How Nonprofits Can Improve Their Volunteer Program: 7 Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. They show up, give their time freely, and carry out the mission with heart and dedication. But even the most passionate volunteers can lose steam if they feel underused, unrecognized, or disconnected. A strong volunteer program not only keeps your current volunteers engaged—it also helps attract new ones and builds a lasting community around your cause.
Here are practical, high-impact ways to improve your volunteer program:
1. Start With a Strategy, Not Just a Sign-Up Sheet
Many nonprofits fall into the trap of thinking “more volunteers” automatically means “more impact.” But without a clear plan, volunteers may be underutilized or misaligned with your needs.
What to do:
Define clear volunteer roles with specific responsibilities.
Match roles to your organization’s strategic goals.
Think beyond event help—consider long-term or skills-based roles like marketing, data entry, or grant research.
2. Invest in Onboarding and Training
A proper orientation is more than a welcome packet. Volunteers need to understand your mission, their responsibilities, and how they fit into the bigger picture.
What to do:
Create a structured onboarding process: orientation session, FAQ sheet, buddy system.
Provide job-specific training (and refreshers) for different volunteer roles.
Make sure they know who to go to for help.
3. Use Technology to Stay Organized
Spreadsheets and group texts can only get you so far. As your volunteer program grows, keeping track of hours, communication, and scheduling gets complex.
What to do:
Use volunteer management software (like SignUpGenius, Galaxy Digital, or Better Impact).
Keep a centralized calendar for shifts and events.
Collect feedback through quick post-event surveys or check-ins.
4. Recognize and Appreciate Volunteers—Often
Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive or formal. What matters is that volunteers feel seen and valued.
What to do:
Send regular thank-you emails or handwritten notes.
Spotlight volunteers on your website or social media.
Host an annual volunteer appreciation event—even a casual pizza party works.
5. Build a Sense of Community
Volunteers stick around when they feel like they’re part of something meaningful—not just a free pair of hands.
What to do:
Introduce volunteers to each other and encourage peer connections.
Share updates on how their work is making a difference.
Ask for their input and involve them in planning (when appropriate).
6. Ask for Feedback—And Act on It
Your volunteers are a source of insight, not just labor. If something isn’t working, they’ll often know before you do.
What to do:
Conduct short surveys or casual check-ins every few months.
Ask specific questions about training, support, and their experience.
Share what you learned and what you’re changing as a result.
7. Offer Growth and Development Opportunities
Some volunteers want to give back and go home. Others want to build skills, meet people, or explore new interests.
What to do:
Provide options for volunteers to “level up” to leadership roles.
Offer skills-based projects that align with their careers or hobbies.
Host workshops or learning sessions tied to your mission.
Final Thoughts
Improving your volunteer program doesn’t have to mean a full overhaul. Small changes—like better communication, clearer roles, or more frequent recognition—can have a big impact. When volunteers feel valued, empowered, and connected, they don’t just stick around. They become your biggest champions.
And in a world where trust, time, and community are more precious than ever, that’s something worth investing in.
About the Author
Sheena Link is the co-founder of PureGrant, an AI-powered grantwriting tool that helps nonprofits win more funding with less stress. She writes about nonprofit strategy, funding, and sustainability with a practical, approachable voice—because doing good shouldn’t come with burnout. Learn more at puregrant.com or reach her at sheena@puregrant.com.