The Surprising Power of Volunteers as Donors

What if your most generous donors are already in your building and you haven’t even noticed?

For many nonprofits, donors and volunteers are cultivated in separate lanes. But that’s a mistake, especially when it comes to the next generation of supporters. For Millennials and Gen Z, the line between volunteering and giving is intentional. But how could this be?

Volunteers are 10 times more likely to give than those who never volunteer. And for next-gen donors, volunteering isn’t just a kind gesture. It’s often their first step in deciding whether your mission is worth investing in. During that time, they often build a deep emotional connection to your work, and that connection can lead to long-term, sustainable generosity.

Volunteers are already invested in your cause. They’ve experienced your impact firsthand, seen your programs in action, and felt your mission up close. That kind of proximity builds trust and alignment, which often fuels giving from a place of deep belief, not just obligation.
Their giving is consistent and lasting. While major donors may give large gifts once or sporadically, volunteers tend to give smaller amounts more frequently, and they stick around. Over time, those contributions, when combined with advocacy, peer fundraising, and ongoing involvement, can rival or exceed the impact of one-time major gifts.

They also become your loudest ambassadors. Volunteers often turn into storytellers, sharing your mission within their own networks. This kind of peer-to-peer energy builds credibility and invites new supporters who trust the recommendation of a friend far more than a fundraising appeal.

If your fundraising strategy separates volunteers from donors, it’s time to rethink that approach. Younger supporters want to be part of the change, not just fund it from the sidelines. Volunteers aren’t a separate category of supporter. They’re often your most passionate, most proven, and most high-potential donor prospects.