A strong volunteer program is an integral part of any nonprofit. Volunteers play key roles in campaigns, office administration and marketing, among many other important projects. But, have you considered that the relationships that you cultivate with volunteers could lead to higher monetary gifts? According to a recent study published by the University of California, Berkeley, people who are asked to volunteer time before they are asked to give money are likely to donate more.

According to an article by the Association of Fundraising Professionals, the researchers proposed that different mindsets are at play when asked to volunteer as opposed to donate money. The AFP article notes, (the researchers) "write, ‘thinking about time activates goals of emotional well-being and beliefs involving personal happiness. In contrast, thinking about money suppresses such emotional goals and instead activates goals of economic utility and beliefs about attainment of such goals.’"

Read the entire AFP article, or check out the full report.

Jacqui
NOZA