Volunteers Are More Than Helpers. They’re the Heart of Nonprofit Success.

The nonprofit world is evolving, but not all trends are positive. Declining donors and volunteer rates signal a crisis for organizations that depend on community support to achieve their missions. While new forms of altruism are emerging, traditional volunteering and charitable giving remain essential for building strong communities and lasting relationships.

As nonprofit professionals, we know this: people are inherently social. This is where nonprofits play a vital role—by fostering connections through meaningful opportunities to give and serve. For nonprofits, engaging and retaining volunteers is no longer optional — it’s mission-critical. Volunteer programs offer a powerful, yet often underutilized strategy to strengthen relationships, increase donations, and amplify impact. Addressing this crisis means rethinking how we engage, empower, and support these vital contributors.

Let’s explore the transformative power of volunteerism and how nonprofits can strategically reimagine engagement to reignite their missions.

Why Volunteers Are Essential

Volunteers don’t just give time—they create measurable value. According to AmeriCorps, in 2021 alone, 60.7 million adults in the U.S. volunteered 4.1 billion hours, contributing an estimated $122.9 billion in economic impact.

 But the financial value of volunteerism is just the beginning. Consider:

• Nearly 80% of volunteers also donate to charity, compared to 40% of non-volunteers.

• Volunteers are twice as likely to make financial contributions to the organizations they serve.

• Many donors start as volunteers, using their time to assess an organization before committing financially.

Volunteering is more than an act of service—it’s a pathway to deeper donor engagement. Nonprofits that integrate volunteerism into their donor cultivation strategies see stronger long-term commitment and increased contributions. This symbiotic relationship between volunteering and giving is an essential, yet often overlooked, element of fundraising.

Reversing the Decline: Best Practices in Volunteer Engagement

Both volunteering and giving rates have been declining since the early 2000s. This trend is troubling for nonprofits that rely on these resources to fulfill their missions. While some nonprofits have scaled back volunteer reliance, this can be short-sighted. Engaged volunteers bring energy, skills, and passion that cannot be replaced.

The good news? Strategic volunteer engagement doesn’t just save money -- it strengthens community ties and increases donor loyalty.  

Here’s how your nonprofit can build a thriving volunteer network:  

1. Build a Structured Volunteer Program

A well-designed volunteer program is essential for attracting and retaining volunteers. Start by defining clear goals and expectations:

• Establish a purpose: identify why you need volunteers and how they contribute to your mission.

• Define roles: provide clear descriptions so volunteers know what to expect.

• Provide Support and training: equip volunteers with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed.

• Offer feedback and evaluation: regularly assess the program's effectiveness and adapt as needed. Analyze your current volunteer program’s strengths and weaknesses. Are you meeting volunteers where they are? Do your roles align with their interests and skills?

2. Make Volunteerism Inclusive and Accessible

Inclusivity should be a cornerstone of volunteer engagement. Many volunteers are drawn from a narrow demographic, but a broader, more representative base benefits everyone. To achieve this:

• Meet people where they are. Consider cultural differences in how volunteering is perceived.

• Remove barriers. Address obstacles like time, cost, and accessibility that prevent diverse groups from participating.

• Create intergenerational and cross-cultural opportunities. This fosters understanding and collaboration.

3. Strengthen the Volunteer-Donor Connections

Your most engaged volunteers are often your most loyal donors.

• Align volunteer opportunities with personal values. Use volunteering to re-engage lapsed donors by reminding them of their connection to your mission.

• Recognizing volunteers’ contributions. Acknowledgement fosters deeper emotional ties and long-term support.

4. Tap into Senior Volunteers and Cross-Generational Engagement

Older adults are an invaluable resource. They are reliable, skilled, and eager to give back and provide steady, long-term support.  Typically, older volunteers contribute more volunteer hours than younger generations.

At the same time, cross-generational programs foster collaboration, mutual learning, and engagement from a broader range of participants. Understanding seniors’ motivations, such as combating isolation, staying active, and making meaningful impact, helps nonprofits better engage this growing demographic.

5. Offer Meaningful Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteers need to feel their work matters. Avoid menial tasks that feel disconnected from your mission. Instead:

• Match roles with skills and interests. Let volunteers contribute where they can make the biggest impact. Engage program beneficiaries in giving back, creating a sense of empowerment.

• Provide flexible and remote opportunities. This accommodates different availability levels and personal circumstances.

Remember: Volunteers who see the real impact of their work become your strongest advocates.

6. Prioritize Training, Support, and Recognition

Volunteers need guidance to succeed and feel valued. To build loyalty, create a structured approach to training and recognition:

• Onboarding and training: provide orientation, ongoing education, and mentorship opportunities.

• Regular communication and coaching: check in, offer guidance, and provide space for feedback.

• Recognition events and incentives: celebrate volunteers with thank-you notes, spotlights, and appreciation events.

7. Use Technology and Streamline Volunteer Management

A volunteer management system (VMS) can streamline recruitment, scheduling, and communication. This automation reduces administrative burdens and allows staff to focus on creating impactful experiences for volunteers.

Explore Julep’s volunteer tracking features to streamline engagement and maximize participation.

8. Re-Engage Lapsed Donors Through Volunteering

If donors stop giving, don’t let the relationship go cold. Consider reaching out to lapsed donors and offering them a chance to reengage as volunteers before asking for financial support. This reinforces their emotional connection to your mission and makes future giving more likely.

The Time to Act Is Now

Volunteerism is at a crossroads, but its potential for transformation is immense. As nonprofits, we must ask ourselves:

• How can we offer more meaningful volunteer opportunities?

• Are our policies inclusive enough to attract a diverse range of volunteers?

• Are we  supporting, training, and recognizing volunteers effectively?

By prioritizing relationships, inclusiveness, and strategic engagement, nonprofits can turn today’s volunteer crisis into tomorrow’s opportunity. Volunteers aren’t just a workforce. They are ambassadors, donors, and most valuable advocates who bring your mission to life.

The benefits are clear: engaged volunteers not only give their time but also their hearts, and often their wallets, to the causes they care about.

Let’s build volunteer programs that strengthen our communities, deepen donor relationships, and ensure lasting impact. Together, we can overcome the crisis of declining engagement and build a future of connection, generosity, and shared purpose.