_eGuide_How To Effectively Recruit Fundraising Volunteers

HOW TO EFFECTIVELY RECRUIT FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS

Your helpful guide to successfully recruiting volunteers for your organization's fundraising campaign.

CONTENTS. Page 3

Right People in Right Seats

Page 4

Identify Prospects

Page 5

Set Appointment

Page 6

Prepare

Page 7

Make the Ask

Page 8

Follow-up

PUTTING THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN THE RIGHT SEATS

The phrase "putting the right people in the right seats on the bus" is a business concept from Jim Collins' book "Good to Great.”

It means a company's success hinges on hiring the right people and then placing them in roles where they can thrive.

One of Collins’ main points is ensuring each of those people is in a "right seat," or the position that best aligns with their skills and passion.

This concept equally applies to non-profit organizations and the volunteers they recruit to help with their various fundraising campaigns.

This guide provides practical guidance for successfully recruiting volunteers for your organization's fundraising campaigns. Based on the four-step process outlined in the recruitment presentation, this guide walks you through each phase: 3 Set Appointment, Prepare, Ask, and Follow-up.

STEP #1

IDENTIFY PROSPECTS The first and most important step in recruiting volunteers is to identify the right person for the volunteer role you need to recruit.

Tips for Prospect Identification Develop a volunteer job description for each campaign position you need to recruit.

Seek individuals who demonstrate a combination of personal traits and professional skills that align with successful fundraising efforts such as the following: Likeability/Friendliness – Volunteers should be approachable and able to build rapport with donors.

Tenacity – Persistence is key in fundraising, especially when following up with prospects.

Process-Oriented – Volunteers should be comfortable following structured campaign processes and tools.

Enthusiasm – A genuine passion for the mission helps inspire others to give.

Time Management/Organization – Volunteers must manage their responsibilities efficiently.

Communication Skills – Clear and persuasive communication is essential for donor engagement.

Sales or Fundraising Experience – Prior experience is a strong asset.

Open-Mindedness – Volunteers should be receptive to feedback and adaptable to different approaches.

Look for individuals who also have a strong connection to the organization's mission and a social network that includes potential donors.

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STEP #2

SET APPOINTMENT

The second step in recruiting volunteers is to initiate contact and schedule an in-person meeting. This sets the tone for a professional and respectful engagement.

Tips for Setting Appointments Make a phone call. Avoid emails, social media, and texting.

Be clear about the purpose of the meeting and the time commitment (e.g., “I would like to sit down and talk with you about a few volunteer opportunities.”

Remember . . . it is very easy to say NO on the phone, so don’t make the ask on the phone.

Ask them “WHEN” they can meet. Don’t ask them “IF” they can meet.

Offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate availability.

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STEP #3

PREPARE

Preparation is key to a successful recruitment conversation. Know your goals, the role you're offering, and the value of volunteer contributions.

Tips for Preparing for the Recruitment Meeting Review the volunteer role description and expectations.

Gather materials: brochures, campaign goals, and impact stories.

Understand the potential volunteer’s background and interests.

Practice your pitch and anticipate questions or concerns.

Be able to explain how you arrived at your prospect’s name and why they are a perfect fit for the volunteer position in question.

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STEP #4

MAKE THE ASK

The ask is the moment you invite someone to join your campaign as a volunteer. It should be personal, clear, and inspiring.

Tips for Making the Ask Be direct and confident: 'Would you please consider joining our campaign as a [insert volunteer position title here].'

Share why their involvement matters and how they can make a difference.

Offer options for involvement based on their availability and skills.

Be prepared for a 'no' and keep the door open for future opportunities.

People value their time more than even their money. So, ask for their time the same way you would ask for a charitable donation.

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STEP #5

FOLLOW-UP

Following up is essential to building trust and ensuring commitment. It shows appreciation and keeps volunteers engaged.

Tips for Following Up Send a thank-you message after the initial meeting.

Provide next steps and onboarding materials promptly.

Stay in touch with updates and encouragement.

Track responses and commitments using shared tools or spreadsheets.

Research shows that donors (and volunteers) appreciate a handwritten thank you note and are significantly more likely to engage.

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The Healthy Non-Profit opened its doors in 2011 offering consulting, coaching, training, and facilitation services to nonprofit organizations.

Services focus on fundraising (e.g., annual campaigns, capital campaigns, resource development plans, resource development assessments, etc.) and organizational development (e.g., board development, executive coaching, strategic planning, etc.).

https://www.TheHealthyNonProfit.com

(847)812-3984 (cell)

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