Volunteers donate their time to help nonprofits.  Nonprofits can help volunteers in return by showing their appreciation.  There are tons of ways to do this, but we’ve compiled a list of the top 5.

1.  Tell them “Happy Birthday.”  If they filled out an application to volunteer, you should have their birthday on file.  Give them a card on their birthday or buy them a small gift, like cookies. Anything you do to let them know that they are important will be greatly appreciated.

2.  Surprise them with a small gift.  Preferably something with your nonprofit’s logo on it. A shirt, mug, or bracelet with your logo will not only be appreciated by your volunteer, but it is marketing for your nonprofit, too.  They  will wear it (or drink out of it) because they are proud to volunteer with you.

3.  Give them an award.You can print a simple certificate for anything.  For example, “Volunteer of the Year” or a congratulatory certificate for amount of time volunteered.  It does not matter how big or small the award is.

4.  Bake them desserts.Have the hired staff bake for your volunteers and surprise them with the dessert when they come to volunteer.  If not desserts, then offer them free coffee or drinks while they work.

5.  Send them a card or email.  Send a card or email at a random time letting your volunteer know why you appreciate them.  

For more great tips, enter your email to get our free guide: How to Have a Successful Volunteer Program.