Are you retired? Getting ready to retire? How long are you going to sleep in, organize your closets, play golf, garden, and travel? Take these words to heart: when you volunteer for a nonprofit, you can increase your joy, health, friendship circle, knowledge of your community, technological prowess, and the impact you make on the world. Let us tell you more.
The world of nonprofits is rich in opportunities and more diverse than you can imagine. And most have volunteer opportunities that will enhance your life. There’s a way to “give back” that works with your schedule and lifestyle. As with looking for a “regular job,” you may want to do a little work before you launch your volunteer search. You’ll need to look inside yourself and look into the community to learn what’s really going on.
Identify your passion. What do you believe in? What’s important to you? What do you want to be part of your legacy? What type of organization would you want to be a part of? Would you like to focus on justice for incarcerated young people? Maybe your interest lies with the arts, education, ecology, alternative energy, or museums. Are you grassroots-focused, or is a legacy institution more your style? No matter your interest, “there’s a nonprofit for that.”
Identify your skills, “must haves,” and “deal breakers.” If you want to work directly with children, for example, put that on your must-have list. If you want to volunteer on a regular basis, put “on call opportunities only” on your deal breaker list. If you have a background in banking but are done working with numbers, don’t put that on your skills list. It’s like looking for paid employment: when you know what you are looking for, you may be better equipped to spot the perfect opportunity.
Identify nonprofits that match your passion and interests. Talk with people you know, look on the internet, consider nonprofits you’ve financially supported. Create a list of up to four nonprofits to consider. Look at their websites. Call and ask to speak with the volunteer coordinator. If they don’t have one, ask who can help you learn more about the organization and how you can assist. If they are having an event, attend.
Be willing to adapt, change, and grow. Before taking on a volunteer commitment, remember that in many instances the culture of a nonprofit will be different from your work experience. Capacity and infrastructure may be less than expected. You may need to work with less-than-optimal resources. You may be asked to “wear many hats.” This is a common phrase across nonprofits because of the many roles that staff and volunteers play. We suggest talking with people who work with the nonprofits you are interested in volunteering with. Learn about their mission, goals, and priorities. Ask about – and observe – their culture. Talk with those outside the organization to learn about their reputation and how they are perceived. You can make a difference and increase your quality of life. God protect America.
© 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.
