ARTICLE
If Volunteers Were Yelp Reviewers: Would Your Nonprofit Get 5 Stars?
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Updated - 06/18/2025
Imagine if volunteers could rate their experience at your nonprofit the same way they rate restaurants. Would they be raving fans—or leaving a one-star warning for others to stay away?
🔹 “Amazing mission, terrible service. Signed up to help, but no one told me what to do. Felt like a lost puppy. ⭐⭐”
🔹 “Came for one shift, stayed five years. I actually feel like part of the team here. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
🔹 “Volunteered for three hours and not a single person said thank you. Do they even know I was there? ⭐”
Volunteer engagement isn’t just about getting people in the door—it’s about creating an experience that makes them want to return (and bring friends). Just like a great restaurant builds loyalty through hospitality, nonprofits need to make sure every interaction leaves volunteers feeling valued and connected.
The ingredients of a five-star volunteer experience
⭐ Make first impressions count
Ever walked into a restaurant where no one greets you, hands you a menu, or tells you how long the wait is? That’s how volunteers feel when they show up and don’t know what to do.
❌ “I had to track someone down to figure out where to go. Not exactly a warm welcome. ⭐”
✅ “The staff greeted me by name and explained exactly how my role made an impact. Felt like I belonged immediately! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
First impressions matter—initial training and onboarding play a key role in whether volunteers stick around or drop off. A confusing or impersonal start increases the chances they’ll ghost your nonprofit.
Make onboarding smooth, welcoming, and clear. Every volunteer—whether it’s their first shift or their fiftieth should know they’re stepping into something meaningful.
⭐ Treat volunteers like VIPs, not an afterthought
Nonprofits go all out to engage donors, but sometimes volunteers get treated like unpaid labor instead of mission-critical partners.
❌ “Felt like I was there to check a box. No real connection to the cause. ⭐⭐”
✅ “They treated me like I mattered—introduced me to staff, shared impact stories, and made it easy to get involved long-term. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Volunteers give more than time—they bring passion, energy, and their networks. And they’re not just helpers—they’re potential donors. Research from Fidelity Charitable found that 87% of volunteers also donate to the organizations they support. Engage them like you would a donor: personalize communication, check in, and show them their value. If you wouldn’t neglect donor engagement, you shouldn’t neglect your volunteers either.
⭐ Show them the impact, not just the to-do list
Would you rather be handed a clipboard and a vague task—or told a powerful story about why your work matters?
❌ “No one told me why we were doing this. Just sorted boxes for hours. ⭐”
✅ “They shared how my work made a difference. I left feeling like I truly contributed. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
People commit when they understand their impact. Make sure every volunteer sees how their role connects to your mission.
⭐ Appreciation should feel personal, not generic
A great restaurant doesn’t just say “thanks for coming”—they remember your name, your favorite dish, and make you feel special. Volunteer recognition should work the same way.
❌ “Got a mass email that didn’t even mention what I did. ⭐”
✅ “They personally thanked me and told me exactly how my time helped. Even got a handwritten note! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
A small, thoughtful thank you goes a long way in making volunteers feel seen and valued.
⭐ Give them reasons to come back—and bring others
Loyal customers don’t just return—they bring friends. The same goes for volunteers.
❌ “No follow-up, no next steps. I guess they don’t need me anymore? ⭐”
✅ “They invited me to get more involved and even suggested a leadership role. Can’t wait for my next shift! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐”
Show volunteers a clear path forward—whether it’s joining a committee, leading a project, or even fundraising for your cause. Engaged volunteers don’t just stick around—they recruit.
The last word: Are you earning five stars?
So… how’s your nonprofit rating? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If volunteers could leave Yelp reviews, what would they say? Would they rave about a welcoming, high-impact experience—or leave a quiet, one-star goodbye as they drift away?
The reality is, volunteers do leave reviews—not in a public forum, but in conversations with friends, on social media, and in the way they choose (or don’t choose) to stay involved. Every volunteer interaction writes part of your nonprofit’s reputation. And in an era where trust drives engagement, a five-star experience isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for growing your base of supporters.
What’s the best way to create that kind of experience? Engagement, not just coordination. Too many nonprofits treat volunteer management as a logistical function—schedules, tasks, sign-ups—when it’s actually an opportunity to build lasting relationships. Volunteers don’t just want to be used efficiently; they want to feel personally invested. The nonprofits that get this right don’t just retain volunteers—they transform them into advocates, fundraisers, and donors who deepen the mission over time.
Now, your turn—drop a review!
We’d love to hear from you. If your volunteer program had a Yelp page, what would the reviews say? Would your volunteers describe a seamless, engaging experience—or a few areas that need improvement?
Drop your best (or most honest) volunteer “review” in the comments! Let’s start a conversation about what makes an unforgettable volunteer experience.
Want to learn how to retain volunteers and turn them into long-term advocates?
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