Nonprofit organizations rely on a strong base of volunteers. Getting people behind a cause is not particularly difficult, but learning to harness the energy of your nonprofit’s mission can take some work. The following tips will help you gain, manage and inspire volunteers for any nonprofit. 

1. Follow-through:
When someone expresses interest in volunteering for your organization, make sure there is immediate follow-through by you or a member of your staff. Encourage the potential volunteer by either email or calling them a.s.a.p. If they don’t get back to you within a week, call to re-express the value and need for their time.

2. Shower volunteers with recognition:
You basically cannot say thank you enough to volunteers. Let them know often how much you appreciate them for their time and effort towards furthering the mission of your nonprofit.

3. Discuss how their contribution helps:
Often volunteers may feel jaded that their efforts aren’t making much of a difference. Let them know on a regular basis exactly what their contribution does for your organization.

4. Know what volunteers you need:
Know the type of services and goals you are trying to achieve in order to attract essential volunteers.

5. Coincide the program’s mission with the volunteer opportunities:
Try to make your organization’s volunteer opportunities fit in the same niche as the nonprofit. This makes it easier for volunteers to find you.

6. Ask everyone and anyone:
Most people want to contribute in a meaningful way. Sometimes they just need a push in the right direction. Do not be afraid to ask anyone if they’d want to give some time or resources, because even If they have no interest they may know someone who does.

7. Quality over quantity:
If you're looking for a particular skill set be prepared to wait until you find a proper fit. There is no point in getting a bunch of volunteers who can’t get the needed job done. 

8. Offer different times and locations:
Don't let logistics be a barrier for someone who wants to help. Provide off-hours and remote opportunities in order to draw in people who may not be able to help during conventional hours.  

9. Make sure staff knows how to deal with volunteers:
Take the time to train your staff to deal with managing volunteers. Often a staff member will not have managerial experience, so they will not know what to do with people who come in to volunteer.

10. Nip any drama in the bud:
Conflict between staff and volunteers can cause people to quit. Make sure that there is a clear no-drama allowed policy. Encourage understanding and patience between staff and volunteer members. Everyone has the same goal in mind.

11. When possible, reward volunteers:
If you have extra resources available, try to extend some to your volunteers. Even if you can’t offer them compensation try and find other creative ways to reward them for their efforts. Their time is and continues to be valuable and appreciated.

12. Provide resources:
Offer the necessary supplies for the volunteers to carry out their duties and inquire about any additional resources they may need in order to perform work.

13. Celebrate success:
Take the time to celebrate the success of your volunteers. Most nonprofits wouldn’t be able to exist without the generosity of others, so celebrating milestones is a good way to give back.

• The New Normal: Reputational Risks are Bigger than Ever
• Tips to Prepare for Effective Grant Seeking