Strategic Approaches Help Charities Recruit and Retain Volunteers Effectively
SINGAPORE – Charities in Singapore are reaping the benefits of adopting the Volunteer Management Framework set by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). This approach has led to an increase in both the number and engagement of volunteers, enhancing the effectiveness of the organizations they support.
One example is Shine Children and Youth Services, where volunteer Samuel Fong has been dedicated for seven years, contributing over 60 hours annually to reading and providing academic coaching to children. The charity has implemented volunteer-friendly practices, such as customizing roles, providing clear expectations, and offering leadership opportunities, which have helped retain volunteers like Mr. Fong.
The NCSS Volunteer Management Framework, first introduced in 2014 and revised in 2020, encourages charities to employ volunteer managers, build volunteer skills, and foster a supportive culture. These strategies have led to significant improvements in volunteer engagement and retention.
St Luke’s ElderCare has seen its volunteer pool nearly double, reaching around 3,000 volunteers. By hiring dedicated volunteer managers, the charity has improved the management of its diverse volunteer groups, including schools, corporate groups, and individuals. This effort has helped sustain a strong volunteer base, leading to more regular service and leadership development.
Other charities, like the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH), have seen a 431% increase in regular volunteers between 2021 and 2023, after adopting improved management practices, including digitizing volunteer information and streamlining onboarding processes. The expanded volunteer pool has enabled SAMH to raise awareness for mental health through initiatives such as #ItStartsFromHome.
Children’s Wishing Well, while not seeing a dramatic increase in numbers, has successfully implemented volunteer strategies that focus on matching roles to volunteers’ skills and interests. This has led to a greater sense of ownership and longer volunteer retention.
These strategies highlight the importance of effective volunteer management in strengthening charity operations and maximizing community impact.
