Volunteers are the heart and soul of nonprofit organizations. They dedicate their time, energy, and talents to advancing missions they believe in, often without expecting anything in return. Yet, despite their critical role, it’s easy for busy organizations to overlook a simple but powerful act: saying thank you.
In honor of National Volunteer Month, we’ve collected some thoughts on why your organization needs to show appreciation to your volunteers all throughout the year.
1. Volunteer Appreciation Strengthens Relationships
At their core, nonprofits are about relationships. When you show genuine gratitude, you strengthen the bond between your organization and its volunteers. Volunteers who feel valued are more likely to stay engaged, advocate for your cause, and even inspire others to get involved.
Pro Tip: Personalize your thanks. Mention specific contributions and how they made a difference.
2. Retention Improves When Volunteers Feel Valued
Recruiting new volunteers takes time and resources. A strong volunteer retention strategy saves both. One of the simplest ways to improve retention is to ensure volunteers feel appreciated. A thank-you can transform a one-time helper into a lifelong supporter.
Pro Tip: Create a volunteer appreciation plan that includes regular check-ins, personalized thank-you notes, and public recognition.
3. Gratitude Boosts Morale and Motivation
Volunteering can be hard work. Volunteers might juggle nonprofit duties with personal or professional commitments. A sincere thank you can be the motivation they need to keep going, even when challenges arise. Feeling seen and appreciated boosts morale and reaffirms that their work truly matters.
Pro Tip: Celebrate milestones and small wins as well as major achievements.
4. Thanking Volunteers Reflects Organizational Values
Nonprofits exist to make the world a better place—and that mission should be reflected internally as well. An organization that values service, kindness, and community must demonstrate those values in how it treats its own volunteers. Publicly and privately thanking volunteers reinforces the culture you want to cultivate.
Pro Tip: Make gratitude a visible part of your brand. Share volunteer stories and thank-you’s across your website and social media.
5. Recognition Encourages Leadership and Growth
When volunteers are appreciated, they are more likely to take on leadership roles, mentor others, and deepen their commitment to the organization. Recognizing their contributions not only honors what they have done but also encourages them to envision a longer, more impactful journey with your nonprofit.
Pro Tip: Offer volunteers opportunities for professional development, leadership training, or special projects as part of your appreciation efforts.
Here are a few ways we’ve seen our client partners thank their volunteers:
- Handwritten Notes or Call: personal calls and handwritten messages are rare and can be incredibly meaningful
- Recognition Events: annual or quarterly volunteer appreciation events are great for team-building, too!
- Spotlight Stories: volunteers can be featured in newsletters, blogs, or on social media
- Certificates and Awards: honor volunteers’ time and achievements with a tangible keepsake
- Small Tokens of Thanks: share your organization's swag in the form of shirts, keychains, and more
