Thanking donors whenever they provide a gift is a common nonprofit fundraising strategy. However, one group dedicates time, effort, and resources to nonprofit operations that aren’t always recognized. Volunteers make contributions to organizations as well, and they deserve equal praise.

Gratitude communicated through words, activities, or gifts makes people feel appreciated. Acknowledging the hard work and contributions of the individuals who devote their time to a cause leads to better volunteer retention and increased satisfaction.

When is the best time to offer praise to your volunteers?

Official events recognize the efforts of nonprofit volunteers. The U.S. and Canada celebrate citizens who give their time to causes during National Volunteer Week in April. Individual organizations can hold regular awards banquets or public events where they take time out of their schedules to talk about their volunteers’ activities. 

Charity Village said daily praise and indications of appreciation should accompany annual or monthly official events. A Canadian nonprofit devoted to fighting cancer provides routine small gifts like buttons and pins for its volunteers. Other organizations arrange weekly lunches or group rewards for consistently excellent performance.

Praise doesn’t have to be so formal. A simple thank you can do a world of good for stressed-out volunteers. Appreciation should be expressed at the same time it is felt. It’s a best practice to demonstrate gratitude for actions promptly, so the praise is directly associated with the task.

Why thank your volunteers?

Plenty of appreciation should be delivered, but only when it’s appropriate. Nonprofits that give praise out of obligation seem insincere, and hollow words won’t motivate a volunteer force.

The Hands On Network, an Atlanta nonprofit organization, suggested honest gratitude is more beneficial than routine praise. When a volunteer is thanked for his or her service, he or she should be recognized for specific accomplishments. It’s great if a nonprofit can show the positive impact the volunteer’s actions have had on the success of a fundraiser or the overall organization.

Nonprofit software can track projects to compare actions and results. A volunteer’s performance should be logged into the system. The amount of time, effort and energy an individual puts into a fundraising campaign should include some effect on the money raised or donors contacted. These numbers are presented to the volunteers to show that the nonprofit knows how much their involvement means to the cause.

How should a nonprofit thank its volunteers?

A volunteer devotes their time to a nonprofit without any expectation of payment. Sometimes, a verbal acknowledgment of hard work doesn’t seem like enough of a thank you. A nonprofit organization can reward its volunteers in many ways without over-extending resources.

First of all, spoken thank yous are free and, if dispensed at the right time, very valuable. Constant communication of appreciation informs a volunteer that he or she is valuable and a necessary part of the organization. It’s important that board members and other organization heads offer verbal praise, not just direct supervisors.

Businesses and other supporters sometimes offer gifts to volunteers and donors. Companies that donate items for charity auctions or materials for fundraisers may also provide discounts or other incentives for volunteers. Local restaurants and cafes may provide food to volunteers during long projects or charity drives. Businesses that can actively partner with good causes may improve their public image.

Finally, Volunteer Match suggested asking your participants how they would like to be acknowledged. You don’t have to directly question them about what rewards they believe they deserve for their efforts, but by communicating with them, you can find out what kind of praise they would value most. Nonprofit software can help you track volunteer schedules and performance. Creating a profile for each person who donates their time will also help you track their preferences and individual values.