Utilizing VolunteerMatch to Grow your Volunteer Program
By Bonnie Hilory
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them." —Albert Einstein
I first discovered VolunteerMatch.org in its early days (early 2000s). Since then, I have introduced VolunteerMatch to dozens, if not over a hundred, nonprofits. Today, more than 250,000 organizations with over 40 million people utilize VolunteerMatch.org.
In January of 2025, Volunteer Match (online volunteer recruitment site in the US) announced a merger with Idealist.org (a popular job posting site in 180 countries). Stay tuned to see what changes will emerge (I admit I am a little nervous).
From my point of view, the benefits of adopting VolunteerMatch.org to date have been incredible. Here are the benefits I have experienced utilizing Volunteer Match:
FREE
First and foremost, it is free with an upgrade subscription available. An example of upgrade features includes additional zip codes for a nominal fee. As users, we have not experienced regression or take-aways (meaning now you have to pay). Check here to confirm pricing.
The basic membership is currently free.
QUICK REGISTRATION
Once you set up your own profile, you then set up your nonprofit's profile. It takes just a few minutes.
VARIETY OF INSTITUTIONS (small to big)
Four categories exist:
501(c) organizations
Public and private schools (including universities)
US NGOs (non-government organizations)
Other, which includes: government agencies, hospices & hospitals, and state-level tax-exempt organizations
POSTING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN MINUTES
You can post a volunteer opportunity within a few minutes. Tips:
One caution when posting is to use the word "volunteer" in the title. Example: Graphic Designer (Volunteer). This is because internet search engines may pull your ad into job boards. You don't want people connecting who think it is a paid role.
List your expectations, time per day or week, longevity of commitment, and skills needed or desired.
Be clear about whether this is an in-person role (clarify if COVID masks are required) or a virtual role. If virtual, be clear about your expectations in the position description (i.e., computer with microphone, camera and internet access).
Align with your agency's policies from the start; if a background check is needed, be sure to check that box. Example: Consider including in the posting that an interview, references, and background check are required for roles involving data, money, or working with young people.
There is a question feature which is fantastic. This is a great opportunity to help your leadership team screen for the right fit. Consider asking questions. For example:
Our team meets each Friday at 10 am PST for an hour. Is this something you can commit to?
We ask for a year commitment and we will not provide references until after 6 months. Are you comfortable with this?
Do you have a Social Security card? [In one case, a nonprofit I worked with had a background check company that used this to run background checks. This eliminated most international applicants.]
Tell us your why? What about our mission excites you?
Your title and content of your opportunities may attract or fail to attract the right candidates.
Consider A/B testing and list the role in a couple of ways.
ADDING USERS
It's so easy. If you are recruiting for a colleague in your organization, add that person as an administrator, their email address, and their role. Once the opportunity is posted and a candidate expresses interest, your colleague will receive their submission. (Note the email is confidential to those that submit).
EMAIL SYSTEM TO WRITE TO ALL VOLUNTEERS WHO RESPONDED
Let's say 10 people responded to an opportunity, you interviewed 3, and brought on 2 of the 3. In one email, you can write and thank the others for applying. Of course, this is not a requirement.
Another use of the email system is to maintain contact with applicants. Let's say a volunteer resigned and now you have a vacancy. Why not reach out to those who applied before? You can review and connect with one applicant or do a group announcement all within VolunteerMatch.
EASY TO RENEW/REVISE YOUR POST
In just a few minutes, you can update your post with what you have learned. You might adjust the title or the number of vacancies.
GREAT SEO (Search Engine Optimization)
You will get applicants. Please do not think you need to interview each one. Be selective, but not too patient. Many volunteers are picked up right away. Once you post, be sure you have the bandwidth and support to do interviews, references, and background checks.
RESULTS
Virtual roles are currently a hot item, and the volunteers applying are stir crazy at home and want to have meaning and purpose back in their lives. You will find, as I have, that candidates are appreciative and excited.
True story: we had over 80 applicants for a data lead. And the candidate we recruited was outstanding. So monitor. If you have too few applicants, consider changing the title, repost it, or revise.
OUTBOUND MARKETING EMAILS
This may not be obvious if you do not complete the volunteer process and engage. Each volunteer will receive in their zip code or virtual area a listing of opportunities for which they may want to apply. The VolunteerMatch team does the same thing with partner corporations and informs them of opportunities, especially for large groups.
CORPORATE PARTNERS ENGAGE THEIR EMPLOYEES
Hundreds of corporate partners with VolunteerMatch encourage their employees as individuals to register for VolunteerMatch, and several have supported days of caring or larger requests.
Since launching in 1998, VolunteerMatch has helped the social sector attract more than $6.8 billion worth of volunteer services (per LinkedIn site on March 19, 2025).
To learn more, visit https://solutions.volunteermatch.org/
Contributed by Bonnie Hilory, Nonprofit Accelerator Principal/Founder.