How to Keep Your Volunteers Happy and Engaged
When you have a great volunteer you want them to keep coming back. But, as we have all seen, a volunteer’s enthusiasm can dwindle which puts your whole organization at stake. Volunteers play a pivotal role in driving missions forward for many organizations but keeping them engaged and committed requires more than just assigning tasks! You’ll need to create an environment where they feel valued, connected, and motivated. The best part is… this can be done… any without too much hassle. And you can automate it without losing your personal touch.
Happy volunteers become ambassadors for your cause, bringing in more support to make a greater impact. Here’s what you need to know for more than keeping your volunteers happy and engaged but how to grow them.
1. Show Meaningful and Genuine Appreciation.
A simple “thank you” can go a long way, but true appreciation is about making volunteers feel genuinely valued.
- Give public shoutouts in newsletters or on social media.
- Send handwritten notes or small gifts to recognize their efforts.
- Host appreciation events or volunteer spotlights to celebrate their contributions.
Pro Tip: Personalizing appreciation (e.g., recognizing specific efforts) makes a bigger impact than generic praise.
2. Keep Communication Clear and Open
Volunteers feel engaged when they’re informed and connected.
- Provide regular updates on projects, schedules, and goals.
- Respond promptly to questions and feedback.
- Use email, newsletters, or a volunteer management platform to streamline communication.
Example: A nonprofit boosted volunteer retention by 30% simply by implementing a dedicated communication channel like Slack or WhatsApp.
3. Offer Opportunities for Growth
Volunteering should be a two-way street—while they give their time, they should also gain something valuable.
- Offer training and leadership roles.
- Provide skill-building opportunities that can enhance their personal and professional lives.
- Allow volunteers to take on responsibilities that align with their career goals or interests.
Why It Works: When volunteers see their experience as personally rewarding, they’re more likely to stay engaged long-term.
4. Make Volunteering Fun and Social
Volunteering shouldn’t feel like another job—it should be an enjoyable, fulfilling experience.
- Organize team-building activities or social events.
- Celebrate milestones with fun get-togethers or recognition parties.
- Encourage volunteers to share their experiences through photos and stories.
Example: One organization saw a 40% increase in volunteer participation after adding monthly social meetups.
5. Match Volunteers with Roles That Fit
When volunteers are given tasks that align with their skills and passions, they’re more motivated.
- Take time to understand their interests and strengths.
- Assign roles that are meaningful and fulfilling.
- Allow flexibility for them to explore different roles if needed.
Action Step: Create a short volunteer survey to match them with the right roles from the start.
6. Respect Their Time and Boundaries
Volunteers are offering their time for free, so it’s essential to be mindful of their availability.
- Offer flexible shifts or remote opportunities if possible.
- Be clear about time commitments upfront.
- Avoid overloading them with tasks or last-minute requests.
Golden Rule: The less stressful volunteering feels, the more likely they are to stay.
7. Build a Strong Community
Volunteers should feel like part of something bigger than themselves.
- Foster an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
- Encourage mentorship or buddy systems for new volunteers.
- Create online groups where volunteers can connect and share experiences.
Example: A nonprofit with a strong volunteer network retained 85% of its volunteers year over year.
8. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements
A culture of recognition boosts morale and encourages long-term commitment.
- Celebrate small and big wins—whether it’s completing a project or hitting a volunteer milestone.
- Create “Volunteer of the Month” programs.
- Share impact stories to show how their work is making a difference.
Impact: Volunteers who feel seen and appreciated are 70% more likely to stay engaged.
Conclusion
Engaged volunteers are the heartbeat of any organization. By showing appreciation, providing growth opportunities, making volunteering fun, and fostering a strong community, you create an environment where volunteers feel valued and motivated.
Next Step: Start implementing these strategies today and watch your volunteer program thrive!
