Beyond the Sign-Up Sheet: Build a Volunteer Strategy That Works

The Nonprofit Show

You'll love this master class on the untapped power of volunteerism—with a call to rethink how we attract, support, and retain volunteers—led by guest expert Kirsten Wantland, Manager of Customer Best Practices and Enablement at Bloomerang,

Kirsten, who holds credentials as a Certified Nonprofit Consultant and Certified Development Executive, brings both frontline and strategic expertise. With her deep background in fundraising and nonprofit leadership, she makes a bold case for managing volunteers with the same intentionality as donors. Her rallying cry? “Recognize behaviors over capacity.”

Too many nonprofits still treat volunteer management as an afterthought—focused on day-of logistics or generic thank-yous. But Kirsten argues for a proactive, data-informed approach that starts well before a volunteer steps foot on site. From setting clear expectations in role descriptions to acknowledging service hours as contributions worth over $34.79 per hour, this learning session delivers some super strategies that can translate into real organizational value for your NPO.

Volunteers aren’t just a feel-good bonus; they are a form of human capital that, when properly stewarded, can evolve into loyal donors and long-term advocates. “If you think of someone donating 10 hours,” Kirsten explains, “you’re looking at the equivalent of nearly $350 in economic impact. How many of your donors give that much in a single gift?”

She encourages nonprofits to:

· Communicate expectations clearly and respectfully.

· Track volunteer hours just like financial contributions.

· Plan intentional follow-ups after service.

· Use personalized recognition—by name, by role, by impact.

· Share volunteer stories in annual reports and community messaging.

Kirsten also addresses a long-standing sector taboo: asking volunteers to give financially. Her advice? Let the volunteer decide. Many already feel deeply connected to the mission and are primed for deeper engagement if offered meaningful opportunities.

This is a must-watch for anyone building or revamping a volunteer program.

00:00:00 Welcome and guest intro

00:01:40 Kirsten’s credentials and new role at Bloomerang

00:03:00 The impact of formal nonprofit education

00:06:20 Defining volunteer clarity and role expectations

00:09:30 Orientation and onboarding strategies

00:11:00 Recognizing volunteers effectively

00:14:20 Tracking volunteer hours and value

00:16:30 Volunteers as non-monetary donors

00:20:00 Creating a follow-up plan post-volunteering

00:22:00 Should volunteers be asked for donations?

00:24:00 Personalized engagement based on behavior

00:27:00 Volunteer storytelling and long-term commitment

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