How to Recruit and Retain Volunteers
Nonprofit organizations like PTA’s, PTO’s, church groups, little leagues, and community associations are powered by volunteers. Learning how to recruit and retain volunteers is a key component of your organization’s success. That’s why School-A-Thon supports schools and nonprofits with fun, community-driven fundraising events that make volunteer engagement easier. Below, you’ll discover proven volunteer recruitment and retention strategies designed to help PTA, PTO, and other nonprofits build stronger, more engaged volunteer teams.
How to Increase Volunteer Recruitment For Your Organization?
Knowing how to increase volunteer recruitment is the first step to building a strong base of support. By using the right strategies, your organization can attract motivated individuals who want to contribute their time and talents. The ideas below will help you bring in more volunteers and strengthen community involvement.
1. Hire a Volunteer Coordinator
The volunteer coordinator should set goals, develop strategies, and be the key recruiter for your organization. Some organizations fly blind and scramble at the last minute to secure volunteers. With a volunteer coordinator, you will have someone who is accountable for developing a plan of action throughout the year.2. Ask Your Community Members to Volunteer
This seems very simple, but the best way to get someone to volunteer is to ask. You’ll probably send emails, hang posters, and post on social media, and those are all great ideas. But nothing is more effective than asking someone directly. Asking someone in person may be uncomfortable, but it’s important to remember that you’re inviting people to help a great cause.3. Engage The Newbies
For a school group, you’ll find the most enthusiastic volunteers will be the new parents. For a community organization or church group, its new members. Make sure your “Volunteer Coordinator” has a plan at orientation meetings, back to school nights, or induction ceremonies. Let these potential new members know that volunteers are vital to the success of your mission.4. Cultivate Your Volunteer Lists
At events, many groups will put out sign-up sheets. Great Idea! At Back to School night, yearly meetings, or well attended sessions sponsored by your group, it makes sense to ask everyone to help out by signing up to volunteer. It is best practice to create different lists for different events, i.e., Color-a-Thon fun run, or bingo night, etc. People will have the opportunity to pick the event and time that works best for them. To make participation feel easier, add a few names to each list before sharing them. Volunteers are much more likely to join when they see others have already committed.
5. Recruit Savvy Social Media Users
Of course, this would be on the list…it’s on every list. Yet, for someone who doesn’t use social media very often, this could seem like an impossible task to take on. It would be. For someone who is very savvy with social media, this might actually be a fun and rewarding way to volunteer. Find your Social Media expert and then stand back and watch the magic happen. Make sure to monitor the activity to ensure that the messages being sent align with your organization’s goals. In addition to promoting your organization’s events, purpose, and goals, a social media plan can help you recruit volunteers all year long.
6. Partner with Like-Minded Organizations
Here’s a crazy idea: share your volunteers with another organization. Find another group in your area that depends on volunteers. If you are an Elementary PTA, partner with a Middle School PTA or a local community organization like an Art Museum. There are some real wins for both groups. Maybe you both have only a few volunteers for upcoming events. Your small group can help their small group and vice versa, making both events easier to manage. Both organizations could learn something from each other. It’s possible they have more volunteers who are looking to help your type of group.7. Leverage a Service Hours Volunteer Model
Many High School groups require students to acquire service or volunteer hours. National Honor Societies (NHS), for instance, have very specific goals in many chapters. Many would-be NHS members need to find ways to gain these hours. Reach out to the high school coordinators of these programs and let them know that you can help these eager volunteers. Make sure that you have a form that you can provide these students with to validate their work hours.How to Retain Volunteers and Maintain Your Base
Understanding how to retain volunteers is just as important as recruiting them. Retention means creating a positive experience where people feel valued, appreciated, and connected to your mission. The tips below will help you inspire loyalty and keep volunteers engaged for the long term.1. Welcome New Volunteers
The first time a volunteer comes to help in your organization is SIGNIFICANT. Imagine that this person will either be one-and-done or might provide hundreds of hours, and help recruit hundreds more. Just like the first day of school or the first day on a job, they will be anxious. Seems silly to the veterans who have been in the group for years, but think back to when you started. Make sure you welcome them. Make sure they feel appreciated and do everything to make it a positive experience.2. Implement a Training and Onboarding Process
As part of welcoming and onboarding, make sure each person is told and shown what to do. There are different ways each of us learn, so be sure to check and get feedback regarding a volunteer’s understanding of what they will be doing. In the heat of a project or event, sometimes it’s easier to “Just do it yourself”. To avoid this mentality, make an effort to include everyone, assign tasks, train volunteers, and follow up with each individual.3. Appreciate Your Current Volunteer Base
Making volunteer appreciation a part of your organization’s foundation is important. Let each person know what they contributed and how it matters. You can do this through an Appreciation Luncheon and simply by telling each volunteer what their contribution means to your group. Offer points for hours of service and use non-monetary rewards like a special parking space for events or upfront seating for Plays, Graduation, concerts, etc. Get creative!Grow Your Support Base with Proven Volunteer Recruitment and Retention Strategies
To succeed with volunteers, your organization must make it a priority. Build it into every plan and designate a Volunteer Coordinator to lead the effort. Encourage your team to “Always Be Recruiting,” and focus on nurturing, appreciating, and supporting your volunteers. With the right volunteer recruitment and retention strategies, you’ll maintain a strong, dedicated corps that helps your organization thrive for years to come.
Looking for Your Next Fundraising Event?
Want a fun, engaging way to bring your community together and raise money? Check out School-A-Thon’s Color Fun Run—a high-energy event that gets students, families, and supporters excited to participate. Learn more today and see how this colorful fundraiser can make your next event unforgettable!
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get people to say yes to volunteering?
The most effective way is to ask directly. While emails, posters, and social media posts are helpful, personal invitations show people that their time and skills are truly valued. When someone is personally asked, they’re much more likely to commit.
How do I keep volunteers from burning out?
Prevent burnout by matching volunteers with roles that fit their interests, offering flexible scheduling, and showing regular appreciation. Small gestures like thank-you notes, recognition at events, or volunteer appreciation activities go a long way in making people feel valued and motivated to return.
Can current fundraising events help with volunteer recruitment?
Yes! Community-driven events like School-A-Thon’s Color Run not only raise money but also create an enjoyable atmosphere where volunteers feel connected to your mission. These events attract new volunteers, build relationships, and make giving back fun and rewarding.
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