Volunteers are the heart and hands of countless charities and nonprofits. But in 2025, it takes more than goodwill to keep this vital community thriving. That’s where the Volunteer Value Loop comes in: a full-circle approach to managing, appreciating, and sustaining your volunteer force.

From the moment someone considers volunteering to the milestones that keep them coming back year after year, volunteer appreciation isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s your strongest strategy. And with the right approach, making every touchpoint meaningful has never been easier.

Rethinking the volunteer journey

Volunteers don't just appear; they evolve. And the organisations that guide that evolution with intention — through volunteer recruitment and retention, onboarding, engagement, and rewards — see the strongest returns.

Each stage of the journey deserves its own moment of care. It’s about designing an experience that makes volunteers feel seen, valued, and motivated to stay. The language you use, the channels you choose, the way you express gratitude, it all matters.

Where to start

1. Map it out: Visually lay out each stage of your volunteer lifecycle.

2. Identify the gaps: Are you onboarding with care? Rewarding with meaning? Saying thank you often enough?

3. Collect feedback:  What do volunteers say they want? Use surveys or informal chats to get insight.

4. Set calendar moments:  Schedule recurring reminders for team leaders to show appreciation.

5. Systematise the recognition: Don’t let it be random. Create templates, automate reminders, and assign roles to ensure it happens.

The best part? It’s reciprocal. When volunteers feel appreciated and supported, they’re more likely to give their time again.

Recruiting and onboarding volunteers in 2025

 Modern volunteer recruitment and retention is part marketing, part matchmaking. With so many causes competing for attention, your recruitment strategy should focus on authenticity and emotional resonance.

Start by defining your ideal volunteer personas — not just by demographics, but by values, motivations, and preferred ways of working. Tailor your outreach to platforms and messages that speak their language.

·   Speak plainly about your impact: Let prospective volunteers know exactly what their time will help achieve. Swap jargon for clarity and passion.

·   Use testimonials and social media:  Authentic volunteer voices can sell your experience better than any brochure. Feature them in posts, videos, or short blog stories.

·   Highlight emotional rewards for volunteers:  Beyond hours and duties, talk about what volunteers can expect to feel — satisfaction, connection, pride.

Prezzee Tip: Try A/B testing two different recruitment ads or emails (one emotional, one informational) and track which gets better engagement.

Onboarding in 2025

Onboarding is where you build trust and start shaping the volunteer’s connection to your organisation. A well-crafted experience can turn short-term help into long-term commitment.

Think of onboarding as the moment your values meet theirs. Beyond forms and training, it’s about helping people feel like they belong.

·   Send a comprehensive welcome email: Give them practical info and a friendly tone. Include parking instructions, what to bring, and a contact person.

·   Introduce them to a buddy or mentor: It can help to have someone to ask small questions or check in with.

·   Offer flexible induction options:  Online videos, printed guides, or a live walk-through — give them options based on how they like to learn.

·   Ask for their input early:  A short onboarding survey can show you care about their preferences, not just their time.

Prezzee Tip: Build a “Volunteer 101” mini-course using a tool like Google Slides or Loom — easy to update and always available.

Keeping volunteers engaged and motivated

Engaging volunteers isn’t just about keeping people busy, it’s about helping them feel inspired, respected, and connected to the mission.

Once volunteers are active, they need a reason to stay that goes beyond task lists. Build touchpoints that make them feel included in your community, not just part of your to-do list.

·   Check in regularly:  This doesn’t always need to be formal. A text after a shift or a “how are you going?” email shows you care.

·   Offer skill-building opportunities:  Leadership, event planning, fundraising — give volunteers paths to grow.

·   Recognise their impact often: Highlight individual or team contributions, not just overall goals.

 Prezzee Tip: Keep a running list of “random acts of appreciation” — surprise snacks, shout-outs,  a Prezzee gift card — and use them liberally.

Creating community

Humans thrive in groups. When volunteers feel part of something bigger, they’re more likely to stay committed.

·   Host low-pressure events like coffee catch-ups or online trivia nights.

·   Set up a private Facebook group or Slack channel for easy connection.

·   Encourage volunteers to share stories, photos, or feedback from their time on the ground.

Prezzee Tip: Ask volunteers to co-host events or welcome new members, it builds peer connection and shares the emotional load.

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Recognising and rewarding volunteers

Personalised recognition

Volunteer recognition isn’t effective when it’s generic. Tailoring it to the individual volunteer’s style, schedule, and role makes it resonate.

·   Handwritten notes go a long way in our digital age.

·   Create regular rituals like a Friday “cheers” email or a volunteer of the month.

·   Personalised Prezzee gift cards can go the extra mile for standout volunteer rewards.

Tired of saying a bland ‘thank you’? Take a look at our 10 Best Employee Appreciation Messages for more specific ways to word your gratitude.

Prezzee Tip: Keep a shared “recognition log” where team members can nominate volunteers for specific thank-yous each week.

Rewards for volunteers that don’t break the budget

Volunteer appreciation doesn’t have to be expensive. Consistency and sincerity matter more than dollar value.

·   Create a yearly “Thank You Day” with fun activities, food, and speeches.

·   Partner with local businesses for exclusive rewards for volunteers.

·   Offer professional development opportunities (webinars, workshops).

·   Give small gifts that align with your mission — Prezzee gift cards, books, or even curated Spotify playlists.

Prezzee Tip: Consider digital certificates for milestones. Easy to share, post on LinkedIn, or print at home.

Volunteer retention strategies that work

Retention is the thread that ties your whole volunteer strategy together. It’s not just about keeping people around longer — it’s about keeping them energised, emotionally invested, and proud of the time they give. The key to retention is consistency. When volunteers know they’re valued and have room to grow, they’re more likely to stay engaged for the long haul.

Long-term volunteer retention strategies mean creating an environment where people feel respected, challenged (in the right way), and fulfilled. This requires thoughtful communication, recognition rituals, flexible roles, and ongoing connection to purpose. Volunteers should feel like part of a story that’s still unfolding — and like they have a meaningful part to play in shaping its next chapter.

Consistent touchpoints matter. For example, consider noting down volunteer recognition week and making it part of your yearly forecast.

Build real relationships

Volunteers want to feel like people, not resources. One of the most powerful ways to build loyalty is through genuine human connection. That means treating volunteers not just as helpers, but as trusted insiders with valuable perspectives and emotional investment in your mission.

·   Be transparent:  Let volunteers in on both the wins and the challenges. When something isn’t going to plan, share that context with them — they’ll feel more like collaborators than just support staff.

·   Offer feedback channels:  Two-way feedback should be standard. Whether through anonymous surveys, suggestion boxes, or one-on-one chats, make it clear that their experiences and insights are shaping the program.

·   Adapt to changing needs:  Life circumstances shift. Be open to reassigning tasks, shifting schedules, or even pausing involvement when needed. Showing flexibility builds long-term trust and loyalty.

·   Know their story:  Take the time to learn what brought each volunteer to you. That knowledge will help tailor how you support and acknowledge them over time.

·   Stay in touch beyond the roster:  Drop a line if someone’s stepped back for a while. Not to pressure them to return, but to check in as a person.

Make recognition ongoing

Retention isn’t built on a once-a-year thank you — it’s about creating a culture of continual appreciation. The most effective recognition isn’t necessarily grand or expensive. It’s regular, specific, and heartfelt.

·   Send surprise notes just because:  A quick message of thanks after a shift, or a "thinking of you" email on a quiet week can brighten someone’s day.

·   Build appreciation into your team culture:  Encourage staff and fellow volunteers to shout each other out — make praise a shared language.

·   Celebrate small wins:  Don’t wait for anniversaries or big numbers. Recognise the volunteer who stayed late, who problem-solved on the fly, who brought in a new recruit.

·   Share success metrics that show the human difference:  It’s one thing to say “we helped 500 people.” It’s another to say, “Because you staffed the phones last Friday, three families got connected to emergency housing.”

Prezzee Tip: Celebrate anniversaries of service with something meaningful, a story from their time with you, a group video message, or a thank-you wall with contributions from everyone they’ve worked with.

Build your own volunteer value loop

You’ve likely already nailed some parts of the volunteer journey — but small improvements can add up to big impact. And building a consistent appreciation loop makes that effort sustainable.

Ready to create your own loop of volunteer appreciation? Start now, and your volunteers will thank you for years to come.

Volunteer FAQs

How do you show appreciation to volunteers?
Recognition can be verbal, written, or through meaningful gestures. The key is to be specific, timely, and personal. Whether it’s a shout-out during a team meeting, a handwritten note, or a small gift card, what matters most is that the gesture feels genuine and is tied to something concrete the volunteer did.

What are some quotes of appreciation for volunteers?

·   "Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless."

·   "Your time and effort have made a lasting difference."

·   "Thank you for being the change you want to see in the world."

Why is volunteer appreciation important?
It builds loyalty, reduces burnout, and strengthens your volunteer program. When people feel appreciated, they’re more likely to stay involved. Recognition also reinforces your values and shows prospective volunteers that your culture prioritises people, not just outcomes.

How do we attract more volunteers?
Share authentic stories, emphasise your mission’s impact, and make signing up easy. Highlight the value of the volunteer experience — not just for the community, but for the volunteers themselves. Flexible opportunities, inclusive messaging, and a clear sense of purpose can go a long way.

What is a good retention rate for volunteers?
It varies by sector, but aiming to keep 60–70% of your volunteers year-on-year is a solid benchmark. High retention means you’re doing something right — but if people are leaving, dig into the feedback and use it as an opportunity to improve your onboarding, recognition, or engagement strategies.

What is the golden rule of volunteering?
Treat volunteers how you’d want to be treated — with respect, appreciation, and transparency. Make time to listen, follow through on your promises, and always thank them sincerely.

What are some creative ways to say thank you?
Beyond the classic thank-you email, try sending a digital card with a personalised message, personalised Prezzee gift card, sharing photos or stories on social media (with their permission), or compiling a collaborative thank-you video from your team.

How can we prevent volunteer burnout?
Burnout is real — especially for dedicated volunteers who take on a lot. Prevent it by encouraging breaks, rotating tasks, offering emotional check-ins, and ensuring volunteers feel supported. Also, avoid over-relying on the same people — spreading the load builds resilience.

How often should you recognise volunteers?
There’s no perfect schedule, but more often than you think is usually the right answer. Recognition doesn’t always need to be formal. A quick thank-you, a message after a shift, or a birthday wish all count. Monthly rituals or milestone celebrations are great to embed in your calendar.

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