30+ Volunteer Appreciation Ideas for Lasting Relationships

Staffing limitations and transitions are among the most significant challenges for 18% of nonprofits. It's expensive to hire new staff members and organizational leaders. Plus, getting these individuals up and running takes time, energy, and funding.

Luckily, there are options your organization can take advantage of to reduce the amount of staffing you need to complete various tasks. The best way to take the pressure off your staff is to build out a robust volunteer program.

A well-designed volunteer program isn't just one that recruits the best people, but also keeps these generous individuals involved with the mission for the long term and develops relationships with volunteers. A volunteer program can help your organization save funds on volunteer acquisition and ensure that volunteers are enjoying their commitment to your cause.

To develop relationships, you'll need to incorporate stewardship into your volunteer program, which means you need to go out of your way to show appreciation for the work your volunteers put toward your mission. That's what we'll cover in this article: volunteer appreciation gifts and ideas that you can include in your stewardship strategy:

• Why volunteer appreciation matters
• Our favorite volunteer appreciation gift
• Other volunteer appreciation gifts
• Event-based volunteer appreciation ideas
• Volunteer appreciation ideas for recognition
• Virtual volunteer appreciation ideas
• Volunteer appreciation best practices

Effective appreciation ideas do more than just thank your volunteers. They encourage supporters to come back, build dedication to your organization, and create a team environment that drives more long-term engagement. Let's dive in to see some of these effective ideas.

Why volunteer appreciation matters

Volunteers are special people. They give their time freely, often without expecting recognition or attention. They want to do good work in their communities, and typically, the work itself is reward enough. However, even the most selfless volunteer appreciates being recognized and thanked!

Showing appreciation can take various forms, such as hosting recognition events, providing small tokens of appreciation, or even offering additional training and development opportunities to help them grow both personally and professionally. Volunteer appreciation isn’t just a nice thing to do; it’s just as beneficial to your organization as it is for your volunteers.

Appreciating your volunteers goes beyond simply saying “thank you.” Providing appreciation gifts for volunteers helps you:

• Create a positive environment that fosters loyalty
• Boost morale
• Encourage your volunteers to continue their efforts

When volunteers feel valued, they’re more likely to stay committed to your nonprofit and spread the word about your mission. It also helps retain volunteers and ensures that the volunteers you already have are engaged and hard-working. In fact, organizations that invest in volunteer appreciation see retention rates of almost 90%. This also boosts both your volunteer program and your fundraising efforts, as volunteers are twice as likely to donate as non-volunteers. Passionate volunteers translate to successful fundraising events!

Is it legal to give gifts to volunteers?

You may be wondering about possible tax implications for buying gifts and gift cards for your volunteers. Maybe you’re a larger nonprofit, or you just had a major event, and you find yourself buying dozens of gift cards all at once! While you should always consult with your tax professional, you can also check out the De Minimis Fringe Benefits guidelines from the IRS. These guidelines cover small gifts for volunteers or employees that are such low value that accounting for them would be unreasonable or impractical.

Here are some examples of allowable gifts:

• Occasional snacks or meals. Providing pizza for a volunteer meeting, or coffee and donuts during a workday.
• Holiday gifts of low value. Think of small gift baskets, movie tickets, or gift cards under $25.
• Small awards or plaques. Recognizing a volunteer’s special achievement with a modest token.

Here are some examples of what to avoid if you want to keep your gifts tax-free for your volunteers:

• Cash or cash equivalents. This includes gift cards that can be used as cash (this means Visa and Mastercard prepaid cards).
• Gifts based on hours worked. This could make it look like a payment, not a gift.
• Expensive items. If the gift is substantial, it could be considered taxable income for the volunteer.

Use these tips for your organization to keep everything above board:

• Set a low dollar value. The IRS says to keep gifts under $100, but realistically $5, $10, or $25 is enough for a kind gesture.
• Document your gift policy. This helps protect your organization and provides clarity for employees managing volunteers.
• Focus on gratitude. The intent should be to show your volunteers that you see all the work they do, not to supplement their income.

Our favorite volunteer appreciation gift

One classic way to say “thank you” to your volunteers is to give them a tangible token for their time. Volunteer appreciation gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Our favorite appreciation idea is custom T-shirts.

1. T-shirts

Nothing says “thank you” like a unique article of clothing that supporters can show off to their friends and family. Show your appreciation by designing and distributing a T-shirt with your custom design on it.

Try creating a design that's specifically for your volunteers. This way, their gift will be truly unique to them, rather than the same as the design you use for T-shirt fundraisers.

Not only will these T-shirts allow you to say “thank you” to your supporters, but they also create a team mentality among volunteers and develop brand recognition within the community.

Other volunteer appreciation gifts

If you're looking for other gift ideas to show your appreciation for volunteers, we've listed some of our favorites below. Don't forget that you're not limited to one gift! You can offer several gifts throughout the year or alongside other appreciation options for a more impactful “thank you” to your volunteers.

2. Gift cards

Another volunteer appreciation gift that you may decide to distribute to say “thank you” is a gift card. Small gift cards valued around $25 may not buy anything fancy for your volunteers, but they can buy a couple of cups of coffee, tacos, or an ice cream sundae.

As a bonus, pick a time when your volunteers can get together as a part of a community event to use the gift cards. For instance, organize your volunteers to get a cup of coffee before an event begins or for ice cream after it ends.

3. Books

If you know of a book that relates to your mission, community, or history, try giving it to your volunteers as a gift. They'll have the opportunity to learn more about your mission, and you get the chance to say “thank you.” It's a win-win!

You can organize a virtual book club for your volunteers as another community-building opportunity. This strengthens the connections between your volunteers and your organization, helping build lasting relationships.

4. Goodie bags

While small volunteer appreciation gifts can mean a lot, many small gifts become one big “thank you” for your volunteers when you put them together in a goodie bag. Try branding small objects like pins, badges, T-shirts, face masks, and other items to put together in small goodie bags for your volunteers to take home.

If your nonprofit has strong corporate partnerships and sponsors events and other activities, you might ask if they'll be willing to contribute items to the goodie bag as well. This can be an additional incentive for businesses to partner with your organization and receive free marketing.

5. Breakfast

If your volunteers work in the mornings, one great way to show that you appreciate their hard work is to offer them coffee and breakfast. This strategy might become expensive if you try to do it every day for volunteers working in the office. However, it's a kind gesture for a monthly sign of appreciation or before volunteers start working at an event.

Not only does coffee and breakfast show that you care about your supporters, but it also helps them work to the best of their ability! Many of us need a caffeine kick on early mornings, and offering coffee could provide the energy your volunteers might need.

6. Flowers

A beautiful bouquet of flowers can brighten anyone’s day and show your sincere appreciation. When volunteers hit major milestones or are celebrating a birthday, send some flowers to show your gratitude. Consider selecting a mix of seasonal blooms for a vibrant and fragrant gift.

7. Framed photos

Remind your volunteers that their work is memorable with a framed photo! Create a keepsake by framing a photo of the volunteer in action and adding a personalized message or a small plaque to commemorate their hard work and dedication.

8. Baked goods

Everyone loves a nice treat for a job well done! Homemade or store-bought treats are a sweet way to say thank you. Include a variety of cookies, brownies, or pastries, and present them in a decorative box or tin to celebrate your volunteers.

9. Sports or movie tickets

Give your volunteers a day out with this volunteer appreciation idea. Offer tickets to a local sports event or movie screening as a reward for their hard work. This provides an opportunity for the volunteers to relax and enjoy themselves.

10. Candles

Candles are a simple, thoughtful appreciation gift for volunteers. Scented candles can provide a relaxing atmosphere and make for a thoughtful show of gratitude. Choose scents known for their calming properties, such as lavender or vanilla.

Event-based volunteer appreciation ideas

Often, nonprofits ask their volunteers to work at fundraising events to help the organization raise funds and build relationships in the community. Why not turn the tables? Let your volunteers be waited on at an event. The best part about this strategy is that you likely already have the software you need to make the event happen. You can use the same registration, marketing, and scheduling solutions that you use for regular events to plan it all out.

11. Luncheon or dinner

Offer a lunch or dinner event as your next volunteer appreciation idea. After all, who doesn't love free food? This type of event also provides the setting and opportunity for your volunteers to network and become more acquainted, creating an even more tight-knit community.

Be sure this event is all about your volunteers. Create short presentations that discuss the impact they've had on your mission and thank them profusely for all of their hard work. If you were to ask for funds or gifts, it would take away from the appreciation, so be sure to keep the focus on them.

12. Raffle

Another way to show your appreciation for your volunteers is to set up a “volunteer-only” raffle. Don't make them purchase tickets for it, but rather provide them with free entry. This gets them excited about the idea of winning a prize in return for their hard work. When you select a winner, be sure to recognize that person on social media, your website, and other digital platforms.

As for the raffle prize, you don't have to break the bank to provide a worthwhile prize to your winning volunteer. Write sponsorship letters asking business contacts if they'd be willing to donate a prize (or provide a discount) for the cause.

13. Bowling night

One of the many benefits of hosting a volunteer appreciation event is that it allows your volunteers to further their engagement with your nonprofit. Deeper levels of engagement lead to more motivated volunteers and an effective stewardship program. And what's more engaging than bowling?

Invite your volunteers out to a bowling alley for pizza, soda, and a night of knocking down pins. If you're not able to host this type of in-person event for your volunteers, look for virtual alternatives. Plenty of online bowling games (and other fun, virtual-friendly group activities) exist in the digital sphere that allow for a socially distant event opportunity.

14. Movie outing

Similar to a bowling night, a movie outing is an amazing opportunity for your volunteers to gather for an enjoyable evening. You might choose to host this at a local theater or as a part of a lock-in event at your organization (an effective idea for teenage volunteers).

Plus, movie outings are a volunteer appreciation idea that can be easily adjusted to be more socially distant. Try hanging a screen and renting a projector so that you can sit outside on the lawn or host a drive-in movie for your volunteers. Or, if you're looking for a digital alternative, try hosting a virtual watch party so that supporters can watch from the comfort of their own couch.

15. Holiday celebrations

There are plenty of holidays throughout the year that you and your volunteers can celebrate together. While you can celebrate large-scale holidays with them, such as St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, or Thanksgiving, you can also look for other unique holidays to celebrate, like National Spaghetti Day, National Yo-Yo Day, and Flag Day.

Create events that your volunteers can attend around exciting holidays throughout the year. These holidays can be great opportunities for volunteer appreciation and to collect donations, especially if you invite your donors to attend as well. If you do this, be sure your volunteers have free access while donors pay a small fee to enter. This keeps the attention on your volunteers.

16. Award ceremony

You can show your gratitude for your volunteers and give them a fun night out with this volunteer appreciation idea. Hold an award ceremony for your volunteers to publicly acknowledge and celebrate their achievements. Prepare certificates or trophies and invite family and friends to make the event even more meaningful.

17. Party

Want a more informal way to celebrate your volunteers? Throw a party with music, games, and refreshments to show your appreciation. Whether it’s a themed party or a casual get-together, this volunteer appreciation event idea can be a fun way for volunteers to relax and enjoy themselves.

18. Golf outing

Organize a golf outing for volunteers to enjoy a day on the greens! Golf is a fun way for volunteers to relax and chat with each other. This can be a great opportunity for volunteers to network and enjoy some friendly competition.

19. Career training/skills workshop

If you have many younger volunteers, a great way to show your appreciation is to offer workshops that help build their professional skills. Offer sessions on career development and resume building and bring in experts to provide valuable insights and help your volunteers in their professional development.

20. Leadership Q&A

Do your volunteers know who to go to if they have a concern or suggestion? This volunteer appreciation idea gives your volunteers an outlet to talk to your staff. Host a Q&A session with your nonprofit’s leaders to provide insight and answer questions. This can be a unique opportunity for volunteers to learn more about the organization’s vision and future plans while feeling more connected to its leadership.

Volunteer appreciation ideas for recognition

People love to be recognized for their work. Here are some volunteer appreciation ideas to recognize your volunteers’ efforts:

21. Thank-you note

Though it seems to be less of a thing these days, people still love getting snail mail! A personalized thank-you card can be a nice surprise for your hard-working volunteers. The winter holiday season is a good time to send a handwritten card to your volunteers, letting them know how important their efforts are in supporting the cause.

22. Volunteer of the month award

Your nonprofit can award Volunteer of the Month titles to volunteers who go above and beyond. Host a formal or informal ceremony where outstanding volunteers are publicly acknowledged for their exceptional efforts and presented with their award. You can also use those platforms to announce the winners of these awards.

23. Letter of recommendation

For many volunteers, working at a nonprofit can be a great way to build their resumes. In many cases, people who help at a nonprofit are also interested in a career in the same field. Be sure your volunteers know they can come to your organization for help with letters of recommendation.

24. Phone call

In the same spirit as thank-you cards, a personal phone call to your volunteer staff can be a great way to show them how much you appreciate their work. This doesn’t have to be a weekly or even monthly occurrence—maybe save it for after a particularly challenging fundraising event.

25. Badges or pins

Badges can help you show your appreciation for your volunteers while also helping them show off their dedication to your cause. Create badges or pins that volunteers can proudly wear to show their involvement or for major volunteer milestones. These tokens of appreciation can serve as a nice reminder of their valuable contributions.

26. Newsletter feature

Public recognition is a great way to show both your volunteers and your other supporters how important volunteer work is. For this volunteer appreciation idea, feature your volunteers in your organization’s newsletter to recognize their efforts and celebrate their contributions. You can include photos, quotes, and stories about their work to highlight their impact and inspire others to join.

27. Blog post spotlight

Your organization’s blog is a great place to recognize volunteers, especially after an event. Write a blog post showcasing the stories and contributions of your volunteers and how they’ve helped you change the world. Ask volunteers about their motivations and experiences to provide readers with a deeper understanding of their importance.

28. Appreciation playlist

A unique way to recognize your volunteers is to curate a playlist of uplifting songs and share it across social media. For this volunteer appreciation idea, all you have to do is find some tracks that are motivating and positive to show your gratitude. Creating a soundtrack that celebrates your volunteers’ dedication is a fun way to remind them how much their work means to your organization.

Virtual volunteer appreciation ideas

Whether your volunteers are in-person or remote, they all deserve to be appreciated, so it's more important than ever to find virtual alternatives for your appreciation activities. You may already offer virtual volunteering opportunities, so you can also offer virtual volunteer appreciation ideas.

29. Virtual happy hour

Your volunteers are happy to work with you, so what's more appropriate than a virtual happy hour? Gather your supporters together virtually using a video conferencing tool so that everyone can enjoy their favorite beverage together. Be sure to prepare discussion points ahead of time to keep the conversation rolling throughout the event.

As an additional idea, send kits to your volunteers with the ingredients for their favorite beverages. You'll need to ask them to share their preferences ahead of time, and you'll need a way to ensure they're of age. If you take advantage of this idea, remember to offer a non-alcoholic beverage as well!

30. Social media shoutouts

Social media provides a unique platform where your organization can give shoutouts to your volunteers. Try incorporating a “volunteer of the week” series into your social media strategy, where you post a picture of one supporter every week (with permission) and provide a personalized thank-you note.

Be sure to also consider volunteers who are already on and engaging with your social media platforms! Facebook fundraisers are the perfect example. Volunteers set up and conduct fundraiser events online through their own social accounts using Facebook, then raise money on your behalf. Be sure to also thank these volunteers and to give them a shout-out!

31. Appreciation video

Put together a video to say “thank you” to your volunteers as your next appreciation idea. A video is a great way to get creative with your team! Show clips of your volunteers hard at work and the entire team having fun. You might even end the video with a group shot of everyone in their branded T-shirts! Don't forget to set the tone of the video with upbeat music as well.

Once you've created this masterpiece, spread the word about the video by posting it on your website, sharing it on social media, and sending it through email. Get this video in front of as many people as possible to show how much you care about your volunteers. Plus, an effective appreciation video can act as a marketing tool for non-volunteers, enticing them to sign up.

32. Online training opportunities

Provide training for your volunteers and encourage their interests by setting up microlearning courses. These aren't full-fledged classes that take months and months to complete, but are digestible online opportunities that can help train both volunteers and staff to help them get a taste for new skills.

33. Feedback surveys

Volunteers have a special experience at your organization. What will keep them coming back and volunteering more is making this experience as positive as possible. You can show that you care about improving their experience by asking for feedback from volunteers and actually implementing it.

Sending surveys to learn about opportunities for improvement in your volunteer program demonstrates your appreciation of their ideas. Plus, when you implement some of their ideas to further improve your volunteer experience, you'll be able to retain more volunteers and acquire new ones.

Volunteer appreciation best practices

Here are some best practices for showing your appreciation for your volunteers:

Set aside a budget just for volunteer appreciation

A dedicated budget for things like dinners, gift cards, or T-shirts is crucial for the longevity of your volunteer appreciation effort. As you know, money ebbs and flows in the fundraising world. Don’t let a slow period undermine your efforts! Your budget doesn’t have to be huge, but it should be enough to make a consistent effort to say “thank you” to your volunteers.

Plan ahead

Make sure you give yourself and your staff enough time to plan the events you want to hold for your volunteers. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to throw something together. Your volunteers will know that you spent time and effort on the events you plan, and they will feel even more appreciated as a result. Just like setting aside money for a budget, be sure you budget the time needed for this as well.

Communicate clearly

Volunteer retention can be difficult! Mostly because once a volunteer signs up, there can be a lack of communication. Nurture a relationship with a volunteer from day one. If your volunteer is new, follow up immediately and host an orientation event. Clear, open, and frequent communication is essential for effective volunteer appreciation. Keep your volunteers informed about upcoming events, appreciation initiatives, and how their contributions are making a difference within the organization and the community at large.

At an orientation event, your organization welcomes, thanks, and guides your new supporters. It seems simple, but it really does make newcomers feel appreciated. You should place them in a role suitable for them. Every person has a set of skills they’re great at. If you place a volunteer in a cooking role when they hate cooking, they won’t be willing to come back. Show that you want to get to know them by sending a questionnaire!

Approach with kindness

A friendly and positive attitude goes a long way in making your volunteers feel appreciated. Always approach your volunteers with respect and gratitude for the work they contribute to your cause. Simple gestures like a warm greeting, a genuine smile, and a heartfelt thank you can significantly impact their overall experience. Regularly expressing your appreciation through these small but meaningful interactions creates a welcoming environment that encourages your volunteers to stay engaged and motivated.

Show your appreciation in a timely manner

Timely recognition is crucial! Be sure you’re thanking your volunteers as soon as possible after they’ve donated their time. While you’re planning your thank-yous to your donors after your latest successful fundraiser, you should be crafting notes of appreciation to your volunteers at the same time!

In conclusion

Effective volunteer appreciation ideas do more than just say “thank you.” While showing gratitude is the primary purpose of these programs, it's also an essential part of your stewardship strategy.

Everyone benefits when you can steward and retain volunteers for the long run. Your volunteers gain excellent experience, and your nonprofit gets important work done. Plus, your volunteers get to learn about your mission, and they might even be eligible for volunteer grants to add financial support to their contributions.

Build out your volunteer appreciation strategy with a few of the ideas in this article. You don't need to implement them all, but by showing your appreciation in more than one way, you'll boost your stewardship program and see all of the benefits that appreciation can bring.