10 Creative Ideas for Recruiting Volunteers in 2025
At the house of Ads for Change, we understand that recruiting volunteers for nonprofit organizations is an ongoing process, as it's impossible to retain 100% of volunteers. Some move, experience life changes, or simply lose interest. This ebb and flow of volunteers is natural, but it doesn't mean organizations should give up recruiting. Many organizations struggle to find volunteers, however, 77% of Generation Z are interested in volunteering. This generation engages differently, favoring actions that offer both direct social impact and opportunities for personal development. They favor projects that allow them to acquire useful skills and participate in missions aligned with their values, often using digital platforms to find and support causes they care about. To attract these young volunteers, organizations must therefore adopt innovative recruitment strategies and integrate technology into their approaches. es at a lower cost for organizations of all sizes. Discover 10 creative ideas for recruiting volunteers.
10 creative ideas for recruiting volunteers:
1. Create a volunteer position wish list
Develop a list of the types of positions you want to fill, similar to a job description for a permanent recruitment contract. This will help you specify the skills and traits you're looking for in volunteers. Share this list with potential recruits so they can better determine if they'd be a good fit for your organization.
2. Get personalized recommendations through your networks
Ask your network for recommendations of people who might be interested in volunteering at your organization. This is an effective way to get targeted recommendations without much effort.
3. Develop an online volunteer portal
Set up a portal where potential volunteers can discover opportunities and apply online. This makes it easier to discover available roles and express interest.
We recommend setting up a typeform that you can connect to your CRM.
4. Create a volunteer recruitment video
Create a video that showcases the inside story of your association and the different ways you can get involved. Share it on your website, social media, and with your network.
5. Collaborate with local businesses
Ask local businesses to sponsor a volunteer day or donate supplies for a project. This involves them in your outreach efforts while also providing them with good publicity.
6. Organize an open day for volunteers
Host an event where people can learn more about your association and the different ways they can get involved. Make sure you promote your event well.
7. Speak at local events
Take advantage of community events to talk about your association and volunteer opportunities.
8. Be present on all engagement platforms
Today, more than 500,000 citizens/year engage via platforms like
The advantage of these platforms is that this free 100% solution allows you to immediately receive a qualified flow of candidates. The disadvantage is that there is a lot of “competition” on these platforms, which makes retention difficult.
9. Launch a contest for volunteers
Organize a contest where people can win prizes by donating their time. This can generate interest and inspire people to get involved with your organization.
10. Be creative in your volunteer posts
Stand out from the crowd when posting volunteer opportunities. Don't be afraid to be creative and showcase your organization's personality in your posts.
For example, Clean my Calanques, which recruits volunteers for beach cleanups in Marseille, organizes special Valentine's Day beach cleanups that allow volunteers to meet other singles with the same interest in environmental protection.
Key elements of a good volunteer publication:
– A clear reason why volunteer work is important.
– A concise description of the volunteer opportunity.
– A specific list of required skills or qualifications.
– A detailed explanation of the time commitment required.
– An overview of the organization, its mission, vision and values.
– A link to a website or other online resource where interested parties can learn more.
– What the volunteer gains: meeting new people, contributing to a great cause, meals provided, learning new skills.
By being creative in their recruitment efforts, organizations can increase their chances of finding volunteers who are a good fit with their mission and values.
Conclusion
Attracting volunteers by aligning your recruitment efforts with the values and skills of potential volunteers is essential. By using creative strategies and embracing technology, you can not only increase your visibility but also engage a passionate community ready to support your cause. Remember that every interaction is an opportunity to share your mission and build lasting relationshipsAt Ads for Change, we believe these innovative methods will make your volunteer search a rewarding experience for everyone.
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