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Updated August 2026
Recruiting volunteers isn't about one big campaign — it's a handful of channels used consistently. Here are the strategies that work for small nonprofits, and where to start. For the step-by-step process, see our guide to recruiting volunteers.
The personal ask is usually the highest-yield channel for a small org. In the last national survey to ask (BLS, 2015), 41.2% of volunteers said they got involved after being asked. Start with your board, current volunteers, and donors.
Your best volunteers know people like them. Give each one a link and a sentence they can forward, and ask them to bring a friend.
Schools, faith communities, and clubs are full of people looking to help. One relationship can bring a steady stream of volunteers.
VolunteerMatch and Idealist are free for nonprofits and reach people actively searching to volunteer.
Local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and community newsletters reach the people most likely to show up in person.
Many people won't commit to "ongoing" but will do a two-hour shift. Micro-volunteering lowers the bar and lets people opt into more later.
Local companies often want a team volunteer day. One outreach email can fill a whole shift at once.
Reach out within a day of someone showing interest. Speed is the difference between a sign-up and a no-show.
You don't need every channel — you need two you'll actually keep up. For most small orgs, that's personal asks plus one public channel. Consistency beats a scattershot push every time.
The Ember tool for thisEmber Volunteers gives you one shareable sign-up link to drop in every channel — email, social, a partner's newsletter — and fast confirmations so interested people don't cool off.
Start with personal asks to your existing network, turn current volunteers into recruiters, and add one public channel like VolunteerMatch or a local Facebook group. Consistency beats a big one-time push.
The personal, specific ask — inviting a named person to a specific task at a specific time. In the last national survey to ask (BLS, 2015), 41.2% of volunteers said they got involved after being asked directly.
VolunteerMatch and Idealist (free for nonprofits), plus local Facebook groups, Nextdoor, and school, faith, and community newsletters.
Ember brings your programs, grants, volunteers, and donors into one place — built only for nonprofits, with a free plan and no credit card.
No credit card · No trial clock · Unlimited users included
Sources: BLS — Volunteering in the United States · VolunteerMatch. Verified August 2026.