How to find and keep great fundraising volunteers 

Successful fundraising campaigns rely on enthusiastic volunteers, but how do you recruit and retain these valuable people? 

Create the right environment

Volunteers need to feel important and appreciated, and need to feel that their contribution to your fundraising campaign is valued.  Volunteers are busy people and they choose to help your organisation – don’t take this for granted.  So make sure that they are made to feel welcome and that you operate in an environment where everyone is encouraged to contribute and feels that their ideas are listened to with respect.  Be sure to treat your volunteers with respect.  Smile when you talk with them, listen to what they have to say and encourage them. 

Enthusiasm comes from you

If you are not enthusiastic about your fundraising campaign, your volunteers will not be enthusiastic and your campaign will not be as successful as it could be.  Enthusiasm is infectious.  If you can clearly define the goal of what your group is to accomplish, and you enthusiastically believe in that goal, and can show your volunteers what that goal will mean for everyone so that they also truly believe in the goal, you will gain the enthusiasm you need to be successful.  It is often easier to generate enthusiasm and excitement in a smaller group.

Guidance

Don’t think that because someone volunteers to help you they know exactly what to do.  Volunteers need guidance and direction.   But be careful that you don’t give so much direction that the volunteer feels that his opinion is of no importance.  Also take care to try to match the volunteer with the most appropriate job.  Get to know them and their strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes.  If a volunteer is involved in something that really suits him or her and that he or she really wants to do, you will have a dedicated and enthusiastic helper. 

Appreciation

Take the time necessary to make your volunteers feel appreciated.  Don’t underestimate the importance of simply saying thank you.  A note from the chair of the committee, a birthday card or a lunch invitation can all go a long way to keep a happy and dedicated group of volunteers.

Overworking

Do your best to not overwork your core group of volunteers.  Rather try to increase the number of volunteers so that everyone has a manageable role.  Job sharing is useful – let two people sign up for a specific role and they can determine the best way to split the workload.

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