Recruit and Support Your Volunteer Fundraisers
In Part 1 , we outlined where volunteers can make a meaningful contribution to your fundraising efforts:prospecting, messaging, making the ask, stewardship, and more. Now let’s talk about how to bring them in, equip them, and keep them energized along the way.
Because volunteers aren’t just looking for a task; they’re looking for purpose. Recruiting fundraising volunteers is much like inviting donors to give: you're asking them to invest their time and skills to help unlock the organization’s next level of impact. When people understand how their contribution fuels the mission, they’re far more likely to say yes… and stay engaged.
Step 1: Match People to Roles That Matter
Volunteers bring different strengths, interests, and comfort levels to the table. That’s exactly what makes a team work. Your job is to show each person how their unique contribution helps advance the mission.
Here are just a few ways volunteers can plug in:
Connectors: Identify and introduce potential donors from personal or professional networks
Relationship builders: Make check-in calls, write handwritten notes, or host coffee chats
Messengers: Help draft emails, create social media posts, or record short videos
Askers: Participate in peer-to-peer campaigns, invite friends to give, or co-host events
Detail folks: Track pledges, send reminders, update donor lists, or help with follow-up
Ambassadors: Share impact updates, highlight donor stories, or welcome new supporters
📝 Tip: Use a short intake form or brief conversation to learn where people feel most comfortable and excited to contribute.
Step 2: Create Micro-Roles That Invite Participation
Asking someone to “help with fundraising” can feel overwhelming. Instead, offer specific, time-limited roles that are easy to say yes to. For example:
Write three thank-you notes each week
Post a campaign video on your social media
Make two donor check-in calls
Host one coffee meet-up with a potential supporter
Share your personal story in an email appeal
Introduce one friend to the organization
Clear, bite-sized roles help volunteers feel confident about what’s being asked, and allow more people to participate without overcommitting.
Step 3: Equip and Support Your Team
Even highly skilled volunteers need guidance on how fundraising works at your organization. A little training goes a long way:
Provide materials: Talking points, FAQs, campaign goals, scripts, and donor profiles
Host a kickoff: A brief Zoom or in-person meeting to walk through the campaign
Create touchpoints: Weekly email or text updates keep everyone in the loop
Use shared tools: A simple spreadsheet, CRM, or shared task list can help track progress
🎯 Remember: Volunteers don’t need to be perfect fundraisers; they just need to feel prepared and supported while they gain experience and confidence.
Step 4: Recognize Impact Early and Often
Gratitude fuels momentum. Build regular recognition into the campaign, not just after it’s over:
Call out small wins in weekly updates
Celebrate milestones like “10 donors reached!”
Send personal thank-you notes from staff or board members
Host a wrap-up event or informal celebration
When volunteers feel seen and appreciated, they’re much more likely to come back for the next campaign, and invite others to join too.
Final Thoughts
Successful fundraising isn’t about finding one superstar. It’s about building a team that shares ownership in moving the mission forward. When you match people with meaningful roles, support them with clear direction, and celebrate their contributions, you’re not just raising funds, you’re strengthening your entire community.
Want more practical tools for running and growing your early-stage nonprofit?
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Anna Taylor is Executive Director of The Greater Sum Foundation. Under her leadership, Greater Sum has supported over 100 organizations through strategic funding, capacity-building tools, and a virtual incubator model focused on long-term impact and sustainability.
