People agree to do volunteer work for their own individual reasons, but most are compassionate, caring people who want to make a difference in the world. You might think that those who volunteer to help your organization are already giving too much time or money, and you might hesitate to ask them for more help. This can prevent you from developing strong relationships with volunteers and donors.

Here are ten ways to ask volunteers to contribute (and continue to contribute) to your organization.

1. Make it easy.

Set up a quick and simple way for volunteers to make donations. If your supporters  express any desire to contribute to a specific aspect of your services, they should have a way to make that contribution quickly and easily. The fewer barriers there are, the more likely a volunteer will be to make a contribution.

2. Hold volunteer orientations.

Volunteers are usually given instructions before they begin their service. These orientations provide opportunities for executive directors or advancement directors to introduce themselves, inform volunteers about the organization's mission, and explain how it makes a difference in the community. Some volunteers might not be fully acquainted with your organization, especially if they are volunteering for class credit. Hearing more about the organization can help them feel committed to the organization's success and more willing to make a donation.

3. Tell personal stories.

Volunteering is more meaningful when volunteers know they are helping real people in real situations. Share real stories of people helped by the organization or by the volunteers themselves, and let them know how monetary donations can also help.

4. Make specific requests.

Rather than asking for general donations, ask for something specific. A specific request will feel different than a general one. So, for example, request a contribution that will provide three counseling sessions rather than asking for support for a vague therapeutic program. You could also show how much of a difference can be made from donations in different amounts. For example, telling volunteers that a donation of $50 can provide ten meals.

5. Tell them thank you.

After a person volunteers, send them a thank-you card for donating their time and talents to your organization. With the thank-you card, let them know other ways they can help your organization--either through other volunteer opportunities or by donating to specific purposes. One of the reasons that people enjoy volunteering is because it makes them feel good. Extending an invitation to donate is another opportunity for them to do something that feels good.

6. Make a wish list for smaller items and put it where volunteers can see.

Whether on your website or a poster in the backroom, having a wishlist for needed items can give volunteers a way to contribute in specific, meaningful ways. A volunteer who may not feel like they can contribute financially can look over the list and possibly identify items they'd be glad to give. This could be things like office supplies or first aid items that don't cost much, but are still an organizational need.

7. Remember that even small amounts can make a difference.

Let volunteers know that even small donations of $5 can add up to make a big impact. Ask if they'd be willing to sign up for a recurring monthly donation. You can also have change jars for donations in areas where volunteers will be working.

8. Ask them to take on a project.

For enthusiastic volunteers who are really passionate about your mission, ask them if they'd be willing to organize a fundraising drive on your behalf.

9. Ask if they know others who would be interested in volunteering.

Checking to see if a volunteer has friends or family who would be interested in volunteering is a way to not only increase your number of volunteers, but to also increase donations. People who volunteer donate ten times more (average of $2,593) to charity than people who do not (average of $230) (Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund and Volunteer Match Study, 2009).

10. Let them know about estate giving.

Some volunteers who are passionate about your organization may not be in a financial place where they can make a donation right now. But if they express remorse, wishing that they could do more, let them know you would be grateful if they would consider your organization in their estate planning and that it can be a way for their volunteering legacy to live on.

11. Just ask!

To anyone working at a nonprofit organization, it might seem obvious that funds are always needed, but this might not occur to every volunteer and donor. Sharing your fundraising objectives with your volunteers and donors might be all it takes to prompt new contributions. Building personal, one-on-one relationships with volunteers can also help them to be more committed to the success of your organization and more willing to donate.

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