People volunteer for many reasons: to give back to their community, support a cause they care about, gain new experiences, or build skills and networks. Most find that volunteering gives them as much as they give.

Here are the main reasons people volunteer, and the benefits that keep them coming back.

Why people volunteer

To help others and give back

At the heart of volunteering is concern for other people. Helping others builds stronger communities and, for many volunteers, brings real happiness.

To find purpose and meaning

Whether it’s teaching a child to read, planting trees or supporting a neighbour, volunteers see the direct result of their efforts. That sense of achievement gives many people a feeling of purpose.

To learn new skills

Volunteering often involves things people don’t do day to day, such as organising an event, mentoring someone or fundraising. It sharpens existing skills and builds new ones, from leadership and communication to problem-solving. See the skills volunteering builds.

To boost their career

Volunteering adds weight to a CV. It shows initiative and commitment, and it introduces people to others in different fields, which can lead to jobs and collaborations. See how to include volunteering on a CV.

To meet people and belong

Working towards a shared goal builds strong friendships. For people who are new to an area or feel disconnected, volunteering is a way to meet others and feel part of a community.

To look after their wellbeing

Volunteering can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and meaningful activity offers a break from day-to-day worries. Active roles, from community clean-ups to sponsored walks, keep people moving too.

How volunteering benefits communities

Stronger community bonds

Volunteers bring people together and help communities tackle shared challenges, building unity, respect and cooperation.

More inclusive communities

Volunteers often reach people who might otherwise be left out, which makes communities more resilient and inclusive.

Economic value

Volunteers don’t seek payment, but the hours they give add up to substantial value that many organisations could not otherwise afford.

What this means for volunteer managers

Knowing why people volunteer helps you recruit and keep them. Shape role descriptions around the motivations of the people you want to reach, offer chances to learn, and recognise what volunteers achieve. Our guides to recruiting volunteers and keeping volunteers motivated go into more detail, and creating communities of action explains how to keep supporters involved for years.

Getting started

Looking to volunteer? Download our app for volunteering and find a range of volunteering opportunities near you.

Managing volunteers? Volunteero is volunteer management software for charities, nonprofits and events. Its built-in surveys help you ask volunteers what they value, and its Recognition tools send custom badges automatically when volunteers reach milestones. Book a demo to see how it works.