How to Find Volunteers and Keep Them Coming Back

Almost every organization I’ve worked for or with has struggled to recruit and retain volunteers. Nonprofit organizations and churches, in particular, rely on volunteers to run effective, impactful programs. Volunteers who take initiative, solve problems creatively, and inspire others are invaluable.

So why are these types of volunteers often in such short supply?

Maybe the better question is: What is it about our programs and processes that makes it so challenging to recruit and retain quality volunteers?

In the first question, the problem seems out of your hands—something external and uncontrollable. But the second question reframes it as something within your influence. That’s where real progress begins.

Looking Beyond the Quick Fix

There are countless resources available to help organizations recruit and retain volunteers. A quick Google search will uncover a plethora of software platforms, online webinars, and “smart” guides. While many of these are helpful, they often treat symptoms rather than root causes.

I’d like to offer three key areas of reflection that can help you address the problem at its core—so you’re not always chasing the next “genie in the bottle” solution.

1. Assess Your Programs Honestly

Start by taking a good, hard look in the mirror. Do you really need every program you’re running? How impactful are they? Are they aligned with your mission and strategic goals?

Program assessment is essential. Consider how much time, energy, money, and other resources you’re pouring into each initiative. The issue might not be a lack of volunteers at all—it might be an overabundance of programs. Streamlining your focus can make it easier to attract and retain volunteers who care deeply about what you do.

2. Know Your Volunteers

In the rush to keep things moving, organizations often place volunteers wherever there’s a need, without much thought about fit. But thriving volunteer programs are built on relationships, not just roles.

Take time to get to know your volunteers—their strengths, weaknesses, passions, and motivations. When people serve in areas that align with their gifts and bring them joy, they’re far more likely to stay engaged and effective.

3. Connect Efforts to Impact

Finally, help your volunteers see how their work contributes to your broader vision. Numbers and data matter, but stories inspire.

Don’t just tell volunteers that they served 75 kids in an afterschool program last week. Tell them about Sarah, who’s now reading at grade level for the first time, or Marcus, who found a new sense of confidence and community. Stories like these connect with the heart and remind volunteers why their time and effort truly matter.

Putting It All Together

There are plenty of other strategies you can explore for recruiting and retaining volunteers. But focusing on these three—aligning your programs, building relationships, and sharing meaningful stories—will give you the strongest foundation.

This week, consider one small step you can take in each of these areas. You’ll be surprised how quickly you notice the difference.

And if you’d like more personalized support, Mustful Strategic Consulting can help you develop actionable strategies to attract and retain the dedicated volunteers your organization needs to thrive.