Whether you're running a nonprofit, planning a community event, or driving a grassroots campaign, volunteers are the heart and soul of everything we do.
So, let’s jump into 15 game-changing strategies to bring passionate people to your cause!
What is Volunteer Recruitment?
Why Volunteer Recruitment Matters
- Volunteering is rebounding in the U.S.: an estimated 75.7M people (28.3% of adults) volunteered between Sept. 2022 and Sept. 2023, and 54.2% offered informal help to neighbors. That’s a huge pool of potential supporters.
- Expectations have shifted: people want flexible, skills-based, sometimes virtual ways to help — and they expect frictionless sign-up experiences.
- American volunteers contributed over 4.1 billion hours of service, generating an estimated economic impact of $122.9 billion. That's some serious people's power! Let's make sure we're tapping into that potential with our 15 game-changing strategies!
If your roles are clear, flexible, and meaningful, recruitment becomes easier — and retention improves.
Common Challenges in Volunteer Recruitment (and How to Overcome Them)
Read more : Volunteer Storytelling for Impactful Messaging: 3 Key Steps
15 Volunteer Recruitment Strategies to Try
1. Craft Compelling Volunteer Descriptions
Don't just list tasks – paint a picture of the impact volunteers will make. Use vivid language and specific examples.
Instead of "Help with office work," try "Be the organizational wizard who keeps our life-changing programs running smoothly!"
Keep in mind that volunteering experts suggest that certain words and phrases might not only be outdated for the volunteer engagement field but could even be harmful!
2. Leverage Social Media
Meet potential volunteers where they are – online! Share volunteer spotlights, behind-the-scenes peeks, and impact stories across your social channels. Use eye-catching graphics and hashtags to boost visibility.
Social media is a powerful tool for recruiting volunteers, with 53% of individuals who interact with a nonprofit online going on to volunteer their time.
Best Practices for Social Media Volunteer Recruitment:
- Show real faces: spotlight volunteers with short videos or testimonials.
- Use data-driven content: share impact numbers in simple visuals (e.g., “500 meals delivered thanks to our volunteers”).
- Post consistently: aim for 2–3 times per week with a mix of stories, reels, and carousel posts.
- Target by platform: LinkedIn for skills-based volunteering, Instagram/TikTok for Gen Z and Millennials, Facebook for community events.
- Always add a clear CTA: “Sign up today” button or link to your volunteer form.
3. Host a Volunteer Open House
Open your doors (virtually or in person) and give curious folks a taste of your organization. Offer mini-volunteer experiences, Q&A sessions, and the chance to meet current team members.
4. Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with companies looking to boost their corporate social responsibility. Offer group volunteer days or skills-based opportunities that align with their expertise.
82% of employees who volunteered with their companies felt more committed to their organizations.
5. Tap into Student Power
Connect with high schools, colleges, and universities. Many students are eager to gain experience and fulfill service requirements. Highlight resume-building opportunities and the chance to make a real difference.
An impressive 92 to 94 million adults across the EU are engaged in volunteering. This means that around 22-23% of EU citizens aged 15 and older are dedicating their time to voluntary work.
Millions of these volunteers are students, which shows how young people are stepping up to make a difference and actively contributing to causes that matter to them.
6. Create Micro-Volunteering Options
Not everyone can commit to long-term roles. Offer bite-sized tasks that can be done remotely or in short time frames. This lowers the barrier to entry and can lead to deeper engagement later.
Gen Z likes to keep it short! 73% of 16-18-year-olds volunteer for up to five hours per week.
7. Utilize Volunteer Matching Websites
List your opportunities on online platforms or local volunteer centers. These sites connect passionate people actively seeking ways to give back.
By using these tools, you ensure that your opportunities land in front of individuals who are not just browsing, but genuinely searching for ways to contribute.
Learn how to build out your own program in this short guide.
8. Develop a "Bring a Friend" Program
Encourage current volunteers to recruit their networks. Offer incentives or recognition for successful referrals. Word-of-mouth is powerful!
The majority of volunteers expect to meet like-minded people on their assignments, and many decide to volunteer with the intention of socializing.
Examples of How to Put It in Place:
- Buddy Sign-Up Bonus → if a volunteer registers with a friend, both get a small reward (e.g., T-shirt, badge, early event access).
- Team-Based Volunteering → create projects designed for pairs or small groups, like a “Volunteer with Your Bestie Day.”
Shareable Invites → provide easy-to-forward digital invites or QR codes volunteers can send to their friends.
9. Customize Your Pitch
Tailor your recruitment message to different demographics. Retirees might value social connection, while young professionals may prioritize skill-building. Speak to what motivates each group.
For example, when promoting a volunteer event, focus on teamwork and social gatherings for retirees, while framing the same opportunity as a chance for younger volunteers to gain project management experience or grow their network.
10. Embrace Video
Create short, engaging videos showcasing volunteer experiences. Let current volunteers share their stories and the impact they've made. Visual content is incredibly shareable and persuasive.
Videos on social media generate an astounding 1200% more shares than posts containing just text and images combined. Whether it's a short clip, a behind-the-scenes look, or a storytelling piece, video grabs users’ attention far more effectively than static content.
11. Get Creative with Events
Host events like volunteer fairs, "speed dating"-style matches, or volunteer-a-thons to engage your volunteer recruitment. These creative approaches add a fun, interactive twist, helping your organization stand out from the usual sign-up methods.
A volunteer-a-thon can take it further by turning recruitment into a challenge. Hosting a day-long event where participants complete tasks boosts energy and excitement, motivating people to get involved while creating a strong sense of achievement.
12. Optimize for Search Engines
Over half of online content consumption—about 51%—comes from organic search. This means volunteers are more likely to discover your organization through unpaid search results.
By optimizing your website and volunteer opportunities with the right keywords and content, you can attract passionate individuals who are already searching for ways to get involved.
13. Leverage Your Email List
With global email users set to reach 4.89 billion by 2027, email remains one of the most effective ways to engage your existing supporters and recruit volunteers. You can drive more interest in volunteer opportunities that suit their skills and passions. Here are some strategies:
- Segment your list by previous volunteer roles and suggest similar opportunities.
- Personalize emails to highlight specific projects aligned with their interests.
- Include visuals or testimonials from past volunteer events to inspire action.
- Create urgency by showcasing upcoming events that need immediate help.
- Offer exclusive opportunities for long-time supporters or previous volunteers.
14. Collaborate with Other Organizations
Partnering with like-minded organizations helps broaden your volunteer outreach and increase engagement. Cross-promote opportunities with groups sharing similar missions, like nonprofits or community centers. For example, collaborate with sustainability groups if you're focused on environmental efforts.
Once you've found partners, work on joint email campaigns, social media, or events. These collaborations widen your reach and give volunteers more options, encouraging long-term involvement. Co-hosting cleanups or fundraisers boosts community impact and attracts new audiences.
15. Make it Easy to Sign Up
Make your volunteer sign-up process as smooth as possible. Clear calls to action and simple forms encourage more people to join. The easier the first step, the better your chances of attracting dedicated volunteers.
Simplifying the application by reducing unnecessary fields or steps boosts conversions. Offering one-click sign-up options, like "Sign Up with Google," can increase sign-ups by 8.2%. This makes the process seamless and inviting for volunteers.
Bonus Tip: Supercharge Your Recruitment with Digital Tools
Now, here's a game-changer for your volunteer management: Qomon. Our powerful platform takes the headache out of volunteer coordination, letting you focus on what matters most – your mission!
Qomon offers:
• Centralized volunteer database to track skills, availability, and engagement
• Easy-to-use signup forms and event management tools
• Automated communication to keep volunteers informed and engaged
• Reporting features to measure impact and optimize your program
With Qomon, you can create a seamless volunteer experience from recruitment through retention. It's like having a dedicated volunteer coordinator working 24/7!
Book a chat with one of our experts today!
Online vs Offline Recruitment Strategies
Trends in Volunteer Recruitment for 2025 and Beyond
1) The rise of episodic & skills-based volunteering
Volunteers favor short, project-based roles that use their professional skills. Build “bite-sized” opportunities with clear deliverables and 2–10 hour time blocks.
2) Virtual is here to stay
Roughly 1 in 5 formal volunteers now serve entirely online. Offer hybrid roles (ex: remote intake + on-site event) and advertise a virtual path for every campaign.
3) Corporate volunteering is growing
More employers provide VTO and volunteer grants. Package corporate-ready events with team roles, safety briefs, and post-event impact decks.
4) DEI & inclusion as must-haves
Organizations are formalizing DEI plans. Make roles accessible (location, schedule, childcare notes), and reflect diverse volunteers in your visuals and stories.
5) Mobile-first journeys
~57% of web traffic is mobile, but most donations still convert on desktop.
Action: ensure mobile sign-ups are 60-second tasks max; add QR codes at events, and let volunteers save progress to finish later.
6) Data-driven engagement
Track: source channel → role acceptance → attendance → shift performance → retention. Use this to double down on high-yield channels and retire underperforming ones.
Embrace the Volunteer Spirit!
Remember, successful volunteer recruitment is about more than just filling slots. It's about building a community of passionate individuals who believe in your cause. Be genuine, show appreciation, and always communicate the real-world impact volunteers make.
Your recruitment efforts can be the bridge that connects those eager helpers to meaningful opportunities.
So, get out there and spread the word! Share your enthusiasm, be creative, and watch your volunteer program flourish. Together, we can build stronger communities and create the change we want to see in the world.
The most "Qomon" questions
How do you recruit volunteers effectively?
Focus on clear, impact-first roles, fast onboarding, and flexible pathways (micro, virtual, skills-based). Pair email + social for reach, and close the loop with quick confirmations.
If attendance is a pain point, see Why Your Volunteers Don’t Show Up (And How to Fix It).
What are the best volunteer recruitment strategies in 2025?
Short, skills-based roles; mobile-first sign-ups; social proof via storytelling; corporate team days; and hybrid (online/offline) funnels.
Discover Qomon Volunteer Management System
Where do volunteers discover opportunities today?
Email remains highly effective; websites and in-person events matter; Instagram/LinkedIn/Facebook are growing as discovery and conversion channels.
How do we attract Gen Z and Millennials?
Offer episodic, high-impact projects, virtual options, and visible skill-building. Keep the UX fast and mobile.
What metrics should we track?
Source → sign-up → attendance → hours → retention → conversion to donor/advocate. Use this to scale the channels and role types that work best.
Should we prioritize online or offline?
Do both. Use online to scale and segment; use offline to build community and loyalty. Tie them together with QR sign-ups and automated follow-ups.
Sources :
- Volunteer Statistics 2025: How Charitable Are We With Our Time?, Donor Box
- Volunteering in America: New U.S. Census Bureau, AmeriCorps Research, United States, Census Bueau, 2023
- Words We Need To Stop Saying: Words and Phrases to Erase from the Lexicon of Volunteer Management, Engage Journal, 2019
- Using Social Media to Engage and Recruit Volunteers, Volunteer Hub, 2023
- 4.1 Volunteering in the European Union: An Overview of National Differences in the EU Member States, Contemporary Family Life
- BHF sees rise in micro-volunteering among Gen Z, UK Fundraising, 2024
- Organizational socialization of volunteers: The effect on their intention to remain, ResearchGate, 2009
- Why You Need To Excel At Video, Forbes, 2016
- Top Content Marketing Statistics, Forbes, 2024
