7 Proven Ways to Supercharge Your Volunteer Recruitment

Looking to supercharge your volunteer recruitment?🚀

Whether you’re looking to bring in a few extra hands for an event or build a community of long-term supporters, we’ve got great news: it’s easier (and more fun) than you think!

Here’s the scoop: globally, more than one billion people volunteer their time each year, contributing to a jaw-dropping $1.34 billion in economic value. 

That’s a lot of helping hands just waiting to be tapped into! With the right approach, you can recruit volunteers who not only support your mission but become lifelong advocates for your cause.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to take your volunteer recruitment to the next level. 

Let’s dive in!

Why volunteer recruitment is key to growing your nonprofit

Volunteers are your secret sauce. 🌟 

They don’t just help out—they amplify your mission and bring your goals to life. And the best part? Volunteers are everywhere! With over 11 million people volunteering their time every year in the US alone, there’s a whole world of potential supporters waiting for you.

So, why does volunteer recruitment matter so much?

• It saves resources: Volunteers help keep your operations running smoothly without stretching your budget.
• It helps you build a community: Engaged volunteers don’t just show up—they tell their friends, bring energy, and stick around for the long haul.
• And you can expand your reach: Enthusiastic volunteers are your best marketers, spreading the word about your mission faster than you can say "fundraiser."

5 Steps to take before you start recruiting volunteers

Before diving into the volunteer recruitment process, it’s essential to lay a solid foundation that will set your volunteer program up for success. By taking these five critical steps, you’ll ensure that your efforts are targeted, effective, and aligned with your organization’s mission.

1. Evaluate your current needs and volunteer roster

Start by assessing your current volunteer landscape. Ask yourself these questions:

• Do we have enough volunteers to meet our program goals, or do we need more hands?
• Who are our most active volunteers, and who tends to participate less frequently?
• Are there specific skills we’re missing or roles that could use more support?
• How many events did we hold last year, and what level of volunteer support did each require?

2. Evaluate your volunteer program

Take a step back to review how you currently engage and organize your volunteers. Consider the following:

• Is our onboarding process comprehensive and efficient?
• Do we provide regular training and support?
• Do we have a system in place for regular communication and updates with volunteers?
• Are there feedback mechanisms that allow volunteers to voice their experiences or needs?

3. Evaluate your past recruitment efforts

Figuring out what worked in the past (and what didn’t) can set your next campaign up for success. Here are a few things to ask yourself during this stage:

• Which platforms or methods brought in the most (and most engaged) volunteers?
• Were any specific recruitment methods, like social media or volunteer boards, particularly effective?
• How did our recruitment budget perform? Did we get strong results for the investment?

4. Outline your recruitment strategy

With your needs and insights in place, it’s time to map out a high-level plan without diving into tactics just yet. Focus on the following:

• How many new volunteers do we need, and for which roles?
• Which networks or teams can we leverage, such as full-time employees or local partners?
• What measurable goals (e.g., number of volunteers or skill types) will help track our success?

5. Kick off your recruitment process!

After your strategy is set (the next section will be a big help), it’s time to go live and start recruiting. Here’s how to build a strategy that’ll have people lining up to help:

• Launch your campaign: Spread the word via social media, email, and volunteer recruitment websites. Keep your messaging fun and focused on the impact volunteers can make.
• Make signing up easy: Create an intuitive sign-up process on your website using tools like YouCanBookMe’s volunteer scheduling app. Volunteers can quickly choose shifts and get automatic reminders, making it a breeze to commit. Check out booking page examples for inspiration!
• Track and measure: Where are volunteers coming from? Are certain platforms bringing in more sign-ups than others? Remember to track your data, then fine-tune your strategy based on what’s working best.
• Adjust and improve: If something isn’t working, tweak it! Keep refining your approach, and don’t be afraid to try new tactics.

7 Tips to supercharge your volunteer recruitment

Want to take your volunteer recruitment strategies up a notch? Whether you’re hosting a one-time event or looking to grow a long-term volunteer base, these seven tips will help you attract more volunteers and keep them engaged.

1. Use social media effectively 📱

You don’t need to dance on TikTok to effectively use socials (although you can if you want to!) 

Social media is one of the most powerful tools in your volunteer recruitment toolkit. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn are ideal for showcasing the impact of your nonprofit and inviting new people to join your cause. Here’s how to make the most of social media for volunteer recruitment:

• Show, don’t just tell: Use photos and videos to highlight volunteers' real impact. Post behind-the-scenes content of your team in action, volunteers working at events, and the outcomes of their efforts (like packing meals or organizing community clean-ups).

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• Go live or host stories: Use Instagram or Facebook Live to host Q&A sessions about volunteering opportunities. Answer common questions in real-time, and allow potential volunteers to interact with your team.
• Create shareable content: Make your posts easy to share! Encourage your current volunteers to share their experiences on their own profiles and tag your organization. This peer-to-peer influence can attract a whole new group of volunteers who are inspired by seeing their friends involved.

By tapping into the power of social media, you’re showcasing the excitement and purpose behind your cause, making it irresistible for people to get involved.

2. Make booking easy ✍️

Nothing turns off potential volunteers faster than a complicated sign-up process. 

The easier it is to commit, the more likely people will sign up—and stick around. A user-friendly volunteer scheduling software is super useful for effective volunteer recruitment. Here’s how to streamline the process:

• Use a scheduling tool: This lets volunteers to pick their shifts online without the back-and-forth of emails or phone calls. Plus, they’ll receive automatic reminders, reducing no-shows.
• Create a seamless sign-up experience: Make sure your volunteer sign-up form is simple and easy to navigate. Only ask for the most essential information to avoid overwhelming potential volunteers. You can always get more info later!
• Customize your booking page: Create an intuitive, attractive volunteer sign-up page. Include clear calls-to-action and highlight how quick and easy it is to join.
• ✨Bonus ✨ You can use your YouCanBookMe (YCBM) booking page for more than just volunteer recruitment, but for your outreach efforts as well! For example, EAG’s Actors Pantry uses YCBM to allow those in need to easily schedule a time slot to visit their food bank. 

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Remember, when volunteers can easily sign up with just a few clicks, it removes friction and boosts engagement. The simpler the process, the higher the commitment.

And, if you’re tight on budget, YouCanBookMe offers a free forever plan that’ll let you easily schedule volunteers without spending a dime!

Create your free booking page

Get a free, 14-day trial of YouCanBookMe's volunteer scheduling app. Then, you can upgrade or stay on the free forever plan.

3. Leverage email marketing 📧

Effective volunteer recruitment tactics use a lot of the same strategies corporations use when figuring out how to get clients: targeted marketing to attract the right people! 

One of the best ways to do this is through email, which helps recruit and keep volunteers engaged. The key is personalizing your emails and making sure they stand out in a busy inbox. Here’s how to do it:

• Use a compelling subject line: According to OptinMonster, 47% of email recipients say they open an email based on the subject line alone. Aim to keep your subject lines between 36-50 characters and make them clear and snappy. For example, “Help serve hope: Volunteer to fight hunger”
• Tell a story: Start with a compelling story that shows how volunteers are making a difference. For example, “Last month, volunteers helped serve over 500 meals to families in need—now it’s your turn!”
• Include clear calls-to-action: Make sure your email is focused and easy to read. Use a simple call-to-action like “Sign up for a shift today!” and link directly to your booking page. A single click should lead them to where they can get involved.
• Segment your audience: Tailor your messaging based on your audience’s interests. For example, if someone signed up for one event but hasn’t returned, send them a follow-up email with opportunities for future events.
• Use a free scheduling tool: Quickly send customized, automatic thank yous and follow-up emails to event attendees. Not only does this make people feel like their presence was appreciated, but it can be a great marketing opportunity for your organization too! You can easily link your booking page within the email, encouraging your audience to sign up for more shifts and events. 

4. Offer incentives and recognition 🎉

Everybody likes to be seen. Letting your volunteers know that they’re valued is one of the most effective ways to keep them engaged (and encourage them to tell their friends!)

So here’s a two-for-one: a recruitment and volunteer retention strategy.

• Host volunteer appreciation events: Throw an annual or quarterly volunteer appreciation party. Recognize top volunteers with awards, certificates, or even small gifts like t-shirts or badges.
• Shout-outs on social media: Make your volunteers feel valued by celebrating their contributions and showing them the real change their hard work has brought about. You could even highlight standout volunteers in a dedicated post on your social channels. Tell their story, explain what they’ve helped accomplish, and thank them publicly for their time and efforts. This not only makes your volunteers feel valued but also shows potential volunteers that they’ll be appreciated.

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• Exclusive perks: Offer volunteers behind-the-scenes access to events, early registration for activities, or other perks that give them something special. It could be as simple as a free meal at a local partner restaurant or branded swag from your organization.

People are more likely to continue volunteering when they feel recognized and appreciated. Plus, showcasing these moments encourages new volunteers to get involved.

5. Partner with local businesses 🤝

Partnering with businesses in your community is a fantastic way to broaden your reach and tap into a new pool of potential volunteers. Many companies offer paid volunteer time as part of their corporate social responsibility programs, and they’re often looking for opportunities to get their employees involved. Here’s how you can make these partnerships work:

• Corporate volunteer days: Work with businesses to organize corporate volunteer days where employees can come together to support your cause. This builds goodwill between your nonprofit and local businesses while giving you access to a group of eager, motivated volunteers.
• Offer branded perks: Businesses love recognition, so give your partners a shout-out on your website or social media. You could even co-brand a volunteer event where employees and community members work together. It’s great PR for them and helps expand your reach.
• Collaborate on events: Partner with businesses for event sponsorships in exchange for promoting volunteer opportunities to their employees. For example, a local company might sponsor a charity run or food drive, and their employees can volunteer as event staff.

Not only does this strategy help you recruit volunteers, but it also strengthens relationships within the community, boosting your nonprofit’s visibility and credibility.

Easily schedule your volunteers

Trade the messy sign-up sheets and tedious back-and-forth emails for online scheduling that simply works.

6. Share testimonials 📣

Nothing convinces people to get involved like hearing about the positive experiences of others. 

Sharing volunteer testimonials is a powerful way to inspire potential volunteers to take action, but you can take it one step further by sharing impact posts—stories from the individuals your organization has directly helped. Here’s how to make the most of both:

• Create volunteer spotlight posts: As we already mentioned above, regularly highlight individual volunteers on your blog or social media channels. Have them share their stories—why they volunteer, what they love about your nonprofit, and how their involvement has made an impact. Real, heartfelt testimonials can go a long way in convincing others to join.
• Impact posts: Showcase stories from the people or communities your organization has helped. These posts can demonstrate the tangible difference your nonprofit is making in the world. 
  For example, share how a family received support, how a student succeeded thanks to your services, or how a community benefited from a volunteer-led event. When potential volunteers see firsthand how they can contribute to these success stories, they’ll be more motivated to get involved.

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• Use video testimonials: People connect with stories more deeply through video. Create short, engaging video clips featuring both your volunteers and the individuals who’ve benefited from your nonprofit’s work. These can be shared on social media, your website, or even in email campaigns. Seeing both sides—volunteers in action and lives changed—creates a powerful connection.
• Incorporate testimonials and impact stories into emails: Don’t just send out recruitment emails asking for volunteers—share real stories. Personal stories from current volunteers and the people you’ve helped can create a strong emotional pull, making it easier to inspire action.

Sharing authentic, enthusiastic testimonials and impact posts builds trust and highlights the meaningful results your volunteers are helping to achieve.

7. Launch offline campaigns 🏢

In a world that’s so focused on digital, going back to basics with an offline campaign can drive your volunteer recruitment (and even improve your hiring process, if you're currently recruiting!).

Sometimes, a little old-school charm goes a long way—especially for reaching people who may not be as active online or who prefer personal interactions. Here’s how to make the most of offline efforts:

• Post flyers in high-traffic community spaces: Think community centers, gyms, libraries, coffee shops, and local events. A well-designed flyer that clearly states your nonprofit’s mission, the impact volunteers make, and how to sign up can attract local, dedicated volunteers.

• Attend community events: Set up a booth at local farmers' markets, charity walks, or festivals. This gives you a chance to talk to potential volunteers face-to-face and explain the importance of their contribution. Be sure to include a sign-up form or the QR code we just mentioned above that links directly to your booking page, so volunteers can sign up instantly.
• Host open houses or information sessions: Invite people to learn more about your organization in a casual, informative setting. Highlight the impact of your work, and let attendees meet your team and ask questions. This direct connection can be a powerful motivator for new volunteers.

Sometimes, people just need to see your mission in person to feel inspired to act. Offline campaigns provide a tangible, community-driven approach that complements your digital efforts.

Ready to start recruiting?

Volunteer recruitment doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right strategies in place—like engaging on social media, offering incentives, and making sign-ups easy—you can attract and retain passionate volunteers who are excited to support your mission.

Ready to streamline your volunteer recruitment? Try YouCanBookMe today to make scheduling simple and easy, so you can focus on what matters most—making an impact.

FAQ

What is volunteer recruitment?

Volunteer recruitment is the process of finding and engaging individuals who are willing to donate their time and skills to support your nonprofit’s cause. It involves outreach efforts, clear communication, and providing meaningful opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

How are most volunteers recruited?

Most volunteers are recruited through a combination of online platforms, social media outreach, email campaigns, and personal referrals. Many organizations also use community events and partnerships with local businesses to engage volunteers.

What do you say to recruit volunteers?

When recruiting volunteers, keep your message positive and focused on impact. For example, explain how their time will directly benefit the community or specific projects. Clear calls-to-action like "Join us to make a difference" or "Help us reach our goal of supporting 500 families" are effective ways to encourage participation.