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Needless to say, it’s absolutely amazing to be so passionate about something, that you’re willing to work with zero budget, just in hopes of making something happen, well, making something work. You have passion, drive, and a mission you’re so excited about that you could shout it from the rooftops.
But it’s not all perfect, this is a brand-new non-profit after all. So, here’s the problem, no one knows you exist. And when it’s just you (or maybe a small, scrappy team), finding volunteers to help can feel impossible. How do you convince people to care about your cause when you’re barely keeping your head above water?
Well, it’s a challenge every new nonprofit faces: you need help to grow, but you also need to grow to get help. Thankfully, it’s not impossible. Sure, there is some work that goes into it, but that’s all. So, with all of that said, here’s how to make it happen.
Photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Start with Your Personal Network
When you’re starting from scratch, your best resource is the people you already know. It might feel awkward to ask your friends and family for help, but trust me, they’re your biggest supporters. And here’s the thing, they don’t need to be experts in nonprofits or your specific cause to make a difference.
Ask for Their Time, Not Just Their Money
It’s easy to think of your personal network as potential donors, but asking for their time can be even more valuable. Just think about it; volunteering gives people a chance to see your mission up close and personal, which often leads to deeper connections and long-term support. Plus, they can spread the word about your nonprofit, which is priceless when you’re just starting out.
Host Informal Gatherings
Seriously, don’t underestimate the power of a casual coffee meetup or a backyard get-together. Just go ahead and use these gatherings to share your vision and explain how people can help, but keep it conversational. Sure, nobody likes feeling pressured to sign up for something, so focus on building relationships rather than making a hard sell.
Now, this one just can’t be stressed enough, but social media isn’t just for influencers and memes, it’s one of the most effective tools for finding people who share your values. Actually, this is what most people use anyway, and technically, this can be free too (granted, some people will pay). So, platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn are free, easy to use, and perfect for connecting with potential volunteers.
Share Your Story
Needless to say, people are drawn to stories, not statistics. So, you’re going to want to use social media to share why your nonprofit exists, what inspired you to start it, and the impact you hope to make. Now, this part just can’t be stressed enough, but you’re going to have to be authentic, even if your story isn’t polished or perfect. For the most part, a heartfelt post can go a long way in attracting people who feel inspired to help.
Create Volunteer-Centered Posts
Instead of only talking about your nonprofit’s needs, it’s best to just focus on the benefits of volunteering. You can even highlight how volunteers can make a real difference, learn new skills, and be part of something meaningful. Sure, it won’t be easy finding people, but this is something you can at least do.
Use Technology to Streamline the Process
Alright, so social media use was mentioned above, but that’s not the only one that deserves attention, overall, you need to just use as much technology (and even AI) as you possibly can to make all of this easier on yourself. Overall, time is your most precious resource when you’re running a nonprofit solo, and using the right tools can save you hours of work.
Nowadays, people just use their computers anyway. So even if you’re literally the only person in the non-profit your computer can make it slightly more manageable.
Online Volunteer Platforms
Alright, so LinkedIn was mentioned, but that’s not the only one, even websites like VolunteerMatch and Idealist connect nonprofits with people actively looking for volunteer opportunities.
Stay Organized with Software
Okay, this one is fairly obvious, there’s social media posting software out there, accounting, AI-related tools, project management tools, and the list goes on and on. But when you’re running a non-profit, you’re also going to need to look into grant management software, because, well, you need grant money to keep things running!
While yes, this is for tracking funding, it’s not necessarily the only thing. A lot of them tend to track hours, streamline communication, and even organize schedules for volunteers (when you get them of course). Basically, with means less time you have to deal with administrative work, the more time you can focus on growing your nonprofit.
Partner with Local Organizations
When you’re new and still trying to build credibility, partnering with established local organizations can open doors you didn’t even know existed. Actually, a lot of people don’t even know about this! Seriously, just look into schools, college campuses, businesses, and community groups that already have connections and networks that you can tap into.
Offer Mutual Benefits
Ideally, you should just approach partnerships as a way to help each other. For example, a local business might sponsor a volunteer day for its employees. They get positive PR, and you get much-needed help for your nonprofit.
Collaborate on Events
If planning your own event feels overwhelming, partner with an established organization for a charity drive, a community clean-up, or a workshop. Most organizations really won’t mind to help and step in. But why does this matter? Well, just think of it this way; this not only introduces your nonprofit to a wider audience but also allows you to piggyback on their resources and connections.
Focus on Specific Volunteer Roles
Yes, this is actually a pretty big one! So, one of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make is being too vague when asking for help. Seriously, people are more likely to volunteer if they know exactly what’s expected of them. Actually, specific roles make the ask less intimidating and show that you’re organized. So don’t just say “volunteers needed’, because that’s just way too vague, and it opens up for taking random guesses.
Keep Tasks Manageable
This one just can’t be stressed enough! Okay, so no one wants to show up for their first volunteer shift and be handed a mountain of responsibilities. Now, you’re far better off just breaking down roles into smaller, more manageable tasks that are easy to learn. But why? Well, this helps first-time volunteers feel confident and ensures they’ll want to come back.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth
If you really think about it; volunteering isn’t just about giving, it’s about receiving, too. Now, as you probably know, most people volunteer to gain experience, learn new skills, or build connections.
So you really need to just emphasize how specific roles can help them grow personally or professionally while also supporting your nonprofit’s mission. Again, don’t be vague in any of this, and don’t act like a headless chicken (that will deter people)!
Reach Out to Local Schools and Universities
Colleges and schools were mentioned just right above, but this really does deserve its own spot. So, students are an often-overlooked demographic when it comes to recruiting volunteers. But why exactly? Just think about it all; they’re enthusiastic, eager to learn, and often looking for opportunities to fulfill community service requirements or gain real-world experience.
Connect with Service Programs
You might already know this, but most schools and universities have clubs, programs, or offices dedicated to community service. So why not try and reach out to these groups to share information about your nonprofit and the volunteer opportunities you offer? They’re usually more than happy to connect students with meaningful causes.
Offer Flexible Opportunities
But here’s something else you really need to keep in mind (and it’s something non-profits seem to forget about too). So, students have busy schedules, so flexibility is key. Offering one-time or short-term volunteer opportunities can make it easier for them to get involved without overcommitting.