Volunteer Retention Strategies: Building Commitment, Recognition, and Growth Pathways
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.2025a08
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 non-profits can strengthen volunteer retention through positive experiences, recognition, meaningful engagement, satisfaction monitoring, and growth opportunities. It highlights the relational and developmental aspects of retention, showing how organizations can reduce attrition and foster long-term commitment by building trust, offering feedback, and investing in volunteer growth.
Key Topics
- Volunteer retention and organizational sustainability
- Recognition and appreciation systems
- Monitoring satisfaction and feedback mechanisms
- Growth and professional development pathways
- Community building and meaningful engagement
Academic Value
The article contributes to academic debates on human resource management in non-profits by framing retention as both a structural and relational process. For practitioners, it provides actionable strategies—such as recognition programs, mentorship systems, and training opportunities—that stabilize volunteer teams, reduce turnover, and strengthen long-term impact.
Suggested Citation
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Volunteer Retention Strategies: Building Commitment, Recognition, and Growth Pathways. NEYA Global Publishing. https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a08
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
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 engagement and supervision: Strategies for motivation, communication, and retention. NEYA Global Journal of Non-Profit Studies.
https://doi.org/10.64357/neya-gjnps.2025a07
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). Inclusive virtual volunteer programs. Neya Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/inclusive-virtual-volunteer-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Managing volunteers: Creating and sustaining impactful …. Neya Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/managing-volunteers-2025
Kazanskaia, A. N. (2025). Preventing burnout: Strategies for volunteers and staff. Neya Global Publishing.
https://doi.org/10.64357/burnout-prevention-2025
Wilson, J. (2000). Volunteering. Annual Review of Sociology, 26(1), 215-240.
https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.soc.26.1.215