Page 33 - 2025 Nonprofit Industry Trends

ENHANCING VOLUNTEER 3. PERSONALIZED COMMUNICATION:
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ENGAGEMENT IN 2025 Tailoring communication to individual volunteers can make them feel valued
and appreciated. Regular updates on the impact of their contributions and
personalized thank-you messages can strengthen their connection to the
organization.
4. TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT:

Providing training and development opportunities can help volunteers feel more
I n 2025, nonprofits can significantly improve volunteer engagement by ► VolunteerMark: Features volunteer imports, skill-based assignments, competent and confident in their roles. This investment in their growth can lead
to higher retention rates and more effective volunteer work.
focusing on flexibility, technology, and recognition. Here are some key and self-updating profiles with plans.
strategies: ► Volgistics: Delivers customizable solutions with self-scheduling, 5. RECOGNITION AND REWARDS:

1. FLEXIBLE OPPORTUNITIES: background checks, and secure site-level access for volunteer data. Recognizing and rewarding volunteers for their efforts is crucial. This can be
► Rosterfy: Includes gamified recognition, workflow automation, and done through awards, public acknowledgments, or small tokens of appreciation.
Offering flexible schedules and remote volunteering options can attract a skills-based training modules for streamlined volunteer management. Celebrating their contributions fosters a sense of community and motivates
diverse range of volunteers. This approach accommodates different lifestyles continued involvement.
and commitments, making it easier for people to contribute their time and skills. ► Submittable: Empowers corporate volunteers with dashboards, 6.
2. LEVERAGING TECHNOLOGY: automated communications, and tools for creating team volunteer UNDERSTANDING VOLUNTEER DEMOGRAPHICS:
opportunities.
Utilizing AI and other technologies can streamline volunteer management. AI ► Mobilize: Enhances engagement with post-event feedback, grassroots According to Double the Donation, most U.S.-based volunteers are between the
ages of 35 and 44. Recognizing this demographic can help nonprofits tailor their
can match volunteers with tasks that suit their skills and interests, enhancing opportunity management, and real-time reporting. recruitment and engagement strategies to better meet the needs and preferences
their experience and satisfaction. Additionally, online platforms can facilitate of their volunteers.
better communication and coordination. ► BetterImpact: Optimizes volunteer management with advanced search,
recurring scheduling, and robust data security features. 7. CORPORATE VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS:
► Bloomerang Volunteer: Streamlines volunteer management with custom
forms, automated data transfers, scheduling tools, and a two-way sync with ► SignUp.com: Simplifies volunteer sign-ups with mobile-friendly pages, Many companies are increasingly encouraging their employees to volunteer,
Bloomerang’s donor CRM to cultivate donor-volunteer relationships. waitlist notifications, and a free starter plan. often offering volunteer grants and paid volunteer time off. Nonprofits can tap
into these corporate programs to expand their volunteer base and benefit from
► Get Connected by Galaxy Digital: Offers streamlined event management, ► Golden: Manages large volunteer groups with location-based apps, CRM additional resources.
team coordination, and volunteer profiles to enhance recruitment and integrations, and localized compliance tools.
engagement. 8. HIGHLIGHTING VOLUNTEER BENEFITS:
► FestiVOL: Designed for event organizers with customizable applications,
► Volunteer Local: Simplifies volunteer sign-ups with social sharing, custom scheduling algorithms, and onsite management tools. Regular volunteerism offers numerous benefits, including personal fulfillment,
registration forms, and sortable reports. professional skill development, and even health benefits. Communicating these
► POINT: Streamlines volunteer activities with website integration, shift advantages can attract more volunteers and encourage long-term commitment.
► 360MatchPro: Focuses on volunteer grant eligibility with searchable management, and automated time tracking, starting with a free plan.
employer databases, embeddable tools, and detailed corporate program By implementing these strategies, nonprofits can create a more engaging and
insights. ► Plan Hero: Simplifies scheduling with auto-reminders, color-coded roles, supportive environment for their volunteers, ensuring a sustainable and impactful
and personal calendar sync for volunteers. volunteer program in 2025.
► SignUpGenius: Provides customizable sign-up pages, auto-generated
notifications, and a Premium plan. ► Helper Helper: Offers segmented opportunities, comprehensive reports,
and personalized support for volunteer coordination.
► Civic Champs: Offers mobile check-ins, group onboarding, and filtered
reporting to enhance volunteer engagement and ROI. TANIA QUIGLEY, CPA
PARTNER
CERINI & ASSOCIATES, LLP