Recruiting volunteers is a critical part of running a successful nonprofit or community initiative. Fortunately, there are a variety of online platforms that can help connect you with the right people, especially in New England. Whether you’re looking for local volunteers or skilled professionals for remote opportunities, these platforms can streamline the process. Below, we’ll explore some of the best options for recruiting volunteers in New England and share practical tips to make the process easier and more effective.
get local
New England-Specific Volunteer Platforms
If your organization is based in New England, these platforms are tailored to connect you with local volunteers in your state or region:
Maine
Maine has multiple United Way-affiliated volunteer portals.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts has multiple volunteer portals:
New Hampshire
- VolunteerNH: A statewide resource for connecting nonprofits with volunteers in New Hampshire. It offers a searchable database of opportunities and supports organizations with training and resources.
- Granite United Way: A regional United Way organization providing a volunteer portal for connecting with opportunities.
Rhode Island
- Way of Rhode Island: A central hub for volunteer opportunities throughout the state.
Vermont
- United Way of Northwest Vermont: Offers a Galaxy Digital-powered volunteer portal.
- United Way of Addison County: Another regional United Way volunteer portal.
go bigger
National Platforms with Local Reach
In addition to state-specific platforms, national platforms allow you to target volunteers in specific geographic areas, including New England. These platforms are especially useful for reaching a broader audience or finding skilled volunteers for remote opportunities.
VolunteerMatch
One of the largest volunteer-matching platforms, allowing nonprofits to post opportunities and connect with volunteers based on skills and interests.
Idealist
Focuses on mission-driven work, including volunteer opportunities for nonprofits and social impact organizations.
HandsOn Connect
A platform that connects volunteers with local HandsOn Network affiliates.
Catchafire
A skills-based volunteering platform that matches professionals with nonprofits that need their expertise.
DoSomething.org
A youth-focused platform that engages students and young professionals in social change projects.
practical tips
How to Maximize Your Volunteer Recruitment Efforts
Finding the right volunteers requires more than just posting opportunities online. To attract dedicated individuals who align with your mission, it’s important to craft compelling postings, leverage multiple platforms, and maintain engagement. Here are some key strategies to optimize your volunteer recruitment process.
1
Write Clear and Compelling Volunteer Postings
Your volunteer posting is your first impression. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and engaging. Include:
- A brief description of your organization and mission.
- Specific details about the role, including time commitment and skills required.
- The impact volunteers will have on your cause.
2
Use Multiple Platforms
Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Post your opportunities on both local and national platforms to maximize visibility. For example, you could post on VolunteerNH for local reach and VolunteerMatch for a broader audience.
3
Leverage Social Media
Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn, and even Nextdoor are powerful tools for recruiting volunteers. Create posts that highlight your mission and include a direct link to your volunteer opportunities.
4
Target Specific Audiences
If you’re looking for skilled volunteers, consider platforms like Catchafire or VolunteerMatch (through their LinkedIn partnership). For younger audiences, platforms like DoSomething.org can help you engage students and young professionals.
5
Make It Easy to Sign Up
Simplify the process for potential volunteers by using online forms or volunteer management software. Platforms like GivePulse or SignUpGenius can help you streamline sign-ups and track volunteer information.
6
Track and Manage Volunteers Effectively
Use volunteer management tools to keep track of your volunteers, their hours, and their impact. Some popular tools include:
- VolunteerHub: A comprehensive platform for managing volunteer schedules and tracking hours.
- Galaxy Digital: Offers tools for volunteer recruitment, management, and reporting.
- GivePulse: Combines volunteer management with impact tracking.
7
Follow Up and Stay Engaged
Once someone signs up, follow up promptly with a welcome email or call. Keep volunteers engaged by sharing updates about your organization and recognizing their contributions.
take action now
Set Your Organization Up for Success with a Multi-Platform Approach
To maximize your volunteer recruitment efforts, take the time to set up your organization on multiple platforms now. Doing it all at once makes it easier to maintain consistency, track volunteer engagement, and streamline outreach.
By leveraging both local and national tools, writing compelling postings, and using technology to simplify the process, you can build a strong and engaged volunteer base. By leveraging both local and national tools, writing compelling postings, and using technology to streamline the process, you can build a strong and engaged volunteer base.
Whether you’re a small nonprofit or a large organization, these strategies will help you connect with the right people to support your mission.
Keep in Mind:
Choose the Right VMS Platform for Your Needs.
Not all volunteer management systems are the same. Research and select one that aligns with your organization’s goals and capacity.
Clearly define volunteer roles.
Ensure they understand their responsibilities and how they contribute to the mission.
Engage Volunteers with Clear Communication.
Volunteers need clear expectations, roles, and consistent updates to stay engaged and committed.