Volunteers are Important Right Now. Why?

written by Meg Martin (General Manager)

Two words - Nonprofit Sustainability

Nonprofit organisations are the backbone of the Marlborough community, providing essential services and support where they're needed most. However, many nonprofits in our community are facing unprecedented challenges, particularly post-pandemic. Financial pressures, limited resources, and increased demand for services mean that nonprofits need more than just funding to stay afloat - they need the power of volunteers. Now, more than ever, volunteers play a vital role in ensuring nonprofit sustainability. Here's why...

Why Sustainability Matters in the Nonprofit World

The sustainability of our community nonprofits is about more than keeping the lights on - it's about building lasting impact and ensuring that services can be delivered not just today, but for years to come. Nonprofits are often relied upon during times of crisis, and their work is critical to the wellbeing of communities. But, with limited budgets, many nonprofits struggle to maintain operations, let alone grow their services.

This is where volunteers come in. Volunteers provide the workforce needed to help do more with less, allowing them to stretch resources further and focus on their mission. Without volunteers, many nonprofits wouldn't have the capacity to keep up with community needs and plan for the future.

The Power of Volunteers in Sustaining Nonprofits

Volunteers are the heartbeat of many nonprofits. They contribute time, skills, and passion to help nonprofits fulfil their missions. Here's how they're helping sustain Marlborough nonprofits right now:

• Filling resource gaps - many Marlborough nonprofits have small teams that are stretched thin. Volunteers bring extra hands and help fill roles that organisation simply can't afford to hire for. Whether it's assisting with admin tasks, helping at events, or lending expertise in areas like marketing or finance, volunteers help fill crucial gaps.
• Expanding reach and impact - with volunteers on board, organisations can expand their reach and serve more people in Marlborough. For example, the Marlborough Foodbank might be able to distribute more food parcels with volunteers supporting logistics and delivery. Volunteers amplify a nonprofit's ability to make a difference.
• Providing specialised skills - volunteers aren't just an extra pair of hands! They can also bring valuable expertise to the table. Many professionals, retirees, or students volunteer their specialised skills, from IT support to legal advice to graphic design. This expertise allows nonprofits to access high-quality services without the associated costs, which is vital for their sustainability.
• Creating a supportive network - volunteers often become advocates for the organisations they serve. Their passion for the cause translates into word-of-mouth promotion, community engagement, and even fundraising efforts. This network of supporters helps raise awareness, attract donations, and build a community around the organisation's work, all of which contribute to long-term sustainability.

Why Volunteers are Critical Right Now

In the wake of global challenges - economic uncertainty, pandemics, natural disasters - nonprofits have been called upon to do more than ever before. Demand for services like food assistance, mental health support, and housing aid has skyrocketed, while resources are increasingly scarce. The result? Nonprofits are at a tipping point.

Volunteers are crucial in helping nonprofits rise to these challenges. They allow organisations to continue to provide essential services even when budgets are tight. Volunteers don't just fill the gaps - they enable nonprofits to innovate, adapt, and grow. In this way, volunteers are more than just temporary helpers - they are key to long-term sustainability.

Building a Culture of Volunteerism for the Future

For organisations to thrive, they need a sustainable source of volunteer support. That means building a culture of volunteerism within the organisation and the broader community. Here's a few ways organisations can foster that culture:

• Engage volunteers in meaningful roles - when volunteers feel valued and see the direct impact of their work, they're more likely to stay committed for the long term. Providing clear roles, offering training, and showing appreciation are all key to building a strong volunteer base.
• Invest in volunteer management - while volunteers donate their time, managing them still requires resources. Investing in volunteer management tools, training, and support systems will pay off in the long run by ensuring volunteers are effectively utlised and retained.
• Communicate impact - volunteers want to know that their efforts are making a difference. Regular communication about the impact of their work, whether through stories, stats, or recognition events, helps strengthen their connection to the cause and encourages continued engagement.

Volunteers as the Future of Nonprofit Sustainability

So what have we learned? Volunteers are more than just a helping hand - they are a vital lifeline.

Their contributions allow our local organisations to continue serving their communities, even in the most challenging times. As the world changes, one thing remains constant - the incredible impact of volunteers.

For nonprofits to thrive and sustain their missions, volunteers are essential now and into the future. By engagin volunteers meaninfully and building a culture of support, organisations can ensure they remain strong, resilient, and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

So if you're looking for a way to make a difference, know that your time and skills as a volunteer are more important now than ever before. When you volunteer, you're not just helping today, you're investing in a sustainable future for the causes and communities you care about.