7 Proven Ways Volunteer Engagement Boosts Donor Giving

Volunteers are often the quiet heroes of your nonprofit. They give a valuable resource – time – and put in the hard work to impact your mission. But did you know that volunteer engagement is deeply connected to giving? They share a surprisingly strong connection.

Research shows that volunteers are 10 times more likely to donate than non-volunteers. Just think of the potential impact if you sent personalized outreach to this group. That’s an immediate way to move the fundraising needle.

In this article, we’ll explore seven ways that strong volunteer engagement can directly (and indirectly) drive donor giving. We’ll finish up with actionable tips you can use to turn these volunteers into loyal donors!

How Volunteer Engagement Drives Donor Giving

What is the line we can draw between volunteers and donors? It’s straighter than you might think. Let’s look at how strong the connection is, and then we will look at how you can leverage it to inspire giving.

1. Build an Emotional Bridge to Giving

When volunteers experience your mission firsthand, they see the real-world impact of your work. If you’re an animal rescue and volunteers are comforting scared pets, there’s an instant emotional connection. Whatever your cause, give volunteers hands-on experiences that transform your mission from an abstract idea into a personal commitment.

How to Use It Now: These volunteers understand why their support matters. The key is to nurture that feeling through stories, thank-you notes, and impact stats so the emotional momentum continues long after the volunteer shift is over.

2. Let Them See Behind the Curtain and Watch Trust Grow

If you want someone to support your nonprofit and mission, you’ve got to have trust. And nothing builds trust like transparency, and nothing is more transparent than letting people into the heart of what you do. This insider view makes them credible ambassadors.

When potential donors see an active, engaged volunteer community, it signals that your nonprofit is authentic and accountable.

How to Use It Now: If you highlight volunteer stories in your communications or feature them in your fundraising materials, it reinforces your credibility and helps new donors feel confident supporting your mission.

3. Your Volunteer Roster Is a Hidden Donor List

You know volunteers support your mission because they’ve given their time. The next logical step is to give financially. By tracking volunteer participation and engagement, you can identify who is most likely to convert into a donor. Then you can create highly personalized, gentle invitations to take their support further.

How to Use It Now: Consider tying the volunteer activities to financial support by showing how the donation will build on the hands-on impact. Talk about continuing the momentum of their investment.

4. Turn Volunteers into Your Most Powerful Influencers

Anyone volunteering for your nonprofit will tell someone in their life about what they’re doing. When people share their experiences, they’re not just talking about you; they’re endorsing what you do.

An engaged volunteer base can expand your donor pool faster than any campaign you can run.

How to Use It Now: Give your volunteers tools to talk about your mission, even if it’s just a few sentences. Make sure they know the impact of their support and can talk about it confidently.

5. Let Volunteers Help You Show Your Donors You Love Them

Volunteer engagement can lead to new donors, but it can also strengthen existing relationships. They can help you with handwritten thank-you cards, calling donors, or working with donors at events. When donors are thanked by someone who donates their time, the message feels genuine and heartfelt.

How to Use It Now: Invite your volunteers to participate in stewardship opportunities. This will help your team rack up meaningful and personal touches.

6. Volunteer Stories are a Persuasive Fundraising Tool

Ask any volunteer about their favorite story serving, and you’re guaranteed to get an answer. Those stories they’re sharing make your cause come alive! Featuring their voices in campaigns, appeals, and content on social media shows prospective supporters the heart of your mission.

How to Use It Now: Grab your phone and record short quotes or 30-second videos in which your volunteers share their “why.” Throw those stories into campaigns or on your website or social media. They’ll be more moving than any statistic, and far more effective at converting new donors.

7. Create Lifelong Champions, Not One-Time Supporters

It’s easy to click a donate button, then forget about it. It’s not so easy to forget spending an afternoon or evening volunteering for a nonprofit. When someone gives their time, they feel part of your organization. This can encourage financial support and long-term loyalty.

How to Use It Now: Celebrate your volunteers publicly. Show them how their time impacts your mission and ensure they feel the enormity of their contributions.

Turn Volunteer Engagement into Lasting Donor Giving

Volunteers don’t just power your programs. They’re a spark that can fuel widespread generosity! When you intentionally connect their service and giving, you create a circle of engagement, trust, and impact.

Start by identifying your most active and loyal volunteers. Share their stories and give them easy ways to support your nonprofit financially. If they can’t, double down on how thankful you are for their gift of time.

And use technology to make all of this easier. A good nonprofit CRM helps with managing donors and volunteer management. It also offers many automations to keep communication going.

You’ll strengthen these relationships and, if volunteers can’t donate dollars right now, you’ve planted the seed for the future. Nurture these relationships to raise money without ever feeling pushy!