Preventing Volunteer Burnout

A big problem for fundraising groups is that volunteers either fail to step forward and participate, or quit on the group midway through. This happens even with highly-motivated volunteers who started out with the best of intentions.

The reason that many fundraising volunteers fail to offer their time or fail to follow-through on their commitments is that they are simply burned-out. This can be very frustrating because often the scenario that plays out is that people sign up and help craft big fundraising plans for the season, but then dwindle off and leave a few holding the bag to see half-planned events and sales through to the end; or, people push your group to give them fundraising options, but don’t participate and so the campaign is only marginally successful.

The sad part is that this may not even be the fault of anyone in your organization—it might be the fault of a previous experience with fundraising that's left the individual feeling tired, used and abused. That doesn't mean that you can't still recruit willing and able volunteer bodies. You might have to work a little harder, but if you treat them right, your volunteers will be happy to assist your efforts, and willing to come back in the future.

Here are some things your group can do to prevent fundraising volunteer burnout:

• Provide job descriptions—so people know what a job requires and whether they can do it; include the estimated time to complete each job


• Leave plenty of time to plan and run the fundraiser so nothing has to happen in a disorderly fashion at a moment's notice under pressure


• Set clear dates and stay with them so the project doesn't drag out


• Hold fewer effective campaigns, rather than numerous small money-makers


• Enlist the support of past experienced volunteers


• Delegate tasks so no job is ever too large for one busy person


• Plan contingencies so tasks can be reassigned when someone becomes sick or there is an emergency


• Ask people to commit to tasks like order tallying, placement, receiving, sorting and distribution beforehand


• Keep absent volunteers in the loop—everyone is bound to miss a meeting here or there, so make sure those who couldn't attend know how things are progressing and what they need to do


• Keep lines of communication open—make sure volunteers are comfortable coming to you if they have a problem; it is better to know that a person can't finish a job than to find it left undone when you thought it was taken care of


• Respect volunteers' time and recognize that they have a lot on their plates at home and work, and with other organizations


• Recognize volunteers—at the end of the campaign, do a little something to show your appreciation; then, volunteers know they've donated their time and effort wisely, and will feel compelled to do so again

This is an article created by the FundraisingIP.com Editorial Team. For more fundraising ideas and fundraiser help, go to our article directory at FundraisingIP.com/articles.