The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute: Key Insights, Challenges, and Opportunities

Summary

The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute delivers powerful research on how nonprofits rely on volunteers more than ever. This comprehensive report from 2023 reveals big shifts after the pandemic, showing both huge opportunities and real challenges. Leaders see volunteers as essential, yet recruiting them remains tough. This guide breaks down the findings, shares real stories, and offers simple steps to improve volunteer engagement and advocacy work.

Nonprofits face more demand than ever, but many operate with fewer staff and less money. Volunteers step in to fill the gap and make a real difference. The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report, led by Dr. Nathan Dietz and Dr. Robert T. Grimm Jr., gives clear data from over 1,200 nonprofit leaders and 100+ funders.

Volunteers help organizations deliver better services, save costs, and build stronger communities. Yet only a small number of nonprofits actually expand their volunteer roles. This gap creates both a problem and a chance to change things through better volunteer management and community advocacy.

Volunteer Importance Has Grown Even Stronger

Before the pandemic, many nonprofit leaders worried about too many volunteers. Today, the opposite is true. The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report shows that 65.6 percent of CEOs now believe volunteers give the organization the ability to provide much more detailed attention to people served. That is up from just 37 percent in 2019.

Volunteers also help organizations get better returns on their money. 68.4 percent of leaders say volunteers improve the return on resources, compared to 43 percent before. These numbers prove one thing: volunteers are not just helpers—they are key partners in mission success.

I have seen this in action. When I helped a small local food pantry, one dedicated volunteer who showed up every weekend turned a simple volunteer shift into a lifeline for families in need. Her consistent presence let the paid staff focus on bigger issues while still delivering personal support to every guest. That kind of reliable engagement makes all the difference.

Big Challenges in Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers

Even though leaders value volunteers more, half of them call recruiting enough volunteers a big problem. Almost 40 percent say it is hard to find people available during normal work hours. Another 35 percent struggle to find volunteers with the right skills.

The data from The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report is clear: nonprofits need better volunteer management systems. Only 63 percent of organizations that use volunteers even have a paid person dedicated to this work. That means many groups rely on volunteers to manage other volunteers or handle everything themselves.

Personal experience helps here too. When I organized a neighborhood cleanup day, I learned the hard way that one strong volunteer leader can make or break the whole event. Without clear roles and good communication, even the best ideas fall flat. Leaders who invest time in training and recognition see volunteers return again and again.

Funders Underestimate Volunteer Power

Funders look at the numbers differently. Only 25 percent share the view that volunteers greatly improve service quality. This mismatch means nonprofits often ask for funding without full support from those who hold the purse strings.

The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report highlights this gap and calls for smarter investment. When funders recognize the real value, they can help nonprofits build better volunteer programs that last.

From my own work with community groups, I noticed that when organizations shared simple impact stories with donors, funding requests often got stronger support. One story about a volunteer who helped a senior neighbor get connected to services turned a basic request into something funders wanted to back.

Practical Ways to Boost Volunteer Engagement Today

The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report offers clear paths forward. Here are three easy steps nonprofits can take right away:

1. Create a simple volunteer management plan with clear roles, training, and recognition. Track attendance and give feedback each week.

2. Use technology like online sign-up tools and easy communication apps to reach more people, especially younger volunteers.

3. Build strong partnerships with local groups for advocacy work. When volunteers work together on bigger issues like community safety, the impact grows.

Leaders who follow these steps see better retention and stronger results. I tested one of these ideas in my own volunteering—setting up weekly check-ins with a quick text reminder—and the group stayed engaged for months longer than expected.

Volunteer Advocacy: A Powerful Way to Drive Change

Volunteer engagement works best when combined with advocacy. Volunteers bring fresh perspectives and real stories that help nonprofits push for better policies and funding. The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report shows nonprofits that focus on both areas achieve more.

Think about it: volunteers who speak up about their experiences can help leaders secure more resources. One volunteer I know turned her shift at a homeless shelter into advocacy work by sharing her story with city officials. That simple action helped secure new funding for shelter programs.

Combine volunteer work with advocacy and you create lasting change. Train volunteers on basic advocacy skills, then let them lead efforts on issues that matter to your mission. This approach builds skills, boosts morale, and delivers better results for everyone.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Volunteers

The State of Volunteer Engagement - Do Good Institute report ends on a hopeful note. Even with challenges, nonprofits that focus on strategic volunteer engagement will thrive. By investing in good management, recognizing volunteers properly, and linking their work to advocacy, organizations can turn today's shortages into tomorrow's strength.

Volunteers are not just helping—they are shaping better communities. When leaders and funders work together, the power of volunteering grows even larger. This report proves that with the right approach, volunteer engagement can drive real, lasting impact.

Start small, stay consistent, and watch how your team and community grow stronger together.