Offering your time and skills to a cause you care about is a way to make a difference. Many people wait for an organization to post a specific volunteer opening, but you don’t have to. Proactively reaching out to an organization is a common and welcomed gesture that shows initiative and a genuine passion for their mission, even when a role isn’t advertised.
Identify and Research Potential Organizations
Find organizations that align with your passions by exploring online databases like VolunteerMatch, Idealist, and Create the Good. These sites allow you to search for nonprofits by location and cause, helping you discover local groups. You can also find organizations through community centers, libraries, and by asking friends or family for recommendations.
Once you have a shortlist of potential organizations, the research phase begins. Visit their official website and read their mission and vision statements. Look for recent news, press releases, or annual reports to understand their current projects, recent successes, and any challenges they might be facing.
Your research should include identifying the right person to contact. Sending an email to a generic “info@” address can result in it being overlooked, so look for a “Staff” or “Team” page on the website. Your ideal contact is a Volunteer Coordinator or a manager of a department that interests you. Finding the direct email address of this person increases the chance that your inquiry will be read.
Prepare Your Personal Pitch
Before you write your inquiry, assess what you can offer. A clear understanding of your skills, availability, and motivations will make your request more persuasive. This preparation shows you are serious and have considered how you can contribute.
Catalog your professional skills, such as graphic design or grant writing, and soft skills like communication and organization. Think about how these abilities could be applied to support the organization’s goals. For example, if you have experience in social media marketing, you could help them expand their online reach.
Define your availability with as much detail as possible and be realistic about the time you can commit. Instead of a vague offer, specify the days and number of hours you can reliably contribute so the organization can see how you might fit their schedule. Finally, clarify why their mission resonates with you, as this demonstrates a genuine interest.
Craft Your Inquiry
With your research and personal pitch prepared, you are ready to craft your inquiry. The most common and effective method is a professional email that is clear and compelling.
Begin with a clear and specific subject line, such as “Volunteer Inquiry: [Your Name].” Avoid generic phrases that can be overlooked. This helps your email stand out and immediately informs the recipient of its purpose. Address the email to the specific person you identified during your research.
Start with a brief introduction of who you are and state your reason for writing. Connect your personal motivation to their mission. For instance, you could say, “I have been following the work of [Organization’s Name] and am impressed by your recent project…” This shows you have done your homework.
Succinctly outline your relevant skills and how you believe they could benefit the organization, then state your specific availability. Connect your skills to their needs. For example, “With my background in data entry, I could assist in managing and organizing that information.” Conclude with a polite call to action, suggesting a brief conversation and thanking them for their time and consideration.
Follow Up After Your Request
After sending your initial inquiry, be patient, as nonprofit professionals are often busy and may not respond immediately. It is appropriate to wait for one to two weeks before following up. A polite and brief follow-up email can serve as a gentle reminder of your interest without being pushy.
Your follow-up email should be a reply to your original message to keep the context clear. A simple note is sufficient, such as, “I am following up on my email from last week regarding volunteer opportunities. I remain very interested in contributing my skills to [Organization’s Name] and would be happy to provide any further information.”
Be prepared for a range of outcomes. A positive response might lead to an interview or an informal chat. If the organization indicates they do not have a suitable opening, respond graciously. Thank them for their time and express interest in being kept in mind for future opportunities to maintain a positive relationship.