volunteering application letter sample pdf download

30 Printable Volunteer Application Templates (Free)

Many people readily present themselves to serve as volunteers for a worthy cause. Volunteering has a lot of benefits aside from the fact that it makes you feel good when you contribute to the society in some way. To become a potential volunteer, you need to complete a volunteer application template that contains information that shows how you can be of great help to an organization.

• 1 Volunteer Application Templates
• 2 The importance of volunteering
• 3 Volunteer Forms Templates
• 4 What to include in the volunteer application template?
• 5 Volunteer Paperworks
• 6 What do you write in a volunteer application?

Volunteer Application Templates

The importance of volunteering.

With so many responsibilities nowadays, it’s very difficult to find the time to become a volunteer. Being a volunteer has some enormous benefits. First of all, it offers you the opportunity to help those in need or pursue worthwhile causes for your community. In some ways, the benefits can be even more valuable.

Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people, learn new skills, connect with your community, and even move forward in your career . Before volunteering, you need to fill up a volunteer application template. Then you can:

• Learn specialized skills to enhance the service you offer.
• Connect with your community.
• Help you reach out to new audiences.
• Transform members of your community into followers, followers into donors, then donors into staff aligned with the culture, mission, and perspective of the organization.
• Bring to the table fresh new ideas and more energy.

When you volunteer, it’s part of your mission to share with others. Doing this protects your physical and mental health . It also combats depression, reduces stress, gives you a sense of purpose, and keeps you mentally stimulated.

The more volunteer work you do, the more benefits you experience. But volunteering need not be a long-term commitment or take a huge chunk of your day. Doing volunteer work even in the simplest ways can help people in need and, at the same time, improve your own happiness and health.

It is a misconception that volunteering will take over your entire schedule. In fact, surveys conducted have shown that just 2 to 3 days a week allow you to experience the benefits. When filling up a volunteer forms template, only give an amount of time that makes you comfortable. You must feel like you’re having fun – not just doing a chore.

Volunteer Forms Templates

What to include in the volunteer application template.

To protect both the organization and the volunteers, the first step in the recruitment process of volunteers is to complete a volunteer application template. If you choose to create your own template, include the following in your volunteer paperwork:

• Your contact information including your address, email address, and phone number.
• Your date of birth.
• The name and contact number of your emergency contact.
• Any previous experiences or volunteer experiences relevant to the position you’re applying for.
• If any, a description or statement of any criminal offense you have committed.
• The highest level of education you have achieved.
• Your physical features.
• Your limitations (like if you have any disabilities).
• The languages that you speak.
• Details about your current organization and position.
• Valid proofs of identity.
• Professional and personal references with their contact details.
• Your qualities and skills.
• The type of volunteer job you prefer and your reasons for volunteering.
• How you heard about the organization and the volunteering opportunities
• The days and hours you’re available to work.
• Your signature and the date when you wrote the application.

Volunteer Paperworks

What do you write in a volunteer application.

Those in need see volunteers as magnificent blessings who have an ardent desire to help other people. As a volunteer, you want to maintain harmony in these fast-changing times of information technology and modernization by helping those in need.

When writing down your information on a volunteer application template, you should emphasize your passion to help others. Make sure to include the following information in your form:

• Your name and contact details Your name takes the first position in the form followed by your contact details.
• Your reasons for volunteering The beginning of your letter should already express your intent. Explain why you’re interested in a volunteer position and that you’re particularly enthusiastic about the organization. You can briefly mention how the organization is the perfect match for your skills or vice versa. Make sure that your opening statement attracts the attention of the reader. Honestly choose your most sincere reason for wanting to join. The chances of getting selected can increase when you give a sincere reason.
• Your qualifications In continuing your application for a volunteer position, make sure to highlight your skills and talents. Remember that many organizations receive countless volunteer applications. Managing such numbers sometimes becomes a problem. If you can demonstrate that your special skills can transform the organization, it will be more likely that you will get the position. The needed qualifications that you state in your application mean that you have a certain degree of knowledge for the position. Any experience, especially those that are significantly relevant to the position can create a positive effect on your volunteer profile template.
• An expression of your passion Before applying for a volunteer job in an organization, it is essential to learn as much as possible about it. You can impress a volunteer coordinator by showing more than just shallow knowledge about the organization and what it does. If you cannot obtain information first-hand, the next best thing to learn more is by talking to someone who has volunteered in the past. You can sway the decision-maker more if you can show a genuine passion for the organization.
• Emphasize that you’re an excellent match for the job Before you reach the ending of your application, make one last push by associating your special skills to the organization’s needs. Qualities like a strong work ethic, self-confidence, and valuable skills make you stand out from others. This means that you will tie your knowledge of the organization with the qualities that you offer as a volunteer.
• A formal closing Although it’s recommended that the closing of your application requesting a volunteer position should be short, it should also be memorable. You can highlight your interest again then add a note of support to the organization’s goals. Even if you were not chosen for the position immediately, your application will get filed for the future when another opportunity becomes available.

Related Posts

34 useful study guide templates [word, pdf], 27 best children’s book templates (& layouts), 16 funny & cute cuddle buddy application.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Privacy preference center

We care about your privacy

When you visit our website, we will use cookies to make sure you enjoy your stay. We respect your privacy and we’ll never share your resumes and cover letters with recruiters or job sites. On the other hand, we’re using several third party tools to help us run our website with all its functionality.

But what exactly are cookies? Cookies are small bits of information which get stored on your computer. This information usually isn’t enough to directly identify you, but it allows us to deliver a page tailored to your particular needs and preferences.

Because we really care about your right to privacy, we give you a lot of control over which cookies we use in your sessions. Click on the different category headings on the left to find out more, and change our default settings.

However, remember that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of our website. Finally, note that we’ll need to use a cookie to remember your cookie preferences.

Without these cookies our website wouldn’t function and they cannot be switched off. We need them to provide services that you’ve asked for.

Want an example? We use these cookies when you sign in to Kickresume. We also use them to remember things you’ve already done, like text you’ve entered into a registration form so it’ll be there when you go back to the page in the same session.

Thanks to these cookies, we can count visits and traffic sources to our pages. This allows us to measure and improve the performance of our website and provide you with content you’ll find interesting.

Performance cookies let us see which pages are the most and least popular, and how you and other visitors move around the site.

All information these cookies collect is aggregated (it’s a statistic) and therefore completely anonymous. If you don’t let us use these cookies, you’ll leave us in the dark a bit, as we won’t be able to give you the content you may like.

We use these cookies to uniquely identify your browser and internet device. Thanks to them, we and our partners can build a profile of your interests, and target you with discounts to our service and specialized content.

On the other hand, these cookies allow some companies target you with advertising on other sites. This is to provide you with advertising that you might find interesting, rather than with a series of irrelevant ads you don’t care about.

Volunteering Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Writing a volunteering cover letter may seem daunting at first, but with our straightforward guide, it becomes a manageable task.

Brimming with actionable tips, real-world examples, and insightful advice, we'll help you navigate this important aspect of your volunteering journey. Let's together turn your passion for service into a compelling narrative.

Keep reading to learn about:

• Crafting your volunteering cover letter header and headline
• Tailoring the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter
• Creating a compelling cover letter introduction as a volunteer
• Showing off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer
• Persuading a volunteer organizer to contact you with your conclusion
• Accessing useful job search resources for volunteers

1. How to write an effective volunteering cover letter header and headline

A cover letter header and headline refer to the first two elements found at the top of the page.

These elements serve two key purposes — they give your cover letter much-needed visual structure and they provide the volunteer organizer with the necessary introductory information about who you are and why you have written this cover letter.

Your cover letter header always comes first, placed in either the top left or top center of the page. In this header, a volunteer organizer should find:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company or organization where you wish to volunteer

Here's an example of a well-formatted volunteer cover letter header

Madison Jones , Animal Care Volunteer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/madison-jones

To: McKendall Animal Center 1234 Street Address Salem, MA 97301

Next, you will write your cover letter headline.

When applying for a paid position, this headline is used to convince the employer you have the top qualifications needed for the job. For a volunteer cover letter, comparatively, your headline should convey your passion for and commitment to the position.

To write a cover letter headline, include:

• A relevant keyword (such as the specific type of volunteering you will be doing)
• A number or trigger word that conveys a qualification
• An adjective and/or verb that conveys your dedication
• A personalized statement that shows this is an exclusively written cover letter

Here's an example of a great volunteer cover letter headline

My Top 3 Reasons for Volunteering in Animal Care & How It Will Benefit Your Shelter

Trigger word/Number: 3 Reasons Keyword: Volunteering in Animal Care Adjective/Verb: Top, Benefit Personalized statement: Your Shelter

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. how to tailor the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter.

When writing a volunteering cover letter, your primary goal is to convey why you want to volunteer at the specific company or organization you are applying to.

To do this, it's essential to personalize not just your headline but also the content and greeting of your cover letter . Personalizing a cover letter means you must read up on the company or organization before applying, looking for key information about their values, goals, and needs.

As well as including this information throughout the body text of your cover letter, you should also use it to create a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name, such as the volunteer organizer.

Here are 3 examples of personalized volunteer cover letter greetings

Dear Head Volunteer Joe Smith,

• Dear Volunteer Organizer Joe Smith,
• Dear Mr. Joe Smith,

3. How to create an eye-catching cover letter introduction as a volunteer

When writing a volunteer cover letter, you will have many opportunities to explain your passion for acts of service and the skills that make you a great volunteer.

However, in your introduction, you should place special focus on your top qualifications and years of experience . This can also include any specialized areas of expertise you possess, which can be especially important if you are applying for a volunteer role that requires a specific skill set, such as child care.

Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a volunteer cover letter

I am a highly experienced volunteer with specialized experience working with homeless and mentally disabled youth. With more than 8 years of experience working in community youth centers, I bring the skills, compassion, and commitment your organization needs to continue supporting kids of all backgrounds in the local community. My employer, Ms. Harriet Leonard, is a current volunteer with your organization and strongly recommended I apply for this position.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to show off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer

Working as a volunteer can require a diverse skillset that allows you to communicate effectively and work well within a team.

As you describe your skills, accomplishments, and various qualifications as a volunteer, it is crucial to make sure all the details you include are highly relevant, specific to the role, and quantifiable (whenever possible). This will help you to show the volunteer organizer your commitment to the role, as well as the key reasons why you are a great fit for the position.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a volunteer cover letter

• Communication (describe your specific communication style)
• Problem-solving
• Leadership (describe your specific leadership style)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Time management

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a volunteer cover letter

As a volunteer for the American Red Cross, I helped to organize the nurse workstations and keep them well-stocked with supplies. After working diligently over 48 hours to design the optimal donation set-up, my team and I were able to boost the efficiency of donations, resulting in 25% more donations per day of the blood drive.

5. How to craft a persuasive volunteer cover letter conclusion

The final act of your cover letter writing process is to write a persuasive conclusion that lets the volunteer organizer know how to best contact you.

Make sure to not only reiterate your contact information but to also provide the best times and days on which you can be reached.

Additionally, always include a formal sign-off to show the proper respect and appreciation to the person reading your cover letter.

Here is an example of a persuasive volunteer cover letter

I am deeply appreciative to your team for taking the time to review my application and hope to join the ranks of your fantastic volunteer organization soon. You may reach me any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (123) 456-7890, or on weekends at [email protected]. I hope to hear from you by next Wednesday and plan to follow up that afternoon if I have yet to hear back.

Yours in Service,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

6. Useful job search resources for volunteers

Navigating the vast sea of volunteering opportunities becomes easier with the right online platforms. Here are a few key websites to kick start your search:

• Idealist : A global site known for its extensive list of volunteer opportunities across various causes.
• VolunteerMatch : This platform bridges the gap between willing volunteers and non-profit organizations that need help. Their robust filtering system makes searching for the right opportunity a breeze.
• HandsOn Network : Associated with Points of Light, it offers volunteering opportunities in multiple countries, making it an excellent resource for those looking abroad.
• All for Good :  Powered by Points of Light, it allows you to customize your search based on your interests and location.
• DoSomething : A platform particularly appealing to young volunteers, offering a range of different causes to support.
• Catchafire : This resource is perfect for professionals who want to offer their skills for pro-bono work.

Don't forget the power of local resources, too - local community centers, places of worship, or even your nearest non-profit organizations might have volunteering opportunities accessible right in your backyard.

Volunteering Cover Letter FAQ

Should my volunteering cover letter be as formal as a job application cover letter.

Yes, it's best to maintain a professional tone in your volunteering cover letter. However, it's also important to let your passion and dedication shine through, as these qualities are especially valued in volunteer work.

I don't have much experience. Can I still make a strong volunteering cover letter?

Absolutely! Focus on the skills you do have and how they relate to the volunteer position. Be sure to emphasize your willingness to learn.

What should I do if there's a gap in my resume that I'm filling with volunteer work?

Explicitly mention this in your cover letter. It shows proactiveness to gain and utilize skills, even when you're not employed.

I want to volunteer in a field totally different from my professional background. How should I handle this in my cover letter?

Highlight the transferable skills between your past experiences and the volunteer opportunity. Also, emphasize your interest in the field you're volunteering in and why it matters to you.

Should I follow up with the organization after submitting my cover letter and application?

A polite follow-up email or call can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment. However, remember to respect the organization's process and give them ample time to respond before reaching out.

Julia Belak

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

Subcategories

• Community Volunteer
• Refugee Volunteer

All volunteering cover letter examples

Related volunteering resume examples

Let your resume do the work.

Join 5,000,000 job seekers worldwide and get hired faster with your best resume yet.

Writing Effective Volunteer Cover Letters (With Sample)

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of volunteers. If you'd like to donate your time and talents to a cause you believe in, consider sending a letter requesting to serve as a volunteer. Cover letters for volunteer roles are similar to job application cover letters, with a few adjustments. Use the sample volunteer application letter provided here as a starting point to craft an effective letter of your own.

Sample Volunteer Cover Letter Template

To access the volunteer application letter template, simply click the image below. The letter will open as a PDF file in a separate tab or window (depending on your computer's settings). Use this guide to printables if you need help with the document. Click anywhere in the document to change the text to meet your needs. Once you have made changes, save and/or print the document.

• Free Sample Letters to Make Asking for Donations Easy
• What to Say in Funeral Thank You Notes: Examples, Tips, and Etiquette
• Student Council Speech Ideas & Tips to Help You Win

You may also want to view a few other cover letter examples before finalizing your volunteer opportunity request letter.

Best Practices for Volunteer Application Letters

Make your letter stand out by following best practices for writing a great cover letter. Key tips for writing this type of business letter include:

• Address the letter to a specific contact person rather than a general "to whom it may concern" greeting. (Call the organization and ask who the contact should be.)
• Use a standard business letter format.
• Ensure the tone of the letter is appropriate for professional communication.
• Make it clear that you are requesting volunteer work, not applying for a paid position.
• Explain why you're interested in volunteering with this particular organization.
• State what kind of volunteer work you would like to do for the group.
• Highlight what qualifies you to do this kind of work.
• Including your resume or a list of skills to emphasize your qualifications.
• Ask how to proceed with your efforts to become a volunteer.
• Include your telephone number and email address.
• End the letter with an appropriate business letter closing .
• Proofread closely, ensuring the letter is well-written and free from grammatical errors.
• Keep track of the volunteer application letters you send and follow-up with a phone call or email within a few weeks if you don't get a response.

Sending a Letter Requesting Volunteer Work

You can submit a printed volunteer cover letter via mail or hand-deliver it to the organization's office. You can also email your cover letter if you have the contact person's email address, which may be availalbe on the organization's website. If using email, you can send the PDF as an attachment or copy the text into the body of an email. Some organizations have electronic communication policies prohibiting workers from opening attachments sent by unknown sources, so it's possible that the recipient is more likely to read your message without at attachment. Be sure to use a subject line indicating that the message contains a volunteer opportunity request.

• Resume Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Resume Examples Nurse Student Internship Teacher Accountant View all
• Resume Builder
• Cover Letter Templates Simple Professional Modern Creative View all
• Cover Letter Examples Nursing Administrative Assistant Internship Graduate Teacher View all
• Cover Letter Builder

Volunteer cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter body, how to close a volunteer cover letter (conclusion & sign-off).

What’s the difference between a successful job application for a volunteer and someone pursuing a paid position? Actually, there isn’t much at all — an answer you may find surprising. With so many volunteer positions based on heart and passion for the role, an exceptional volunteer cover letter can give you an advantage over other applicants who haven’t included one. 

No matter what form of volunteering you’ve decided to pursue, we’re here to help you create an interview-winning cover letter. With 300+ writing guides and occupation-specific cover letter examples, Resume.io is a resource for candidates in all fields and at all experience levels. This writing guide, backed by volunteering cover letter example, will cover these topics:

• The best format for structuring a cover letter
• How each cover letter section conveys you’re an ideal volunteer job fit: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Writing psychology to persuade recruiters that you’re a lucky find for the volunteer workforce
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

The job market for volunteers is recession-proof and guaranteed to never dry up for any reason, anywhere on the planet. Consider these facts posted by TRVST , an organization championing global change-making initiatives. 

• The number of volunteers worldwide — over 1 billion — exceeds the number of unemployed people in six out of 10 of the most populous countries.
• The efforts of volunteers worldwide are equal to 109 million full-time workers.
• Approximately 25% of the U.S. adult population are volunteers, declining from 28% between 2003 and 2005.

Best format for a volunteer cover letter

Your volunteer cover letter should be structured exactly the same way as it would be for a paid job opportunity in the same field. These are the sections to include:

• Cover letter closing.

The overall guidelines for reader-friendliness are also the same. 

• Keep it short — no more than a single page, and 400 words maximum.
• Make it eye-pleasing in a professionally polished sense — clean and streamlined, with ample white space.
• Readability takes precedence when choosing fonts and non-distracting design elements.

Here is an adaptable volunteer cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization:

Dear Mr. Sonnenheim, | am writing as an aspiring soccer coach to see whether there is an opportunity to volunteer at the Boston Cubs? Having played soccer since I was 13, I had to curtail my playing career last year due to injury and would love to give back to the game during my sports science degree. I have no formal coaching experience; but would be keen to take on my first coaching qualifications alongside the volunteer work. A friend of mine helped out last year and he said that you are open to such arrangements. I have worked with the 11-16 age group previously at summer camps and I enjoy helping kids make the most of their potential and love watching them challenge themselves. I have a solid understanding of the tactics of soccer, but realize that much of the initial work will be organizational and logistical. I am a qualified minivan driver and was a treasurer for my college theater group, so hopefully I have other skills that may come in useful for the club. Due to my previous work with schoolchildren, I have all recent background checks and can share 35+ positive references from parents and participants. I live ten minutes walk away from your training ground and have watched the kids play every now and again on my weekend strolls. They all seem to have so much fun and I would love to be a part of that journey for them. I would relish the opportunity to come along and discuss what else I might be able to contribute to the Cubs. Sincerely, Bridgette Cole

The header lends off-the-top importance to your volunteer cover letter’s overall goal — to attract favorable attention leading to a job interview. It serves two key purposes:

• Readily identifies who you are and how the recruiter can contact you for an interview.
• Visually sets your volunteer application apart from countless others that may be overwhelming busy recruiters.

A matching pair Recruiters in a volunteer-dependent organization may sometimes be stretched to their multi-tasking limit, and perhaps frazzled when poring over job applications. A visually matched resume and cover letter pair can be a sight for sore eyes. 

The small bit of extra effort it takes to make these documents look like they belong together could ensure both get more than a passing glance.

Goal of the cover letter header: Set yourself apart from possibly hundreds of other volunteer job applicants with a visually distinctive identifier and contact information.

Volunteer job applicants may have an advantage when it comes to knowing who their cover letter greeting should address. They’ve likely shown initiative in exploring opportunities of interest and determined the requirements to apply, including recruiter contact information. Or, they may already have firsthand knowledge and connections without having to do research.

In any case, do address your cover letter to someone by name if possible. The positive psychological impact is well established. Otherwise, there’s no need to overthink the salutation: “Dear <Mr.> or <Ms.> Surname” is never outdated. Sometimes, the less formal “Hello,” “Greetings” or “Hi” is fine instead of “Dear.” Only use a first name greeting if you know the recipient personally. 

If you are unable to find out the recipient’s name, fashion a warmer alternative to “To Whom It May Concern.” Try “Dear <Organization Name> Volunteer Hiring Team” or something similar.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the person responsible for recruiting volunteers in a warm but professional manner.

Dear Mr. Sonnenheim,

Your volunteer cover letter introduction is pivotal to forming a connection with the reader. It’s where your passion, personality and purpose start shining through.   Volunteer recruiters will naturally expect you to start highlighting your most relevant strengths and background experience right away. And you absolutely should — especially emphasizing your people skills up front. But the biggest wow factor comes from revealing your “why.” Why do you care about this organization or charitable cause? What’s driving your desire to give? If there’s a personal, close-to-home reason, share that. This motivational insight should answer the recruiter’s foremost “how” question: How will your volunteer efforts help us if we give you this opportunity?

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Appeal to the specific needs of the organization or cause by conveying how your volunteering efforts will be of benefit.

Here’s an introduction idea from our volunteer letter sample:

I am writing as an aspiring soccer coach to see whether there is an opportunity to volunteer at Boston Cubs? I had played soccer since I was 13, but had to curtail my playing career last year due to injury and would love to give back to the game during my sports science degree.

Again, the same advice for writing the middle section (known as the body) of any job search cover letter applies when you are seeking a volunteer role. Focus on what the volunteer job requirements are and why your background is a good fit. 

Whether your previous experience has been professional or in other volunteer capacities is less important than its relevance to this particular volunteer job. Elaborate on achievements and the transferable skills brought to bear — especially soft skills. Cite relatable facts and figures such as target-beating fundraising totals or special event attendance. And by all means, share an anecdote or two that the reader can relate to on a personal level.

Goal of the cover letter body: Instill confidence in your sense of dedication and desire to contribute as a volunteer, based on relevant background experience.

This volunteer cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

I have no formal coaching experience; but would be keen to take on my first coaching qualifications alongside the volunteer work. A friend of mine helped out last year and he said that you are open to such arrangements. I have worked with the 11-16 age group previously at summer camps and I enjoy helping kids make the most of their potential and love watching them challenge themselves. I have a solid understanding of the tactics of soccer, but realize that much of the initial work will be organizational and logistical. I am a qualified minivan driver and was a treasurer for my college theater group, so hopefully I have other skills that may come in useful for the club. Due to my previous work with schoolchildren, I have all recent background checks and can share 35+ positive references from parents and participants. I live ten minutes walk away from your training ground and have watched the kids play every now and again on my weekend strolls. They all seem to have so much fun and I would love to be a part of that journey for them.

Like any cover letter, yours should end with a note of thanks for the recruiter’s interest and a concluding remark about your potential assets as a hired volunteer. Sound optimistic with the hope of hearing back soon; perhaps take that call to action a step further by asking if an interview can be arranged.  In addition, be sure to stipulate when you are available to volunteer and how much time you can commit. Specify the best way to reach you by repeating the phone number or email address shown in the header.

Finally, simply sign off with “Sincerely,” Best regards,” or “Best,” above your name. 

Aim of the cover letter closing: End with an upbeat call to action, ideally resulting in an interview, along with information about your volunteer availability.

Below is the closing section of our volunteer letter example.

I would relish the opportunity to come along and discuss what else I might be able to contribute to the Cubs. Sincerely, Bridgette Cole

Writing psychology

Reversing the roles is actually a useful way to look at the persuasive goal of any cover letter, whether you are applying for a paid position or a volunteer job. Put yourself behind the recruiter’s desk. Imagine routinely receiving dozens of submissions every week from volunteer hopefuls, compared with a salaried job vacancy generating a finite number of applications within a closed timeframe. 

Consider the added burden of proof that a volunteer cover letter carries when it comes to motivations compelling enough for the reader to pay serious attention. And never assume that qualified willing volunteers are in such short supply that organizations, out of desperation, will take anyone who steps forward. 

It goes without saying that most volunteer applications are “voluntary,” so recruiters are curious about the underlying reasons — typically to gain work experience, develop skills or give back to the community. Besides wanting to know your volunteer goals and whether the position is a good mutual fit, the cover letter reader needs a good sense of your potential value to the team and how long your commitment will last.

If your volunteer job application is not actually “voluntary” — that is, it’s a requirement for school, work or some other purpose — consider ways to reframe this information in your cover letter without being deceptive. Try to avoid casting doubt about whether your interest in the opportunity and desire to help are genuine. 

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

Avoiding the most common cover letter pitfalls will ensure your volunteer appeal hits the mark. 

• A generic cover letter is like pretending you can clone yourself for multiple volunteer stints simultaneously.
• A “what’s in it for me” focus will turn off recruiters interested in how your volunteer contributions will help their organization or cause.
• Meaningless clichés and redundant word bloat waste valuable page space and the reader’s precious time.
• Without insights to your personality, passion and purpose, recruiters have no sense of what drives your giving intentions or how well you get along with others.
• Typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical goofs are a warning that your involvement might cause more work for others — fellow volunteers and paid staff alike.
• Design and formatting flaws can be perceived as a disregard for the organization’s identity, image and values, but a cover letter template can help you avoid these mistakes.

Key takeaways for a volunteer cover letter

• Despite the absence of financial compensation for volunteer work, the job application approach is remarkably similar, including the importance of an outstanding cover letter.
• Infinitely available volunteer opportunities allow for mutually ideal matches to be made, so each volunteer cover letter calls for a customized approach.
• Cover letters are designed to reflect your personality and purpose to a greater extent than resumes allow, which volunteer recruiters are keenly interested in.
• A visually attractive and error-proof cover letter speaks to your professionalism, work ethic and attention to detail. See how this is done in our volunteer cover letter sample.

For more inspiration, check out our other related resume examples:

• Support worker cover letter sample
• Social worker cover letter sample
• Youth worker cover letter example
• Career change cover letter sample
• Non-profit cover letter example

Free professionally designed templates

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position

Mary McLain / The Balance

• Cover Letters
• Skills & Keywords
• Salary & Benefits
• Letters & Emails
• Job Listings
• Job Interviews
• Career Advice
• Work-From-Home Jobs
• Internships

Tips for Writing a Cover Letter to Volunteer

What to include in a motivation letter for volunteering, how to send an email cover letter.

When applying for any professional position, it is good form to include a cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight some of your most relevant qualifications and experiences, enhance your resume, and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

This is true for volunteer positions as well as for paid ones. Your motivation letter for volunteering is an opportunity to share your interest in an organization and explain why you'd like to volunteer with the group.

Here's advice on what to include in a cover letter for volunteering, an example, a template to download, and tips for emailing your letter.

There are many reasons why you may be considering applying for a volunteer position. Perhaps you are hoping to volunteer as a way of exploring a possible career field. Or, you may feel passionate about a cause and wish to help “make a difference.”

It may be that volunteering is a required component of a school, church, or club program.

Whatever your reason, a strong cover letter will help you to gain positive attention and—hopefully—to garner a personal interview for the volunteer role you are interested in.

Include Relevant Experience

When you’re writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, whenever possible, you should try to call on your experience that is most relevant to the volunteer role. Give some thought to what you believe will be your responsibilities as a volunteer, and then write a list of your experiences that have prepared you to assume these particular tasks.

Show How You're a Fit

The relevancy of your background experience is more important than whether it was voluntary, paid, or recreational. If you don’t have relevant experience, then do your best to connect your professional, academic, extracurricular, and/or personal history to the position, explaining why you think you are a great fit for the organization and how your skill set will enable you to become a strong contributor to their mission.

Explain Why You Want to Volunteer

You should also provide some reasoning as to why you are applying to volunteer. After all, in most cases, volunteering is completely “voluntary,” so the organization will want to know what’s motivating your application. 

If you aren’t applying on your own volition—if it is part of some requirement for school, work, or something else—then it’s best not to mention anything that would cause the organization to doubt your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Include Your Contact Information

Finally, you should end your letter with a brief description of your availability, along with the best way to contact you.

You can use this cover letter sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Here's an example of a cover letter written for a volunteer position.

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position (Text Version)

Brady Applicant

123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 brady.applicant@email.com

May 4, 2021

Jackson Lee Director Greenleaf Child Center 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in an opportunity to volunteer with the Greenleaf Child Center. I have significant experience working with children and would like to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.

I volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Champlain School and enjoyed being able to help kindergarteners learn during their first experience in a classroom. In this position, I assisted with classroom projects, provided one-on-one literacy tutoring to the children, and chaperoned field trips. I also contributed additional time, outside of my set hours, to stay after school and assist with extracurricular activities.

For the past several winters, I volunteered with children on the slopes of a local ski resort, assisting coaches with teaching basic skiing to toddlers and elementary school-age children.

If the Greenleaf Center has a need for a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist. I believe it would be an excellent opportunity to develop my interest in early childhood education, a field I wish to study and pursue professionally in the future.

My schedule is flexible, and I am available to volunteer both evening and weekend hours, as well as during the day. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or cell phone.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss any potential opportunities at the Greenleaf Child Center.

Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Brady Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the reason you're writing in the subject line of the email message:

Subject:  Volunteer Position - Brady Applicant

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer's contact information. Start your email message with the salutation.

Here's how to format an email cover letter and more details on sending an email cover letter.

• Finance Internship Cover Letter Example
• Sample Job Cover Letter for a College Summer Assistant Job
• Cover Letter Example For a Museum Job
• Entry-Level Finance Cover Letter and Resume Samples
• Sample Cover Letter for an Entry-Level Position
• Customer Service Cover Letter Samples and Writing Tips
• Research Technician Cover Letter Examples
• Cover Letter and Resume for a Summer Cashier
• Receptionist Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips
• Sample Emails, Letters, and Tips to Request a Meeting
• Sample Cover Letter and Resume for a Recruiting Manager
• Web Content Cover Letter Example
• Technical Support and Help Desk Cover Letter Example
• Social Worker Cover Letter and Resume Sample
• Athletic Director Cover Letter and Resume Examples
• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Samples

• CV Templates
• Cover Letter Samples
• Aptitude Tests
• Interview Questions

Volunteer Cover Letter Samples

Volunteers are individuals who freely offer their time, labor, and expertise to NGOs, Schools etc where they typically receive training and report to designated senior staff.

Are you looking to make a difference in the world? Volunteering is a great way to contribute to causes you care about while gaining valuable experience. But before you can start making an impact, you need to land a volunteer position. A well-crafted cover letter can help you stand out from the crowd and showcase your passion and skills.

In this article, we will provide you with two sample cover letters for an entry-level volunteer and an experienced volunteer.

Writing a good Volunteer cover letter can make the difference between being invited for a job interview and having your application ignored by a recruiter.

The following Volunteer cover letter samples will help you write a compelling cover letter that best highlights your experience, skills and qualifications. The cover letter samples can be edited to suit any Volunteer with or without experience.

Volunteer Cover Letter Example (No experience)

This Volunteer cover letter sample is well-suited for applicants seeking entry-level positions with little or no job experience.

[Your Name],

[Your Address],

[Your City, Your State].

[Your Phone Number]

[Your Email]

[Current Date]

[Recipient's Name],

[Recipient's Job Title],

[Company Name],

[Company Address].

Dear [Organization's Name],

I am writing to express my interest in the volunteer position at [Organization's Name]. As a recent graduate with a strong passion for [cause or field], I am eager to contribute my time and skills to make a positive impact in the community.

During my studies in [relevant field], I developed a solid understanding of [relevant skills or knowledge]. I am confident that these skills, combined with my dedication and enthusiasm, would make me a valuable asset to your organization.

I have always been passionate about giving back to the community and have actively volunteered with [previous volunteer experiences]. These experiences have not only allowed me to develop strong communication and teamwork skills but have also reinforced my commitment to making a difference.

I am particularly drawn to [Organization's Name] because of its outstanding reputation and the meaningful work it does in [specific cause or field]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your mission and learn from the dedicated team of volunteers and professionals.

Thank you for considering my application. I would welcome the chance to discuss how my skills and passion align with [Organization's Name]'s goals. I have attached my resume for your review. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your organization as a volunteer.

[Your Name]

Yours sincerely,

[ Your Signature ]

Cover Letter tip

Always endeavour to find out the hiring manager's full name. Look them up on LinkedIn, consult the company website or give the company a call to find out. If you're unable to figure out their name, you can omit it from the recipient's section, while using preferred alternatives like: "Dear Hiring Manager:", "Dear Director of Human Resources:" or less frequently: "Dear Sir/Madam:" in the Salutation.

Learn more about how to write a cover letter in a more detailed guide.

Volunteer Cover Letter Example (With experience)

This Volunteer cover letter sample is highly suitable for applicants with job experience, as it allows them to effectively showcase their skills and accomplishments in a professional manner.

I am writing to apply for the volunteer position at [Organization's Name]. With [number of years] of experience in volunteering and a deep commitment to [cause or field], I am confident in my ability to make a significant impact as a volunteer at your organization.

Throughout my volunteer journey, I have had the privilege of working with various organizations, including [previous volunteer experiences]. These experiences have allowed me to develop a diverse skill set, including [relevant skills or knowledge]. I have successfully [mention specific achievements or projects] and have consistently demonstrated my dedication and passion for making a difference.

Having closely followed [Organization's Name]'s work, I am impressed by the impactful initiatives and the positive change you bring to [specific cause or field]. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute my expertise and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share the same passion for [cause or field].

I believe that my experience, combined with my strong organizational and leadership skills, would make me a valuable addition to your volunteer team. I am confident in my ability to contribute to [Organization's Name]'s mission and help drive its success.

Thank you for considering my application. I have attached my resume for your review. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience align with [Organization's Name]'s goals. I look forward to the possibility of contributing to your organization as a volunteer.

There's no one-size-fits-all cover letter. Every cover letter should be tailored to the requirements of a particular job. Therefore, resist the temptation of using these samples word-for-word in your job applications. They're only intended to serve as a guide for writing compelling cover letters.

Since each job comes with its unique responsibilities and requirements, it's important to customize your cover letter to align with the specific skills and expertise demanded by the position you are applying for, highlighting why you are a strong match for the job requirements.

View all Cover letter Samples

Volunteer CV

Volunteer Interview questions

Volunteer Salary in Nigeria

Volunteer Job description

Volunteer Jobs in Nigeria

PDFelement: PDF Editor, Scanner

Edit, Convert, Annotate PDF

• PDFelement for Windows
• PDFelement for Mac
• PDFelement on Mac App Store
• PDF Reader for Windows
• PDFelement for iPhone/iPad
• Get from App Store
• PDFelement for Android
• Get from App Google Play
• PDF Scanner for iPhone

Cloud & SDK

• PDFelement Cloud
• PDFelement Pro DC
• PDFelement SDK

Online PDF Tools

• PDF to Word
• Compress PDF
• Word to PDF

Educational Users

• Annotate PDF
• Combine PDF

Personal Users

• Convert PDF
• Organize PDF

Professional Users

• eSign PDFs Legally
• Extract Data from PDF
• Password Protect PDF

PDF Solutions for

• Chat with PDF
• AI PDF Summarizer
• AI PDF Translator
• AI Grammar Checker
• AI Content Detector
• AI Rewrite PDF
• Explain PDF with AI
• Add Bookmarks to PDF
• Explain PDF
• Mac Software
• OCR PDF Tips
• Online PDF Tips
• Edit PDF like Word
• PDF Converter Tips
• PDF Compressor Tips

Why PDFelement

• Customer Stories
• PDF Software Comparison
• Contact Support
• PDFelement for iOS
• InstaScan for iPhone

Explore More

• Upgrade Get the best price to upgrade to the latest PDFelement 11.
• Reviews See what our users say.
• Free PDF Templates Edit, print, and customize free templates.
• PDF Knowledge PDF-related information you need.
• Download Center Download the most powerful and simple PDF tools.
• Download Download Pricing Pricing

Volunteer Cover Letter Sample

To be seen and get the open volunteer position, a volunteer cover letter is a wonderful way of getting ahead of every other applicant. Through volunteer position cover letter and sample you can be sure of getting all the details and needed information right. The following cover letter volunteer position example and tips will help you get started right away.

• # Volunteer Cover Letter Template
• # Volunteer Cover Letter Sample
• # Tips for Writing Volunteer Cover Letter
• # How to Edit Volunteer Cover Letter Template

Volunteer Cover Letter Template

This is a free cover letter template for volunteer position. Free Download and customize it according to the sample text below.

Supported formats

Volunteer cover letter sample (text).

Mary Marple Jacksonville, CA 53271 Phone: 555-098-8921 Email: [email protected] July 22, 2018 Mr. Tom Knitts Chief Recruiter County Victims Affairs 21 Jamestreet Ave. Jacksonville, CA 53271

Re: Volunteer Position

Dear Mr. Knitts,

I read in the County website about your search for volunteers in the County Victims Affairs Department. I have been a social worker for over 25 years and an accomplished victim counselor and advocate. I have 10 years' experience as a part-time counselor with the Jameson Police Authorities helping rape and domestic victims in diverse ways.

For the last five years I have worked as victim advocate with the Jameson Police Authorities where I have worked with violent homicide affected families. My tasks included offering grief counseling, trauma help and kept contact out of my own volition of every person the Authorities referred my way. I seek to give help to individuals and families to surmount their worst nightmares and challenges at their most hour of need. I had to retire for a while to take care of my ill husband and had ample time volunteering at the Jackson Senior Care Center and the Hulbrest Hospital offering counseling to all types of people on enhancing their lives, finances, health and surmounting terrible moments in their history.

With my husband well again I am ready to continue helping clients who need counseling to broaden my volunteer and care giving range. I now understand my purpose and main desire is helping other people in diverse ways and volunteering with the County Victims Affairs department even at the slightest will be a dream come true. Attached is my resume and can't wait for your call or email to discuss about your needs and the position.

Sincerely, Mary Marple Phone: 555-098-8921 Email: [email protected]

Tips for Writing a Volunteer Cover Letter

• Regurgitate not the resume: Once you're through with the resume ensure the volunteer cover letter isn't a regurgitation of the resume or CV. The cover letter is a perfect chance of adding those highly impactful and striking details that couldn't be added in the resume. Expand the resume bullet points by showing how the facts about you meet the needs of your potential employer.
• Make it about the company/potential employer: Avoid the mistake of many who only write about how the open position will be great for them and meet the criteria of their resume. It makes the volunteer cover letter all about themselves, facts recruiters will see and feel immediately and give it a wide berth. Make volunteer position cover letter all about the company and how your skills will transform it by using the job description to answer to what they're looking for. It's all about what you're bringing on the table not what the company means to you.
• Skills need to be showcased in cover letter for a volunteer position: A volunteer opportunity might be exactly what you've been looking for and great for you but your past experience could be either lacking or unrelated. In such a scenario do focus on the skills you have relating it to the open position.
• Volunteer cover letter example and templates: Getting the cover letter from the word go is critical. All the required details and information need to be added. Using a sample cover letter for a volunteer position actually helps you capture all these right from the beginning. Customize it to meet the needs of the open volunteer job and make it as striking as you can.
• Be truthful: Be truthful throughout the cover letter for a volunteer position and avoid the lure of using false information to score quick points to be called for a future interview.
• Don't apologize for skills not gained yet: Particularly for fresh graduates, the temptation to mention a lack of critical skills can be overwhelming. Avoid apologizing for skills and experience you don't have yet and focus on what you indeed have in the volunteer cover letter.
• Reread and revise your work: It goes without saying that you cannot just submit your volunteer position cover letter without having reread it. Read the cover letter to volunteer loud or have another set of eyes look at it. Rectify ungrammatical sentence constructions and misspellings as much as you can.

How to Edit Volunteer Cover Letter Template

A successful PDF cover letter can help you launch a desirable job efficiently. Try our specially designed PDF cover letter template and make it your own with a robust PDF editor: Wondershare PDFelement - PDF Editor Wondershare PDFelement Wondershare PDFelement . It is the best PDF tool to edit, convert, create, sign and protect PDF files.

Step 1. Open the Volunteer Cover Letter Template

Step 2. Click on "Edit" and Enter Your Text as You Like

Step 3. Complete and Save Your Volunteer Cover Letter

Posted by Elise Williams to Updated: 2024-08-21 11:57:03

Recommend Articles

• The Best Audit Cover Letter Samples
• Tutor Cover Letter Sample - How to Write
• Supply Chain Cover Letter Sample - How to Write
• Software Comparison
• Birthday Wishes
• Holiday Wishes
• Business Tips
• Cover Letter
• Real Estate
• Infographics
• Mac How-Tos
• Mac Comparison
• macOS 10.14

Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

Skip and Download Skip and Download

WTO / Forms / Free Volunteer Application Forms (Templates) – Word, PDF

Free Volunteer Application Forms (Templates) – Word, PDF

Nonprofits and other charity organizations rely on volunteers to ensure the continuity of various operations. With people from all walks of life presenting themselves for consideration, the organizations have to enact measures to ensure they acquire only the ideal volunteers. A volunteer application form can help with that. This form is a tool used by nonprofits to streamline the recruitment and vetting process by collecting applicants’ background information in relation to the specific role in question.

While the content of the form may slightly vary depending on the role and the organization, it basically serves the same purpose of protecting both the organizational interests and the volunteers.

An organization dealing with housing and feeding orphaned children ought to screen the volunteers they want to bring on board, lest they risk opening their doors to individuals who can potentially harm the kids.

Such an organization needs to implement the form, which is important in many ways:

• It issues disclaimers and collects background information of volunteers, thereby protecting staff members and the organization at large against being held liable should any volunteer commit a crime when working.
• The form protects your nonprofit from various forms of liability in a court of law. While certain laws and policies shield nonprofits, the nonprofits themselves have to do their part.
• The form facilitates the smooth running of organizational operations by ensuring that only the most qualified and deserving volunteers join.
• By collecting personal information, such as full name, social security number , and home address, you can run a sound background check to protect your organization against potential harm on legal and logistical grounds.
• This form reduces the chances of unknowingly onboarding volunteers who want to join your organization with malicious intentions.

Customizable Templates

Evidently, you are required to collect a lot of details from potential volunteers. Due to the intense nature of the form, crafting it from scratch can be tedious and could see you potentially leave out vital sections. However, a template can help you come up with professional and complete forms that are concise in nature. Also, they help you save time which you can channel to the completion of other organizational operations. You can download free and customizable templates here to simplify the creation process of your form.

What to Include in a Volunteer Application Form

The sensitivity involved in hiring volunteers explains why these forms need to collect as much information as possible regarding potential volunteers.

While the forms work best when customized to fit the needs of a specific organization, here is a list of conventional sections that should feature in the application:

A short description of your organization

Since the target individuals will be volunteering to work for your organization, start with giving information about your establishment so that the applicants know what they are getting into. Some of the details to feature here include what you do, the principles that govern your existence, office hours, and your ultimate mission. By reading these specific details, potential volunteers can picture what awaits them and make an informed decision if they indeed want to be a part of your establishment.

Conventionally, start by asking the volunteer to write their name on the form. Ensure they provide their official first and last name to avoid any confusion.

Contact information

Ask the volunteers to provide their personal contact information. Besides asking for their phone number, have them provide their personal email to make future communication more accessible. Emails are ideal when it comes to passing group-relevant messages, including organizational newsfeeds.

General information

Let the volunteers fill in their general information to continue to shed light on who they are. Ask for the birth date, address, social security number, and driver’s license, among others. This will be vital information when it comes to checking their credibility through running background checks.

Emergency contacts

Have the volunteers provide their emergency contacts on the form. This could be a phone number of a person they live with or a close relative. These numbers will be important in case of an emergency, such as an accident occurring in the line of volunteering work.

Allow the volunteers to provide a list of languages they speak fluently. Some of them may possess vital language skills that may come in handy, especially if you deal with international services. If it suits your organization, ask them to indicate if they possess any special language skills like sign language and brail.

Past volunteering experiences

This information is vital in the screening process because it could lead you to find people who are already experienced in performing the operations at hand. To optimize the use of this section, ask applicants to provide specific details about where they volunteered before, including their specific engagements in those positions.

Work experience details

Request the volunteers to fill in their work details, for both the current and past jobs, on the form. With such information, you will be in a better position to match applicants with roles that suit their natural abilities. In addition, you may request contacts for the current employer if you need to take your background check in that direction.

Academic information

When looking for an employee, an employer asks for the academic information of a candidate, and so should you. Academic performance is essential because it gives insights into a person’s hard work, commitment, and dedication. Such characteristics are vital in many areas of life, including volunteering.

Physical disabilities, if any

Some applicants may want to help where they can, even if they have certain physical limitations. By obtaining this information, you will be in a better position to assign them to work that they can manage without much trouble.

Criminal history

Be sure to request the criminal records of the applicants so as to tell where they stand from a legal position. Depending on the nature of the criminal history, you can determine if you want to take things forward with them or leave them out. Some records can also help gain insights on how to relate with the individual if you decide to take them in.

The records may reveal that the person is temperamental by nature, thereby guiding you into establishing how to handle them.

Certifications

Other than the academic certifications, ask the volunteer to attach copies of any other certification that they may possess with the form. These papers will expand your understanding of a person and help unearth other skills that you may find useful.

Training description

Has the person received any training regarding the role at hand? Let applicants describe such training in detail. The possibility of prior training may give you an easier time when making your selections and incorporating the successful applicants into your operations.

Skills checklist

In the same spirit, ask the individuals to provide a list of skills they possess so you can easily assign roles. For instance, someone who has experience working in a hotel as a waiter can serve rations to children better than a person who worked in the same hotel as a cashier.

Preferred volunteer roles

It is not unusual to find someone who wants to participate in a volunteering activity outside their professional roles. As such, have the applicants describe what they are willing to undertake. Ideally, you do not want to interfere with what gives volunteers happiness, as statistics show that happy volunteers are 20% more productive. Additionally, you will not waste much time on volunteers who solely want to take part in positions that have already been filled.

Ask the applicant to provide both personal and work-related references. These should be names and contact details so that you can get in touch to ascertain that the pertinent information provided to you is accurate.

Referral check

If you want to expand your methods of reaching out to the community, ask the applicants to reveal how they found out about your organization and the volunteer role at hand.

The results may reveal that most applicants are finding you through Twitter, prompting you to find ways to streamline your Facebook presence.

Availability

This is a very vital piece of information as it will guide you when creating a shift structure. Remember that this is a volunteer role, and an individual can manage to join you only during the time they say they are available.

Reason for volunteering

This information will help you weed out the applicants who want to join you for unusual and cynical reasons. As much as you do not pay them, they represent your establishment, and you cannot afford to have them paint a bad picture about you in the community. Every volunteer you settle for should have genuine intentions and sound reasons for volunteering. Some good reasons could be a drive to make a difference in other people’s lives and give back to an organization that positively impacted their life in the past.

People tend to execute their hobbies with exceptional passion and dedication. By asking the applicants about their hobbies, you may unearth extra skills that could be useful.

A person who enjoys reading as a hobby could better read stories for young kids but not teach the kids how to swim.

Commitment check

This information falls in line with the reasons for volunteering. The reasons they give here could enrich your marketing team with more reasons that drive people to volunteer. Following this, the team could create more diverse marketing campaigns to reach more qualified people for future roles as they become available.

Additional information

Be sure to include any other vital information pertinent to your organization so the applicants can familiarize themselves with everything before going ahead to apply for the position.

Disclaimers

In the interest of protecting your organization from a legal perspective, including any disclaimers that govern your operational setting. In the event that a volunteer commits a crime leading to a court case, the declaimer you put on the form could get you out of liability for the same.

Mission reinforcement

As part of efforts to facilitate efficiency and dedication, finish with stating your mission statement and describing why it is vital to both you and society.

Signature and date

Ensure that the applicants sign the filled document as well as input the date they filled the form. Signing will show they personally filled the form and are ready to enter into an agreement with you.

Tips to Make a Great Volunteer Application Form

While looking for volunteers, you need to balance between being friendly and implementing cautionary measures for the selection process.

Here are some top tips to help you come up with an excellent form:

Make it welcoming for volunteers

Ensure that you portray your organization as a friendly environment to work in. You can achieve this by including an organizational profile that covers your core operations and mission. You may continue to inspire the potential volunteers by writing the roles of past volunteers in the success of the organization.

To further bring out your establishment as an interesting place to volunteer, including some information about the training and certifications you offer, as well as the fun aspect of volunteering. If you feel that sharing all this information will make your form unusually long, consider utilizing an employee handbook that readers can access by following a link. This way, you will be sure to hire fun, energetic, and enthusiastic people. 

Consider including a release from liability statement

Accidents and other forms of damages may sometimes occur in the line of voluntary duty. As an organization, you may want to provide potential volunteers with a release of liability document so they can sign. This will put it clear that you will not be responsible for injuries and damages that may occur during the volunteering process. You may get this from the National Council of Nonprofit Organizations.

Make your application easily accessible

Ensure that applicants can access your forms online so they can fill and submit them with minimal effort. Don’t forget to avail downloadable volunteer forms, such as PDFs, in case some applicants want to mail their applications physically.  

Consider using volunteer portals

Volunteer portals simplify the whole process of landing the perfect volunteers, so you do not have to carry out everything yourself. Since these portals are web-based, they can reach out to more people and increase the chances of landing the best volunteers out there. Most of these portals work by displaying your volunteer vacancy in an ad-like method, giving a link to your website so that interested persons can follow up. In addition, some advanced portals go-ahead to initiate the process of background checks so that only the more qualified volunteers get in touch with your organization.

Final Words

Organizations that are looking to bring in volunteers have the responsibility to come up with a volunteer application form to streamline the process of application and selection. A functional form requires utmost precision to reduce the chances of leaving out vital data-collection questions. It involves asking personal questions, such as the level of experience in the volunteering sector, certifications, and availability. With the help of templates, you can prepare a complete form with minimal effort. Consider using volunteer portals to reach out to as many potential volunteers as possible.

About This Article

Was this helpful?

Great! Tell us more about your experience

Not up to par help us fix it, keep reading.

Forms , Power of Attorney

Free tennessee (tn) power of attorney forms.

Appreciation , Employment , Forms , Human Resource

Free employee of the month nomination forms (pdf – word).

Consent , Forms , Legal

Free flu shot (influenza) vaccine consent forms | word, pdf.

Forms , Last Will & Testament

Free kentucky last will and testament forms (pdf, word), thank you for your feedback.

Your Voice, Our Progress. Your feedback matters a lot to us.

Applications , Forms

Volunteer Application Template – 20+ Forms

Potential volunteers write down the volunteer application template to show how they can be of a great assistance to the organization. It is a simple and a basic paper work that mentions the contact details, information, availability, interests, skills, experiences as a previous volunteer and qualifications. From the perspective of the recruiter, it is necessary to appoint appropriate people that promises sufficient time, energy and perseverance.

The organization will be held responsible for any wrong or illegal act of volunteers. So, it is essential that suitable volunteers are recruited for the work based on adequate paperwork and documents. The organization must run a thorough face to face interview for a thorough screening of both negative and positive characteristics of the volunteer.

Some of basic components of the volunteer application form are mentioned below.

Basic Components of the Volunteer Application

•  Contact Details including address, phone number and email address
•  Date of birth
•  Emergency contact
•  Previous experiences and other volunteer experiences if any that may be pertinent to the volunteer position desired.
•  Statement and description of any criminal offence committed by the applicant
•  Highest education level achieved
•  Physical features and limitations
•  Languages known
•  Details on current employment and current organization
•  Valid Identity Proofs
•  Personal and professional names with their names and contact numbers
•  Skills and Qualities
•  Preferred volunteer job type and reason for volunteering
•  How did the candidate hear about the organization?
•  Hours and days available for work.
•  Signature of the applicant and the date of signature.

Volunteer Application Templates and Forms

Nonprofit success volunteer application template.

Volunteer Registration Application Form Template

A Volunteer Application Form is required for two major reasons. Firstly, it helps in screening and checking process and interview and secondly it gives an insight into the character of the volunteer. It questions the volunteers all the necessary information required for the organization. This form is the most important tool for the recruitment of the volunteers. Without this, the interview cannot be conducted. The volunteer would have to fill in all the information in the Volunteer Application Form.

Volunteer Application Template Fillable

Volunteer Application Form in PDF

Volunteer Personal Application Form

Download  

Volunteer Application (Group) in Word

Volunteer Application Template Sample (PDF)

Sample Volunteer Application (For Word)

Volunteer Application (Table Format)

Volunteer Application Sample Form

Anyone interested to contribute services for a common goal like education can stand as a school volunteer. Generally, they are non-paid workers. A volunteer provides supportive assistance based on his experience and skills. One has to fill in all the details required in the School Volunteer Form Template. It also helps to keep a track the quality services provided by volunteers in schools.

School Volunteer Application Form

To maintain an organized team of volunteers, it is important to update a time sheet for volunteers based on their duty types and the number of working hours given to complete a particular task. Volunteer Hours Form Templates saves time, energy, money and brings out quality results of the performance. It also shows the total amount of work assigned to them by the organization and the number of duties or tasks performed. It keeps a track and maintains a record of the daily or monthly performances which not only helps the volunteers themselves but also the organization they are working for.

Blank Volunteer Application in Word

Volunteer Application Form for Word

Community Association Volunteer Application

Volunteer Application DOC Format

Sample for Volunteer Application

Printable Volunteer Application

Volunteer Group Application Form

Fillable Volunteer Application

Volunteer Application Form for PDF

These are the basic types of volunteer templates which one can use to apply in any organization. Just keep in mind the components and the format and you are good to apply.

How did our templates helped you today?

Opps what went wrong, related posts.

Boyfriend Application Forms

Rental Application Forms & Templates

Rental Application Denial Letter: Template and Example

Leave Application Cancellation Letter

Cancellation Letter for House Purchase – Sample & Template

Sample Application Cancellation Letter (Tips & Template)

How to Write a Maternity Leave Letter

Leave of Absence Letter for Personal Reasons

Thank you for your feedback.

• Sample Letters

FREE 13+ Volunteer Reference Letter Samples in PDF | MS Word

Also known as a recommendation letter , a reference letter is an assessment of the qualities, skills, and characteristics of an individual that is written by another individual who knows and has worked with the individual being recommended. A reference letter is common in employment and education, like scholarship eligibility or admission to a particular institution. If you need a letter of reference, you can actually request someone to write one for you. If you are looking into volunteering, a volunteer reference letter is just what you need. To learn more about volunteer reference letters, you may check out the sample letters provided below.

Volunteer Reference Letter Samples

1. free volunteer reference letter for student template, 2. volunteer reference letter template, 3. free church volunteer reference letter template, 4. free charity volunteer reference letter template, 5. volunteer reference letter for parish/school template, 6. student volunteer work reference letter template, 7. sample volunteer recommendation letter template, 8. sample personal reference letter template, 9. letter of recommendation for teen volunteer program template, 10. volunteer health mentor reference letter template, 11. teacher volunteer reference letter template, 12. senior care volunteer reference letter template, 13. volunteer coach reference letter template, 14. community volunteer reference letter template.

• Google Docs

Size: 106 KB

This reference letter sample is for an applicant who wants to apply as a volunteer to work with children in a particular parish or school. The letter is sent to one of the individuals listed in the applicant’s reference. Below the letter is a set of questions to asses the relationship of the applicant and the reference person, and also serves as part of the background check conducted by the parish or school to ensure that they are hiring good people to take care of the children.

Size: 43 KB

You can find a total of three sample reference letters for different situations in this document. They are all simple and useful Aside from the sample letters, tips on writing a reference letter format are also provided to help write better and a list of things that you must avoid when writing reference letters. Since this document is also available in Word, you can customize each letter sample and use it as your own. This way your work can be completed as quickly as possible.

Size: 12 KB

Modify this volunteer recommendation letter sample and make it your own. Doing the changes will be easy and hassle-free. This sample template uses a simple layout, and important reminders or instruction are written in bold, which can be deleted anytime. To complete the template, simply supply the required information that are placed inside parentheses. Review your work before saving and printing. Now you have a completed volunteer sample recommendation letter that you made yourself.

Size: 17 KB

If you want to personally recommend someone you know, then the right letter to make is a personal reference letter, just like the sample above. In the letter, the writer details how they have known the person they are recommending, his volunteer work, and talked about his/her skills and qualities that will make him/her an excellent employee. This is a very simple letter that tells a lot about the person being recommended. A standard reference letter  is a great help in one’s employment.

Size: 207 KB

Need to recommend someone to a particular program? Then you might want to check out this letter of recommendation template shown above. This kind of template may vary depending on the organization or sample program using it. But this one will give you an idea on what it looks like and how it works. This one-page sample template is brief yet detailed. Here, you will get to provide a personal evaluation of the applicant volunteer and answer questions related to the applicant.

Size: 243 KB

A letter of reference confirming the volunteer work that you have done in mentor health program will greatly help you get jobs or other volunteer work positions on the related field. The sample reference letter above does just that and details more about the activities that has been done by the person or individual being referred. Using the sample would be easy as the required information are highlighted so that you can easily identify them and make the necessary changes. If you have noticed, the top part has been left empty so that you can insert your own sample letterhead and supply the recipient details.

Size: 176 KB

With this sample, you not only get one or two sample reference letters but there are actually five that you can use however you want to. This is for those teachers who volunteer in recommending their students for a job, scholarship, or to a particular college or university. The five samples use different scenarios where you can get ideas and use on your own letter. You can use it both as reference or as your personal reference letter .

Size: 63 KB

Want to volunteer in taking care of seniors? Then you will need a senior care reference letter detailing all of your experiences with taking care of seniors and the elderly. A letter will be sent to one of your references and they’ll be required to answer questions that are relevant to you and the volunteer work you are applying for. This will support your sample application and help you get accepted.

Size: 212 KB

If sports and coaching is your passion, then applying for a volunteer coach job would be a dream come true. To be accepted as a volunteer, you will need a good reference letter written by someone who knows you and someone who can attest that you do not have any criminal records or liabilities. You can refer to this volunteer coach sample. It is very sample brief but includes just the right information to support you with your volunteer coach application.

Size: 81 KB

Young individuals with skills in information technology can help a community of older adults learn information technology skills and connect with them by doing volunteer work analysis . A reference letter such as the one above would make a good template or reference. Suggested letter wordings are provided to help you make the task easier and more convenient.

Related Posts

12+ sales introduction letter samples & templates - free word ..., cover letter for scholarship - 5+ examples in word, pdf, 34+ sample introduction letters - doc, pdf, sample business invitation letter, 12+ sample event sponsorship letters - pdf, 15+ sample recommendation letters for employment in word, 11+ hospital resignation letter samples and templates - pdf, word, 12+ sample endorsement letters - pdf, 28+ sample quotation letters - pdf, doc, sample personal business letter - 9+ documents in pdf, word, sample thank you for your support letter - 9+ download free ..., 17+ promotion letters - doc, pdf, 15+ company introduction letter samples & templates - doc, pdf, 14+ free business reference letters - doc, pdf, appeal letter - 12+ free samples , examples , format, 5+ sample one-day resignation letters - pdf, word, 8+ financial aid appeal letters - doc, pdf, 12+ sample visa sponsorship letters - pdf, doc.

Motivation Letter for Volunteering Template

Download this Motivation Letter for Volunteering Template Design in Word, Google Docs, PDF Format. Easily Editable, Printable, Downloadable.

Already a premium member?  Sign in

• , Google Docs

You may also like