How to Build a Volunteer Engagement Strategy to Drive Impact & Giving
Volunteer stewardship strategies to boost retention, trust, and donations
Volunteer engagement goes far beyond sign-up forms and orientation sessions. In this powerful and practical session, nonprofit engagement strategist Jessica Pang-Parks walked us through the full volunteer lifecycle — from recruitment to retention and recognition — and emphasized how meaningful engagement can deepen trust, build stronger communities, and even unlock new revenue.
Jessica brings years of experience, a deep commitment to advocacy and ethics, and a clear message: volunteer engagement is not a side-of-desk task — it’s strategic, essential, and deserving of investment.
10 Things Social Purpose Organizations Need to Know About Volunteer Engagement
1. Volunteers are not unpaid interns
Volunteers should never be used to replace paid roles or fill in for staff layoffs. Unlike interns or placement students who receive credit or compensation, volunteers offer their time for altruistic reasons. Respecting that contribution means drawing clear distinctions and ensuring volunteer roles are ethical and appropriate.
2. Volunteer work should never replace paid work
When funding runs dry, it may be tempting to backfill roles with volunteers. Don’t. This can lead to legal and reputational risks, especially in unionized environments. Volunteers are there to supplement, not supplant.
3. Volunteers can drive revenue
Research shows that volunteers are significantly more likely to donate. Jessica cited studies showing that volunteering boosts giving by over 14%, and many legacy gifts come from long-time volunteers. Volunteer engagement is also a fundraising strategy.
4. Recruitment is just one step
Too many organizations focus on recruitment alone. Jessica outlined a full engagement cycle: planning, recruitment, screening, training, support, and recognition. Stewardship—acknowledging and nurturing volunteers—is at the heart of it.
5. The traditional model is outdated
Today’s volunteers aren’t always retirees or stay-at-home parents. Students and working professionals are busy, and caregivers are stretched. Volunteer programs must be flexible and modernized to meet today’s realities.
6. Language matters
Say “we engage volunteers,” not “we use volunteers.” Avoid militarized, extractive language. Your words shape how you treat volunteers—and how they feel about their involvement.
7. Recognition must be meaningful
A pin or a mug isn’t always the answer. Volunteers want to hear how their work made an impact. Ask them how they’d like to be appreciated—some value words of affirmation, others prefer acts of service or public recognition.
8. Report on impact, not just hours
Funders may ask for hours and headcounts, but what matters more is impact. Tell stories. How many trees were planted? How many newcomers were welcomed? How did volunteers contribute to meaningful outcomes?
9. Every volunteer is different
Don’t assume a one-size-fits-all approach. Get to know each person’s motivations and goals. Personalize your stewardship and recognition efforts to create lasting relationships.
10. Volunteer engagement is strategic work
Volunteer engagement professionals collaborate across departments — fundraising, marketing, finance — and manage risk. It’s not an admin job. It requires strategic thinking, policy knowledge, and deep relationship-building skills.
Your Questions, Answered
Q: How can you create volunteer roles for folks requiring accommodations?
Jessica recommended buddying volunteers, working with caregivers or PSWs, and tapping into local partners for support. The key is asking what the individual needs and adapting roles accordingly.
Q: What do you do when volunteer tasks start to resemble paid roles?
First, acknowledge the shift. Then, sit down with the volunteer, revisit their role description, and explain the boundaries. Volunteers often step up out of passion, not malice — so honest conversations are critical.
Q: How do you train staff to supervise volunteers?
Start by introducing the full engagement cycle, not just recruitment. Build clear policies, role descriptions, and training so staff understand how to support and steward volunteers respectfully and effectively.
Q: What are low-cost ways to show appreciation and keep volunteers engaged?
Virtual game nights, casual events, and simple thank-yous can go a long way. Get snacks donated or host board game nights. And always—always—connect appreciation to impact.
What’s next?
Jessica reminded us that volunteering is about more than help — it’s about belonging. Volunteers donate their most precious resource: time. It's up to us to meet that with respect, planning, and care.
Volunteer Engagement Resources
Jessica believes that fostering positive volunteer relationships is key to building thriving, impactful communities. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, she has compiled free resources designed to help you navigate challenges and support your volunteer engagement journey. You can download the free resources from Jessica here.
This was the final 10 Things session before our summer break.
All sessions are available for members, along with blog recaps like this one.
Watch the full recording of this session in our Training Library membership.
