Nonprofits have big missions but often small budgets. That’s why volunteers are so important—they bring skills, energy, and extra hands to help make things happen. But finding the right volunteers? That’s not always easy, especially when you don’t have the money to spend on big marketing campaigns.

So, how do you recruit volunteers without stretching your budget too thin? What actually works, and where should you start?

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to connect with people who want to help—without spending a fortune. In this post, we’ll go through five simple, cost-effective strategies to attract and keep great volunteers. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to revamp your approach, these ideas will help you grow your volunteer base in a way that’s sustainable and effective.

For a comprehensive overview of volunteer recruitment beyond budget-friendly options, check out our guide on Volunteer Recruiting for Nonprofits.

Let’s dive in.

1. Use Social Media to Find the Right Volunteers

Social media is one of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to reach potential volunteers. The key? Make it easy, engaging, and personal.

Meet Volunteers Where They Are

Different platforms attract different people. If you’re trying to recruit volunteers, consider where your audience is most active:

• Facebook is great for reaching local community groups and older volunteers.

• Instagram works well for visual storytelling—show behind-the-scenes moments or volunteer spotlights.

• LinkedIn is perfect for finding skilled volunteers or board members.

• TikTok & Twitter can be effective for younger audiences who engage with short-form content.

Utilizing these platforms effectively can significantly boost your volunteer recruitment efforts. For more innovative approaches to digital recruitment, explore our article on Creative Ways to Recruit Volunteers in 2024.

Make It Easy to Say “Yes”

People scroll fast, so your message needs to be clear and inviting. Instead of just posting “We need volunteers,” say:

🔹 “Looking for a way to give back? Join our team and make an impact!”

🔹 “We’re looking for volunteers for our next event—just an hour of your time can make a difference!”

Pair these messages with bright, engaging images or short videos. Photos of volunteers in action or a quick clip explaining why help is needed can make all the difference.

Not sure how to craft compelling volunteer recruitment messages? Check out our collection of Volunteer Recruitment Message Examples That Work for tested templates that drive action.

Turn Volunteers Into Advocates

Your best recruiters? The people already volunteering for you. Ask them to share their experiences online—a quick post about why they love volunteering can go a long way. A personal story is often more convincing than a generic recruitment message.

For example, instead of just saying “We need volunteers,” encourage a volunteer to post something like:

“I started volunteering with [organization] six months ago, and it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences. If you’re looking for a way to give back, I highly recommend it!”

That kind of post feels real and relatable—and it reaches people who trust the person sharing it.

2. Partner with Schools & Universities

Students are often looking for volunteer opportunities—whether for community service hours, internships, or simply to give back. Connecting with schools and universities can help you tap into a fresh pool of eager volunteers.

Work with Professors & Student Organizations

Many colleges have service-learning programs that require students to volunteer as part of their coursework. Reach out to professors teaching subjects related to your cause and see if they’ll partner with you.

Student organizations—like campus clubs or Greek life—are also great places to recruit. Many of these groups have volunteer committees and are actively looking for ways to give back.

Offer Flexible & Skill-Based Roles

Students often want real-world experience to build their résumés. If your nonprofit needs help with marketing, web design, or event planning, consider offering volunteer roles that allow students to gain skills while supporting your mission.

For example, instead of just asking for general volunteers, try posting an opportunity like:

“Looking for marketing experience? Help our nonprofit with social media and get hands-on practice!”

It’s a win-win—students gain experience, and your nonprofit gets valuable support.

If you're specifically recruiting for an upcoming event, our guide on How to Recruit Volunteers for Events Effectively offers additional strategies tailored to event-based volunteering.

3. Engage Your Local Community

Sometimes, the best volunteers are right in your backyard. Tapping into your local community can help you find people who are already invested in making a difference close to home.

Get Involved in Community Events

Attend local farmers’ markets, neighborhood fairs, and community meetings. Set up a small booth, hand out flyers, or just talk to people about your mission. When people meet you face-to-face, they’re more likely to get involved.

Partner with Local Businesses & Churches

Many businesses encourage their employees to volunteer. Try reaching out to local companies and offering team volunteer days where employees can help out as a group.

Faith-based organizations are also great places to find volunteers. Many churches, mosques, and synagogues have service committees that are always looking for meaningful volunteer opportunities.

Engaging with local communities fosters strong relationships and encourages volunteerism. Engaging with local communities fosters strong relationships and encourages volunteerism. For tips on how to make your organization more attractive to potential volunteers, see our article on How to Attract Volunteers to Your Nonprofit Organization.

4. Empower Your Current Volunteers

Your best recruiters are often the people already involved in your organization. If they’re having a great experience, they’ll naturally want to bring others in.

Encourage Word-of-Mouth Referrals

People are much more likely to volunteer if a friend recommends it. Try a simple referral program:

• Offer small incentives, like a volunteer appreciation event, for those who bring in a new volunteer.

• Create a friendly challenge—whoever recruits the most volunteers in a month gets a shout-out in your newsletter.

Even without incentives, just asking volunteers to invite a friend can make a big difference.

Give Volunteers a Voice

People stay engaged when they feel valued. Ask for volunteer feedback, involve them in decision-making, and recognize their contributions. A simple “thank you” goes a long way in keeping volunteers excited and motivated.

Once you've recruited volunteers, keeping them engaged is just as important. Our comprehensive guide on Volunteer Engagement and Retention for Nonprofits provides strategies to ensure your volunteers stay committed to your cause.

5. Make Signing Up Simple

If someone is interested in volunteering, the last thing you want is for them to get discouraged by a complicated sign-up process.

Remove Barriers to Entry

Make it as easy as possible for someone to go from “interested” to “signed up.” Some quick fixes:

• Keep your application form short—just the basics (name, email, availability).

• Offer drop-in volunteer opportunities with no long-term commitment.

• Have a clear call-to-action on your website and social media (e.g., “Sign up here!” with a direct link).

Follow Up Quickly

If someone signs up, don’t let them slip through the cracks. Send a welcome email within 24 hours with next steps. The faster you engage them, the more likely they are to follow through.

Final Thoughts

Recruiting volunteers doesn’t have to be expensive. By using social media, tapping into schools, engaging your local community, empowering current volunteers, and simplifying the sign-up process, you can attract passionate, dedicated people to support your mission—without stretching your budget.

The key? Make it easy, make it meaningful, and make it personal. When people feel connected to your cause and welcomed into your organization, they’ll be excited to step up and help.

So, which strategy will you try first?

See how MyRecruiter can help you streamline your volunteer recruitment process while staying within your budget—Schedule a Demo Today.