Seven Tips for Motivating Volunteers
By Jerry F. Smith, CFRE
Some volunteers give so much time and energy to your nonprofit that thank-you cards or recognition events just don’t seem like enough. So try some of the following tips for expressing appreciation to your top volunteers:
- Reimburse them for assignment-related expenses so they never feel like they’re losing money by helping your nonprofit.
- Invite them to staff meeting to let them know they’re more than an “extra hand” around your offices.
- Award scholarships for volunteers to attend conferences or workshops that help them expand their skills.
- Offer to call or send a letter of recommendation to a prospective employer if you hear they’re looking for a new job. Be sure to mention skills they developed in volunteer service they haven’t experienced in their careers, such as management or computer work.
- Provide regular training so they never start a new activity uncertain about what you expect or how they should tackle a project.
- Encourage your VIPs to talk with top volunteers by arranging informal luncheons or assigning them to projects with your execs.
- Enlist them to mentor volunteers. You’ll send a message that you trust them and have faith in their abilities.
Adapted from materials by Vern Lake, volunteer services consultant at the Minnesota Department of Public Works.
