When we are positively impacted by the work of a local or national organization, we want to get involved. Good follows good. And that’s all good, so long as you take a moment before you commit your most precious gift of all: your time. When you’re ready to volunteer with a nonprofit organization or institution, make sure that the organization you want to engage with is a match for your personal and family values and that you understand what you are signing up for. You may feel you know all about the nonprofit, but do you really?
Asking questions and gaining insights before you commit your time will benefit yourself and the nonprofit. This is especially true if you are considering service as a member of the board, of a committee, or as a fundraising volunteer. Nonprofits are no different from families, businesses, and public agencies. Some are stellar examples of timely and open communication, organization, focus, caring, foresight, and impact. Others are more “dysfunctional” with ingroups and outgroups, withholding of information, lack of organization, and emotional manipulation. See if you can volunteer at a one-time activity or talk with a current volunteer to see what you can learn of the culture. You want to gain a feeling for their style of working. This is the human element, and where volunteers can feel disappointed when their impression of the organization doesn’t match up with their actual experience. This can leave you feeling frustrated and leave the nonprofit disappointed and without the volunteer they had hoped would join them.
There are “practical” things you want to learn about as well. First, do you believe in the cause? If you don’t, you need to find another way to give of your time and talents. Do you know the mission, vision, goals of the organization? Do these align with your values? Do you understand their fundraising priorities, both short term and long term? What about the impact they make, their accomplishments and track record? Do you understand their competitors, collaborators, and the ecosystem they are working within? What about their strengths and challenges? Getting an understanding of these practical things will help you understand the nonprofit and perhaps help you understand why they do things the way they do. When you volunteer you typically work with others and at someone else’s direction. That means your not the boss. You may have ideas of how things could be done differently, but you want to start your engagement by helping the organization advance their goals – unless you are asked for your opinion.
Here are a few bottom-line things to consider. Is the organization able to deliver on what they promise? What is the status of their financials? How do stakeholders and community members view their work? Have you met staff and board members? Are they legit? Volunteering with a nonprofit organization can be life changing – for you and for others. Do your homework and then jump in! God protect America and the world we live in.
© 2025 Mel and Pearl Shaw, authors of “Prerequisites for Fundraising Success.” We provide fundraising counsel to higher education, nonprofits, and philanthropy. Video conferencing always available. Visit www.saadandshaw.com.
