According to a survey of 3,020 U.S. volunteers: - 27% said convenient scheduling was the best incentive to encourage repeat volunteering. Having short shifts and selecting jobs ahead of time were favored conveniences. - 24% said having proof that their work makes a positive impact was most motivating, and receiving feedback from beneficiaries had the most impact. - 23% said having access to professional development opportunities, especially those providing on-the-job career training and skills, would encourage them to volunteer more.

1. Incentives to Encourage
Repeat Volunteering

2. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, volunteering is at a 10-year low.
Retaining volunteers puts less strain on resources than does recruiting and
training new volunteers, so it’s important for nonprofits to employ the best
retention strategies.
To find out which incentives are most effective, we asked 3,020 U.S. volunteers
to choose which would most motivate them to volunteer more than once.
Some key findings include:
• Twenty-seven percent of respondents say convenient scheduling was the best
incentive to encourage repeat volunteering
• Proof that their work makes a positive impact was most important for 24
percent of respondents
• Having access to professional development opportunities is the top incentive
choice for 23 percent of respondents
Abstract

3. Convenient Scheduling Is Top Incentive
Respondents say that assigning a volunteering schedule that fits well with the rest
of their activities is the best incentive to motivate them to volunteer more often.
12%
15%
23% 24%
27%
Convenient scheduling
Proof of work's impact
Professional development
Social/networking events
Discounts at local businesses

4. Short Shifts, Selecting Tasks Are Favored Conveniences
Drilling down, a combined 71 percent of respondents say short shifts and having a
say in which jobs they perform would be the best scheduling conveniences.
11%
17%
34%
37%
Short shifts/drop-in schedule
Select jobs ahead of time
Online/mobile sign-up
Online orientation/training

5. Feedback From Beneficiaries Has Most Impact
Receiving feedback from a beneficiary is the most powerful motivator according to
42 percent of respondents who say proof of work’s impact is the best incentive.
15%
20%
24%
42% Testimonial from beneficiary
Data/charts showing impact
Photos showing impact
Written report about impact

6. On-the-Job Career Training Encourages Repeat Volunteering
Of those who say professional development would motivate them to volunteer
more, 48 percent say acquiring skills to advance their careers is the top incentive.
12%
20%
20%
48%
Career training/education
Academic credit
Reference letter to employer
Nomination for national award

7. No Strong Preference For Ways To Network
Of the 15 percent who say events to connect with others would inspire them to
volunteer, there’s no strong preference for which type of event would work best.
23%
24%
25%
29%
Casual meetups
Volunteer appreciation party
Online networking tools
Free ticket to annual gala

8. Discounts On Food, Meals Top Choices
The top discount incentives are food-related—a combined 66 percent of
respondents say grocery and restaurant discounts would make them volunteer.
15%
18%
30%
36%
Grocery store
Restaurant
Clothing retailer
Hotel

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Read about our findings in more detail.Read Report