Recruiting and Training Fundraiser Volunteers

Volunteers are an essential part of your fundraising group. They should help you motivate and inspire people to participate in your cause and help you organize your event. But how do you approach a new volunteer and convince them to become involved with your group and selflessly give their time and effort? Below we have some tips that will help you recruit new fundraising volunteers.

Where to Recruit Fundraiser Volunteers

There are a few tactics and different places to check out for recruiting fundraiser volunteers. You can advertise in your local newspaper or simply by using word of mouth. An essential part of all fundraisers is networking and talking to people - you can use this same tactic when recruiting volunteers. Talk to supporters at your events and ask them if they've ever thought about supporting the cause with time instead of money. Talk with current volunteers and see if they have friends or family who would also like to get involved.

You can also advertise at places like high schools and colleges. Most students are very eager to have volunteer work on their resumes - it's a win-win situation for both of you. Some cities have volunteer bureaus that match up volunteers with volunteer opportunities. This is a great way to find potential fundraiser volunteer recruits.

After You Have a Few Interested Volunteers

After you have met with a individuals that are interested in volunteering, it is important to explain to them exactly what they can expect from your group. You should explain your fundraising plans and how volunteers are essential to your fundraising success. Ask for their feedback - it will help you learn more about what participation level they would like to have and their knowledge about fundraisers in general. Volunteers should be energetic, motivating and full of useful information.

Training Fundraising Volunteers

Training your new fundraiser volunteers doesn't have to be hard, but they should be on the same page with you. Start by showing them your fundraising plan so they can see the big picture. Then allow them to ask questions and fully understand how they fit into your fundraising expectations. Tell them about your past fundraisers and what your new goals are for this fundraiser. All volunteers should have a specific task they are assigned but it would be a good idea to train volunteers to do all tasks so jobs can be switched and backed up if needed. Remember most importantly to praise and thank your volunteers for a job well done. They need your appreciation and thanks as much as you need their help and support.

Michelle Pearson is a former fundraising consultant who currently is a writer for the Fundraising Know How Magazine at fundraisingknowhow.com - a site that specializes in helping fundraising coordinators offering information on sample fundraising letters, cheerleader fundraising ideas, brick fundraising and more.