Donors are not the only ones who can help a nonprofit organization thrive. Volunteers, whether they help out every week or a few times a year, can also make a big impact. With volunteer management software, it is easy for nonprofit leaders to keep track of all their volunteers. However, if a nonprofit is having difficulties recruiting people to help, it is critical for the leaders to make changes. Here are four reasons why more people aren’t volunteering:
“Volunteers can make a big impact for a nonprofit organization.”
They believe they don’t measure up to other volunteers
Some people are reluctant to help a nonprofit organization for a variety of reasons. For example, some may have full-time jobs and don’t think they can contribute as much as other volunteers. PTO Today says nonprofit organizations should highlight working people in their new newsletter and emphasize how their efforts greatly impact the organization.
They don’t feel appreciated
Volunteers are less likely to continue donating their time if they don’t feel appreciated. If nonprofit organizations want to keep volunteers and recruit news ones, they have to make them feel valued. According to Volunteer Match, an effective way for a nonprofit leader to recognize volunteers is to feature them on the organization’s website. The nonprofit manager should interview a volunteer every month and find out a little more about them, such as what they do for a living or what motivated them to give their time. Sending contributors thank you notes is another good way to make them feel appreciated. Nonprofit managers should send handwritten notes and try to personalize every message.
It’s too difficult to get involved
If nonprofit leaders want to recruit more people to volunteer, they should make the sign-up process as easy as possible. If individuals are required to take several classes or fill out long forms, it may discourage them from helping. If it’s absolutely necessary for volunteers to take a class, provide several different time options. If you only offer classes on weekdays, full-time workers may not be able to attend them.
They weren’t asked to volunteer
If people aren’t personally asked to get involved, they likely won’t volunteer their services. Nonprofit leaders should ask individuals in person to help out at their organization. For example, charitable businesses could set up information booths at local festivals and other events to recruit individuals to volunteer. When people walk by the booth, the nonprofit leader could tell them how the organization needs help and ask if they can volunteer.