What motivates volunteers and keeps them going?
Two themes emerged from a survey and a series of interviews with volunteers about what stokes their passions for helping.
They want to make a difference – and they want to feel appreciated. This came through loud and clear in the research for Behind the Helping Hand: Addressing Barriers to Volunteerism in Peterborough by Trent University student Anna Hykawy
When asked what motivates them to volunteer, one participant described “the satisfaction of filling a need in an organization I feel a strong commitment to.” Meanwhile, another person emphasized the importance of knowing that “the time I spend volunteering is worthwhile.”
These responses indicate that volunteers are motivated by a clear connection between what they put in and what they get out of the experience. The more specifically people can use their individual skills and have them recognized adds to their sense of accomplishment.
They also value simple and sincere recognition via expressions of gratitude. While some participants appreciate cash or gift cards, a regular verbal ‘thank you’ works magic as well.
A lack of acknowledgement has the opposite effect. “No one knew or used my name nor did anyone ever acknowledge or thank me for coming in,” one former volunteer told Anna. “I don’t volunteer there anymore.”
In addition to recognition, social connection emerged as a key factor. Many respondents describe volunteering as an opportunity to engage with others, build relationships and feel part of a supportive and respectful environment.
“This response highlights the role of volunteerism as a social space,” Anna wrote as “roles provide interpersonal connections and a sense of belonging.”
Recommendations
Anna found that both her survey and interview data reinforce the need for both changes within non-profits and societal systems to strengthen volunteer engagement. Her initial suggestions relate directly to volunteers’ perceptions of an organization and their attitudes right from the start:
- Reduce barriers at the point of entry
- Improve communication practices
- Align volunteer opportunities with the realities of individuals’ lives
- Streamline and modernize registration processes to avoid overly complex or time-consuming onboarding procedures
- Respond more quickly and clearly to individuals who express interest
- Create proactive and inclusive recruitment strategies
Anna’s research also shows the value of communicating the impact of volunteer work more effectively. Feeling valued ties people more closely to seeing how their contributions have an influence.
When organizations actively focus on how volunteer contributions support their goals, that feedback links individual efforts to tangible results. Impact-focused messaging excels as a way to bring on and keep volunteers, as it reinforces the meaningfulness of their participation.
She also suggests the following practices to keep volunteers loyal:
- Increase flexibility within volunteer roles with less rigid scheduling and long-term commitments
- Develop more role structures that include short-term, episodic or one-time volunteer opportunities (like the Kids Against Hunger food-packing event pictured here)
- Focus on engaging groups beyond existing networks, including youths and newcomers
- Target your outreach to foster long-term engagement and embed volunteerism as a social norm.
Because this takes time and effort, organizations that invest in dedicated volunteer coordination roles get the most rewards. Volunteers thrive when they receive consistent support, training, and feedback. When they are assigned to an individual with other tasks, it creates a less cohesive volunteer experience.
Finally, constraints such as transportation access, childcare and the rising cost of living limit individuals’ capacity to contribute their unpaid time. Offering support for these gaps would help.
These recommendations only tell part of the story since every volunteer has their own experience. Yet, they demonstrate that promoting volunteerism requires changes to how things are currently done.
We’re all aboard to make volunteering easier and more contagious. And we welcome more groups to evolve along with us.
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