💪

Cradles to Crayons could not exist without an army of dedicated volunteers. On #InternationalVolunteerDay, we're grateful for the more than 560,000 volunteers who have helped us sort and package clothing for children who need it over the last 20 years. Here are some strategies I've learned while facing the challenges of recruiting and retaining volunteers. I know that volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit, and their donation of time is invaluable — not only during the Giving Season but year-round. ·        Make it easy for people to volunteer – Create a seamless experience on your website for volunteer sign-ups and information. ·        Share concrete examples to spark creative volunteerism – Sometimes people want to help but don’t know where to start. Outline different volunteer opportunities from hosting a clothing drive as part of a celebratory occasion to setting up a community donation drop-off. ·        Include young volunteers whenever possible – Kids emulate behavior, so introducing kids to volunteerism at an early age is instrumental to creating future generations of volunteers. Think about how to get kids involved in your organization, even if you sponsor one “kid’s day” event a year. ·        Elevate top volunteers – Every organization has at least a handful of rockstar volunteers who go above and beyond. Why not recognize them? Implement a special recognition system to honor top volunteers and keep them motivated or offer them more opportunities to shine. ·        Share the finished product with volunteers – People take pride in their work, so don’t forget to share your successes with volunteers!

The scale of our challenges and the slow pace of development call for more hearts, more heads, and more hands! Changing the world can, in fact, be as simple as ABC… 🎯 A – Aspirations: Clarify your organisation’s aspirations for society. What can the communities around you — and the larger society — become because you exist? Which causes will you support? Which SDGs will you intentionally contribute to? This clarity inspires a shared vision and stimulates co-creation across your organisation. 💼 A – Assets: Map the assets within your organisation’s sphere of influence that can advance the causes tied to your societal aspirations. Could you provide temporary office space, occasional use of your boardroom, proprietary software, intellectual property, media assets, staff buses, or fully depreciated but functional tools to power sustainable development? Impact is often hidden in plain sight. ♻️ B – Business Model: Make impact a core part of your business. Move from CSR to CSV by embedding social value directly into your business model and processes. E.g: ➡️ How can your supply chain include and empower underserved women and grassroots youth? ➡️ How can your distribution and sales channels promote inclusive capitalism? ➡️ Can you expand internship opportunities to boost employability? ➡️ Can your marketing budget elevate a social cause or drive positive behavioural change? 💪 C – Core Competencies & Capabilities: What superpowers exist within your organisation’s talent pool? These capabilities can be offered to social impact organisations on a volunteer, advisory, part-time, or mid-term secondment basis. Technical assistance from your teams can accelerate societal transformation. Make employee volunteerism a strategic priority, not an afterthought. 💰 C – Capital: Consider giving cash. It is less about volume and more about intentionality and consistency. Predictable, committed capital over time is a major lifeline for nonprofits because it allows them to plan, build, and sustain their impact with confidence. 🤝 D – Do It With Others: Partnership multiplies impact. Can you convene partner organisations, rally your value chain, or collaborate with peers to tackle deeper community challenges together? Think Avengers, not solo hero — the most wicked problems rarely yield to lone efforts. 🤼 E – Engage Employees: Involve your people in the entire journey. This unlocks powerful cultural and engagement benefits. Research consistently shows that purposeful and impact-driven organisations perform better on culture indices. Strive for an employee-led social impact strategy and watch ownership flourish. ✅ E – Evaluate: Like everything worthwhile, define what success looks like. Set clear KPIs, track progress internally and with partner organisations, and use insights to optimise social value and outcomes. What gets measured gets strengthened. The opportunity before us is not merely to give more — it is to do better, together, and with intention. #impact

It's #VolunteersWeek! However new research commissioned by the Royal Voluntary Service has found that 140 million volunteering hours went unused by UK employees last year. While 62% of businesses offer workplace volunteering schemes, we're leaving massive potential on the table. The opportunity cost is staggering: • £32.5bn in potential productivity gains annually • 87% of businesses see volunteering as crucial for ESG goals • Yet only 19% of firms offer programs to ALL employees Why does this matter? Companies with effective volunteer programs are seeing real results: improved wellbeing, higher motivation, and increased productivity. Meanwhile, charities gain access to skills and expertise they couldn't otherwise afford. But here's the key insight: Not all volunteering creates equal impact. Charities value skilled volunteers far more than low-value activities. So before launching your next program, consider these strategic questions: ✅ What unique skills can our employees offer beyond funding? ✅ Do our charity partners have capacity to effectively utilize volunteers?  ✅ How can we co-create meaningful programs rather than impose our assumptions?  ✅ What additional resources might our partners need to handle increased volunteer engagement? The bottom line: Effective volunteering requires partnership, not charity tourism. It's about understanding genuine needs and matching them with your team's unique capabilities. During #VolunteersWeek, let's commit to making those 140 million hours count. The potential for shared value creation is enormous – we just need to approach it more strategically. What's your experience with workplace volunteering? What works, and what doesn't? Need help designing effective employee engagement initiatives? Let's talk about creating employee engagement programmes that deliver real impact for both your business and charity partners. #EmployeeEngagement #SharedValue #CorporateResponsibility #VolunteersWeek #SkilledVolunteering

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 🚀 Ever wondered why some people effortlessly gain recognition at work while others struggle to be noticed? One powerful strategy is volunteering for impactful projects. But the key is to do it strategically. Here's a step-by-step approach to ensure your efforts translate into visibility and career growth. 1️⃣ Identify High-Impact Projects Not all projects give equal visibility. Look for those that: ✅ Align with business goals ✅ Solve key challenges ✅ Involve cross-functional collaboration ✅ Have leadership visibility Action: Observe company priorities, listen in meetings, and follow leadership communications to spot high-impact initiatives. 2️⃣ Start Small, But Be Consistent You don't need to lead a massive project right away. Begin by taking ownership of a small but meaningful task. ✅ Offer to assist with research, data analysis, or process improvements ✅ Step in where extra hands are needed ✅ Follow through and deliver results consistently Action: Attend town halls, internal networking sessions, and team meetings to find volunteering opportunities. 3️⃣ Play to Your Strengths Choose projects where you can add unique value based on your skills. ✅ If you're great at presentations, offer to summarize project insights ✅ If you love numbers, volunteer for data-driven tasks ✅ If you enjoy problem-solving, get involved in brainstorming sessions Action: Identify your strengths and see how they fit into upcoming initiatives. 4️⃣ Collaborate and Build Relationships Volunteering isn't just about work—it's about visibility. ✅ Engage with colleagues across teams ✅ Support key stakeholders and decision-makers ✅ Showcase your leadership by facilitating discussions Action: Network internally and be proactive in offering help. 5️⃣ Communicate Your Contributions You did the work—now let people know! ✅ Share progress updates in team meetings ✅ Send a summary email showcasing key results ✅ Celebrate milestones and appreciate team efforts Final Thought: Volunteering for impactful projects is not about extra work—it's about strategic growth. Find the right opportunities, add value, and let your work speak for itself. Which project are you eyeing next? Let's discuss in the comments! 👇 #CareerGrowth #Leadership #WorkplaceSuccess #VisibilityMatters 🚀

YOU ARE JUST STARTING OUT AND HAVE NO SIGNIFICANT CONNECTIONS: WHAT CAN YOU DO? We live in a very competitive world which can be super challenging for someone who has no connections to be accorded an express opportunity. So what can you do to get that chance you need to jumpstart your career? I share these based off my own experience and that of those close to me. Its best as a step by step but you can also take these actions based on what you really need. 1. Map out key individuals/organizations whose line of work you’d like to do or get involved in. A list of at least 30. Filter that list to prioritize those that are easier to access. 2. Go on a ‘Professional Outreach’. This will require you to send emails and make lots of phone calls to secure appointments. Set no expectations aside from learning the ropes of the spaces you want to be in. Get to know what programs the organizations have and hint were you’d be open to getting involved. Ask questions like “What does your work day look like? “ This will allow those you are meeting to share exactly what activities they are doing when working. 3. Document: Take notes. Take pictures. Post. Let people know of your career interests. This is what LinkedIn is for. To be seeing. 4. Follow up: Follow up at least within 3 days of meeting. This is to build long lasting professional relationships. Ask about that volunteer group they mentioned or that program on the way. Let them know you are serious about getting involved. 5: Strategic Engagement: Be on the lookout for events you’d want to be part of. Avoid been everywhere every time. Plan ahead of time what you want to contribute to at the event, who you want to meet, what you’d want them to know about you and show up confidently. 6. Apply for opportunities: Give yourself a target to apply for opportunities at least once a week. If you are wondering where to find these, I and some amazing youths run a group chat strictly meant for sharing both local and international opportunities. Here is a link to the group on WhatsApp. https://lnkd.in/emWQCUzj