6 Simple Ways to Attract and Keep Amazing Volunteers

"Volunteering is an act of heroism on a grand scale. And it matters profoundly. It does more than help people beat the odds; it changes the odds."
— President Bill Clinton

Whether you're helping people find safe housing, welcoming museum visitors, or keeping a library open, volunteers make it possible. Yet, many nonprofits are struggling to find enough help.

The competition for people's time and attention has never been greater. Fortunately, you can adjust your recruitment and retention strategies to meet volunteers where they are now.

Why Volunteers Seem Hard to Find Right Now

Recruiting volunteers feels harder—because it is.

In the years following the pandemic, volunteerism in the U.S. dropped to its lowest level in three decades. By 2021, only 23% of Americans were formally volunteering through organizations.

The good news? Things are improving. In 2023, volunteer numbers saw their largest increase on record, with over 75 million Americans giving their time, raising the formal volunteering rate to 28.3%.

Still, time is tight, and expectations have shifted. Volunteers are more selective about how they give their time. So, the way you invite volunteers needs a fresh approach too.

What Attracts Volunteers Today

People still want to help—but how they want to help has changed. Expectations for volunteer experiences are higher, and a healthy organizational culture can play a major role in overcoming staff and volunteer recruitment challenges.

If you’re looking for a quick, practical guide to getting more volunteers on board, we’ve created a tutorial you might find helpful.

Take a few minutes to explore it here (or longer to complete the activities)—then keep reading for more strategies you can use right away.

Watched the tutorial? Great—you’ll recognize some of the following strategies (and pick up a few new ideas to try)!

1. Make It Easy to Say Yes

Busy schedules demand flexibility.

Offering flexible volunteering options respects individuals' time constraints and promotes a healthier work-life balance.

• Offer micro-volunteering. 1–2 hour shifts or one-time events feel more manageable.
  
  
• Create virtual roles. Tasks like research, social media, and tech support can be done from home.
  
  
• Simplify your sign-up. Use mobile-friendly forms and avoid jargon.
  
  
• Set clear expectations. A short "what to expect" video or handout builds confidence.

Example: "Spend 30 minutes a week calling seniors—we provide the script and contact list."

2. Match People's Skills

Volunteers often don’t see how their skills apply. Show them.

• List less obvious needs—like IT support, graphic design, or data entry.
  
  
• Recruit for specific roles to help volunteers see a fit.
  
  
• Share real stories of volunteers making an impact in unexpected ways.

Tip: Someone who's great with tech might never picture themselves volunteering at a shelter—until you show them how much a database upgrade could help.

3. Speak Their Language—Use the Right Platform

Meet volunteers where they already are.

• Post opportunities on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
  
  
• Use clear, inclusive language. Avoid acronyms.
  
  
• Make your messaging visual and relatable—real photos, real stories.
  
  
• Include a contact number if you are trying to reach older volunteers.

Example: "Volunteer this Saturday. You bring the time; we bring the snacks. Message us to sign up!"

4. Train Volunteers Like You Train Your Staff

Training builds confidence—and loyalty.

A simple, welcoming onboarding process can make all the difference in helping new volunteers feel ready—and excited—to get started.

• Provide a 10–15 minute welcome training.
  
  
• Use training to minimize risk and ensure quality.
  
  
• Make training available online for flexibility.
  
  
• Include critical topics like trauma-informed care and inclusion.

Tip: Volunteers stay longer when they feel prepared.

Niche Academy can help: Easily create mobile-friendly, role-specific tutorials without a tech background. Spend less time onboarding—and more time building relationships. Start a free trial to give it a try.

5. Build Belonging From Day One

Connection fuels retention.

• Send a personalized thank-you after their first shift.
  
  
• Celebrate volunteer milestones.
  
  
• Pair new volunteers with a buddy.
  
  
• Ask for feedback—and act on it.

Example: "We loved having you with us today. Your calm energy made a real difference."

6. Reach the Next Generation of Volunteers

Younger volunteers want flexibility, purpose, and digital connection.

• Offer short-term and virtual opportunities.
  
  
• Connect roles to real-world issues and skill-building.
  
  
• Promote on social media, not just your website.
  
  
• Highlight impact with real stories and photos.

Example: "Use your design skills to help fight food insecurity—create flyers to reach families in need. One hour. Real impact."

Tip: Younger volunteers appreciate skill development. Offer certificates, badges, and tangible resume builders.

Bonus Tip: Digital, mobile-friendly onboarding shows you respect their time. Niche Academy makes it simple to provide everything they need in one place.

Recruitment Is Retention

Your best recruitment strategy? Retain the volunteers you already have.

When volunteers feel welcomed, valued, and prepared, they'll naturally spread the word and bring others along. Instead of starting from scratch, build deeper roots.

Final Thoughts: You Don't Need More People—You Need a Better Invitation

The volunteers you're hoping for? They're out there. They want to help. They're just waiting for the right invitation.

You don't need a big splashy campaign to catch their attention. You just need to make it easier for them to find a place where they can belong.

Start small. Maybe it's simplifying your onboarding. Maybe it's refreshing your volunteer messaging. Maybe it's asking your current volunteers what makes them stay—and really listening.

Every small step you take to make volunteering feel welcoming, purposeful, and manageable adds up. And here's the best part: you don't have to do it alone.

Niche Academy can help. With mobile-friendly, role-specific volunteer onboarding and training tools, you can build confidence and connection from day one—without the tech headaches. Start your free trial today.