Evaluating Volunteer Programs: Frameworks, Methods, and Participatory Approaches

Evaluating Volunteer Programs: Frameworks, Methods, and Participatory Approaches

Author: Dr. Anna Neya Kazanskaia

Publisher: NEYA Global | NEYA Global Publishing
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-5669-1676


DOI: https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a10

Open Publication PDF →

This material forms part of the NEYA Global knowledge architecture. Institutional, organizational, professional, training, consulting, curriculum, program design, or implementation use requires an active license from NEYA Global

Explore Architecture →
Module Overview →
Request Institutional Access →

About the Article

This article explores how evaluation serves as both a technical and relational process in volunteer management. It examines frameworks such as SMART criteria, input–output–outcome measures, data collection methods, benchmarking, and participatory approaches. Emphasizing the integration of volunteer feedback and co-evaluation, the article shows how organizations can strengthen accountability, responsiveness, and sustainability through transparent and inclusive evaluation practices.

Key Topics

  • SMART criteria and performance measurement
  • Input–output–outcome evaluation frameworks
  • Quantitative and qualitative data collection
  • Volunteer feedback and continuous improvement
  • Participatory evaluation methods
  • Organizational learning and accountability

Academic Value

The article situates evaluation within broader debates on performance measurement, organizational learning, and civic engagement. For practitioners, it provides actionable frameworks and participatory methods that enhance transparency, strengthen trust, and ensure adaptive, sustainable volunteer programs.

Suggested Citation

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Evaluating Volunteer Programs: Frameworks, Methods, and Participatory Approaches. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a10

References

Cuskelly, G., Taylor, T., Hoye, R., & Darcy, S. (2006). Volunteer management practices and volunteer retention: A human resource management approach. Sport Management Review, 9(2), 141-163.
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1441-3523(06)70023-7

Doran, G. T. (1981). There's a S.M.A.R.T. way to write management's goals and objectives. Management Review, 70(11), 35-36.

Eisner, D., Grimm, R. T., Maynard, S., & Washburn, S. (2009). The new volunteer workforce. Stanford Social Innovation Review, 7(1), 32-37.

Hager, M. A., & Brudney, J. L. (2004). Volunteer management practices and retention of volunteers. Urban Institute.

Hustinx, L., Cnaan, R. A., & Handy, F. (2010). Navigating theories of volunteering: A hybrid map for a complex phenomenon. Journal for the Theory of Social Behaviour, 40(4), 410-434.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5914.2010.00439.x

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Volunteer recognition and appreciation: Strategies for motivation and organizational sustainability. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a09

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Technology and volunteer management: Digital tools, online engagement, and data security. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a11

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Legal guide to digital volunteer management. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/legal-guide-digital-volunteer-management-2025

Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Managing volunteers: Creating and sustaining impactful …. NEYA Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/managing-volunteers-2025


https://neyaglobal.com/journal-nonprofit/evaluating-volunteer-programs-frameworks-methods-and-participatory-approaches
483
September 16, 2025