Volunteers: Your Greatest Donors
Never underestimate the power of volunteering. Volunteers should be your most valued donors, not only for their time but also for their passion and dedication. Their involvement translates into immense value and profound community impact. Regularly recognizing and celebrating their contributions is key to retaining their support and inspiring others to join your mission. Volunteers are, quite literally, the heart and soul of your cause.
A Story of Dedication and Generosity
This week, I had the privilege of joining one of our clients in meeting a family who has been volunteering with the mission for more than a decade. Having met with over 100 supporters each year for the last 20 years, I’ve seen the profound impact long-term volunteers can have.
I asked this family if they knew how many consecutive years they’d been volunteering and giving. They were unsure, so I told them: “17 years… thank you. You are so special to us!” I let the gravity of those 17 years sink in and then asked, “Do you know how many times you have sent a gift to help the poorest of the poor?” Again, they didn’t know. “227 gifts… you are truly heroes to our cause. You have changed so many lives forever. Thank you.”
Tears welled up in their eyes as they realized the magnitude of their contributions. They wept openly, humbled by the recognition, saying they didn’t know anyone was aware of their commitment. I thanked them again, assuring them that their sacrificial giving had saved countless lives over the years.
The Joy of Giving and Connecting with Supporters
In my 30 years of helping nonprofits, I’ve conducted over 250 donor file audits for organizations of all shapes and sizes. One thing is certain: donors who volunteer see themselves as partners in your mission. They are not just ATMs dispensing funds when prompted. Their involvement reinforces the idea that their relationship with your nonprofit is about more than just money—it’s about making a tangible difference.
Volunteers: Seeing the Impact Firsthand
Volunteers have the unique advantage of witnessing your work from the inside out, something donors alone do not experience. They see the direct impact of your efforts, experiencing the transparency and integrity that governs your operations. This deeper connection often strengthens their commitment, making them not just volunteers or donors but passionate advocates for your cause.
Engage Your Donors Beyond Giving
Your donors want to be involved. They crave stories from the front lines of your work. They want to see the lives touched and transformed by your mission—how entire families are impacted, how children can return to school, how a parent is empowered to work again, and how communities thrive because of your efforts. By engaging them through volunteering, you offer them a firsthand experience of the transformative power of their contributions.
In conclusion, remember that your volunteers are not just helpers—they are your most dedicated supporters and should be treated as such. Celebrate their commitment, involve them in your mission, and watch as their passion for your cause grows, along with their contributions.
Fit Fundraising works with nonprofits, large and small, in human services, international relief, advocacy and education. Founder Roy Jones has helped raise more than half a billion dollars over the last decade alone. Ready to elevate your fundraising efforts to new heights? Discover how Fit Fundraising can transform your results. You can reach Roy at rjones@fitfundraising.com.
