Volunteers

I was consulting with an executive with a major health-care nonprofit. She mentioned a concern about the way that organization’s staff interacted with volunteers. She felt like staff members were being too prescriptive in their instructions about fundraising, and that was probably a bad thing, although she couldn’t tell me exactly why...

“You have a fashion publication in Indianapolis? Really? That you’re staffing mainly with ... volunteers?” That’s the sort of thing Polina Osherov often hears while speaking in larger cities about Pattern Magazine. Until the person actually sees the fashion publication—and hears her story. Then it’s instant respect.

Kudos to those dedicated nonprofit development professionals who celebrate their volunteers. Those who know — and believe — that it's about people, not money.

"We pay volunteers to fundraise." Even as I write this sentence I realize that the words themselves sound ludicrous. And yet, I see my nonprofit clients try to do it over and over.

Volunteers want you to succeed. These true believers will be more than happy to provide financial resources if you ask them. They do so at a rate 50 percent higher than non-volunteers and in amounts 50 percent higher than those who don't give their time.

Corporate volunteers can be a big help to any nonprofit. Here are five quick ways to attract them.

The worst thing any nonprofit organization can do to its volunteers is to give them meaningless tasks. Volunteers, especially corporate volunteers, want to make a difference with their time. Here are 10 ways to motivate corporate volunteers.

Answer these questions and take your nonprofit's corporate volunteer program to the next level!

Your board may be performing well enough, but once you've seen a group that is truly united, you realize how much more can be achieved.

I strongly encourage every person in our profession to volunteer and give back to help to others. Giving is what makes our profession special and unique. In truth, all of us are volunteer consultants in the sense we have acquired skills and experiences that are transferable to others. Even if you feel you have given back for many years, take a deep breath and volunteer again. To those who are just entering the field, work and volunteer at the same time. Who knows, you might eventually work for the cause that is currently your focus for volunteer service.