People are often more willing to help than we realize; we simply need to give them the opportunity.
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Volunteers are the backbone of many nonprofits, and their passion and dedication empower us to drive our missions forward. Yet growing that volunteer base, particularly with skilled professionals who can bring their expertise to our cause, can be challenging for many nonprofit leaders.
This is why building a community of engaged and enthusiastic volunteers requires strategic efforts and relationship-building. At Kids on the Move (KOTM), we have over 3,000 people who give of their time each year, and with Utah as the nation’s highest percentage of volunteerism at 40.7%, we are leading experts on how to find and attract passionate and committed volunteers. Here are effective strategies to inspire community engagement and attract skilled professionals to your organization.
Build Relationships With Educational Institutions
A powerful way to attract skilled volunteers is to form relationships with educational institutions whose students’ fields of study align with your services. At Kids on the Move (KOTM), we have successfully partnered with local medical schools and teaching hospitals. These partnerships allow future doctors and nurses to fulfill their required volunteer hours with us. Often, they bring their spouses and family members, creating a ripple effect in the community.
These student volunteers frequently continue to offer their time long after their initial commitments, drawn by their belief in our mission and their love for supporting the families we serve. By fostering these relationships, you gain skilled volunteers and create long-term advocates for your cause.
One clear example is Jonathan Krein. Today, he serves as a board member. Still, years ago, he was a student at Brigham Young University who spotted a flyer hanging over the front door of his apartment building advertising a program called Friday Kids Respite that was looking for volunteers. Seeking something new, he decided to volunteer.
Jonathan explained, “Initially, I just felt good after volunteering the first time. I spent the evening playing with a child with special needs, helping him to have a good time while his parents received a break to help their other children. It felt like I had done something meaningful, and because of that, I volunteered a second time. Perhaps I was also ready to have a family and looking for more connection in my life, and this felt human and real.”
Little did he know the program was in need of computer science skills, and Jonathan dove in, sharing how his role expanded, “The project ended up comprising a full rewrite of the website, followed by the development of several web-based tools for managing volunteers, including a volunteer portal. When Friday Kids Respite merged with KOTM and became KOTM Respite Care, I migrated the volunteer portal to KOTM’s website and it’s still in use to today as we manage over 3,000 volunteers every year.”
Jonathan served as a vital board member, including two years as chair, driven by his passion for lifting the child and the whole family and how KOTM does so with a comprehensive, holistic approach. It all started with a flyer inviting people to volunteer.
Share Resources With Other Organizations
Collaboration is key in the nonprofit sector. Sharing your resources, such as your facilities, can significantly enhance community engagement. For example, KOTM offers our building to any local organization that needs a meeting space, free of charge, such as United Way for their tax prep services, Canary Gardens for grief support, and Intermountain Healthcare (IHC) Hospital for training. If our space is not in use, it’s available to others.
As a result, every person who benefits from this shared resource becomes an ambassador for our organization. This generosity fosters goodwill and creates opportunities for individuals to participate in our mission. Additionally, these ambassadors spread the word about our work, reaching people who might be looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities.
We at KOTM choose to give back because in the early days of KOTM, when we had no funds or resources, other organizations and businesses gave to us, and many in the form of free use of their building.
Because of their generosity, we can serve over 3,100 children each year, and as a sign of our appreciation, we are happy to pay this kindness forward. Corporations and other generous individuals like the ones who helped us can create hope for families and individuals by giving back to their communities.
Tell Your Story and Invite the Community
Many don’t volunteer simply because they are unaware of the opportunities available. Sharing your organization’s story with the community is crucial.
One mother whose children receive our services at KOTM said, “I learned about [KOTM] by volunteering at Respite Care to fulfill a requirement for a class. It didn’t take long to realize that my family would greatly benefit from this service. We’re so grateful for Respite Care and love everything about our experience here!”
Because we shared volunteer opportunities in the community, this family benefited from receiving services that have improved their lives. Regularly update your website with volunteer information, make it easy to access, and provide real-time scheduling calendars.
Connecting with local businesses that serve as community hubs, such as coffee shops and theaters, can also be incredibly effective. You can even offer marketing for your volunteer opportunities in exchange for in-kind donations.
This mutually beneficial arrangement raises awareness about your organization and invites community members to contribute their time and skills while serving a local small business.
Engage Through Personal Invitations and Community Events
Personal invitations can have a powerful impact. Encourage your current volunteers and staff to invite friends, family, and colleagues to volunteer. Word-of-mouth recommendations are often the most trusted and effective.
Hosting community events is another excellent way to engage potential volunteers. These events provide a platform to showcase your work, share success stories, and directly invite attendees to get involved. Whether it’s an open house, a workshop, or a community fair, these events can attract new volunteers and strengthen community ties.
CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business owners are critical in supporting non-profits as they grow their volunteer base. By creating a company culture that encourages giving back and even consistently partnering with the same organizations, you signal to your teams that you will support their volunteer efforts.
Some ways you can demonstrate a culture of volunteerism are to include volunteer days in the benefit packages, announce volunteer opportunities in the company newsletter, and consistently share the triumphs of the organizations you support. Don’t leave it to HR or a special committee; your job as the leader is to set the tone and show the way.
Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms
Social media is vital for reaching potential volunteers. Post regularly on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn about your volunteer opportunities, success stories, and upcoming events. Use engaging visuals and compelling narratives to capture attention and inspire action.
Online volunteer platforms like VolunteerMatch and Idealist can also expand your reach. These platforms connect nonprofits with individuals seeking volunteer opportunities, making it easier to find skilled professionals eager to contribute.
KOTM also uses our own volunteer portal on our website, Just Serve, United Way, and University portals to reach our volunteers. You, too, can benefit from using these platforms!
One volunteer who discovered our Respite Care program this way shared, “I found it because I was just feeling a little bit unsatisfied with my job, and I wanted to do something to give back to the community.
There are different websites connecting people to different organizations. So, it’s pretty easy nowadays [to find something]. When you find that one thing you really enjoy, it’s hard to step away from it. I have been [volunteering at KOTM] since July 2018, and I just can’t stop. I just gotta get my Respite fix in.”
Be sure to show your appreciation to your volunteers. One of the reasons they come back is because they feel your gratitude for their efforts’ impact.
Make It Easy to Volunteer
People are often more willing to help than we realize; we simply need to give them the opportunity. You can create a vibrant and growing community of volunteers by building relationships with educational institutions, sharing resources, telling your story, engaging through personal invitations and community events, and leveraging social media. A
s your volunteer base grows, so does your organization’s impact, creating a brighter future for those you serve.