Showing Appreciation to Volunteers
Volunteers' hard work and time commitment should always be acknowledged. Don't let the volunteers who are working hard for your cause feel their efforts are going unnoticed. There are several ways to let them know you appreciate their efforts and to say thank you for a job well done.
If your nonprofit organization has a newsletter, you might mention the individuals who helped. If you have numerous volunteers, you can at least thank the committees. If this was a grassroots fundraising effort for your school, temple, church, or community center, you might send out thank-you cards.
Be extra mindful to show your appreciation to your virtual volunteers. Thank them for each accomplishment, and let them know specifically how their work is helping your cause. Because you most likely will have little if any face-to-face time with these virtual volunteers, thank them for the good work they do so they remain engaged with your organization.
Large nonprofit organizations often have annual dinners or banquets where volunteers can be acknowledged from the podium and asked to stand. In some cases, plaques or pins are handed out in recognition of a job well done. This kind of dinner can also serve as a successful fundraiser if the honorees invite guests who pay to attend.
A simple and frequent show of appreciation following a school or similar community-based fundraiser is to take everyone out for coffee and dessert. It's a small dip into the profits to pick up the tab for a mini party to make sure everyone feels good about the job he has done. Such a gesture will go a long way when lining up the volunteers next year. No matter how you do it, it's important volunteers know their work is appreciated. Saying thank you is part of the pay rate for volunteers, and it is an important part of the job.
