Volunteers can play a critical role in helping nonprofits expand their reach, strengthen programs, and build community support. However, retaining volunteers beyond one-time engagements requires more than ad-hoc coordination. It calls for a structured approach to engaging, supporting, and nurturing volunteers over time. Drawing on insights from the UDARTA:EG study, this resource equips organisations with practical, low-cost strategies to build effective volunteer programmes, strengthen retention, and turn volunteers into long-term advocates without adding significant burden on already stretched teams.

With this resource, you will be able to:

1. Build a structured volunteer program: Learn how to design a volunteer program aligned with your organisation’s needs, goals, and available resources.
2. Create meaningful volunteer journeys: Understand practical ways to engage volunteers beyond one-time activities and build sustained participation over time.
3. Strengthen volunteer retention and recognition: Explore simple approaches to nurture relationships, recognise contributions, and encourage volunteers to stay engaged.
4. Manage volunteers with limited resources: Discover practical systems and processes that can help your team coordinate and support volunteers without requiring significant additional time or staff.
5. Turn volunteers into long-term advocates: Learn how to build deeper connections with volunteers and enable them to champion your organisation and cause within their communities.
6. Access ready-to-use tools and templates: Utilise open-access resources and templates that can be adapted to strengthen your organisation’s volunteer management practices.

This resource is recommended for founders, CEOs, executive directors, programme managers, volunteer coordinators and nonprofit leaders who currently manage volunteers, are planning to start a volunteer programme, or want to build stronger, long-term volunteer engagement.