How do I find volunteers for my non-profit?
Find volunteers with a clear role description, a personal ask to your supporters and a vacancy posted in the right places.
You find volunteers by being clear about what you need and then looking where interested people already are: your own supporters, your network, a volunteering vacancy site and local associations or schools. Organisations that offer a specific task, a clear time commitment and a warm welcome find and keep more volunteers. Here is how.
1. Write a clear role description first
NCVO, the UK's umbrella body for the voluntary sector, puts writing volunteer role descriptions near the top of its guidance on involving volunteers. A good one says what the volunteer does, how much time it takes, when, where and who their contact is. People say yes more readily to three hours on a Saturday morning than to a vague call for help.
2. Start with people you already know
Your best candidates are often close by: donors, members, parents, neighbours, people from past events. Ask them personally. A direct request for a specific task works better than a general call in a newsletter. Ask your current volunteers whom they could bring along too.
3. Put your vacancy in the right place
In Flanders, the Flemish Support Centre for Volunteering gives access to vrijwilligerswerk.be, a vacancy board for volunteer work. You can also approach your local volunteer centre, the municipal volunteering desk, schools, colleges and local associations. Post the call on your own website and social media too, with a photo of real volunteers at work.
4. Make it easy to start
Offer a simple first contact, an introduction and a short induction. NCVO lists running an induction as part of good volunteer practice. Let newcomers try a small task before they commit for longer.
5. Sort out the basics: agreements, insurance, expenses
In Belgium, the 2005 law on volunteers' rights applies. Among other things, organisations must take out insurance for civil liability. In Flanders the government offers free volunteer insurance under certain conditions. The Flemish Support Centre has information and model documents on rights, duties and expense reimbursement. Check the rules for your region and situation.
For 2026, the flat-rate expense allowance for volunteers is at most €44.02 per day and €1,760.83 per year. There is also an increased flat-rate allowance with a ceiling of €3,233.91 per year, according to the Flemish Support Centre for Volunteering.
6. Keep the volunteers you have
Volunteers stay when they feel welcome, know why their work matters and are recognised. That means follow-up, space to give feedback and a sincere thank-you. See also our guide how do I thank volunteers.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find volunteers for a one-off event?
Among your own supporters, schools, youth movements and local associations. Ask well ahead and with a concrete task, for example three hours on a Saturday morning. A clear role description makes it easier for people to say yes straight away.
Do I have to insure volunteers?
In Belgium the volunteer law requires organisations to take out at least civil liability insurance. Also look at the Flemish government's free insurance, which is available under certain conditions, and check the rules for your region and situation.
How often should I share my vacancy?
Repeat it regularly and adapt it: always name a concrete task and date. Post it on your own website and social media, on vrijwilligerswerk.be and with local associations and schools. Ask your current volunteers whom they could bring along too.
How much can I reimburse a volunteer?
For 2026 the flat-rate expense allowance is at most €44.02 per day and €1,760.83 per year, according to the Flemish Support Centre for Volunteering. An increased variant goes up to €3,233.91 per year. Check the conditions for your situation.
Read next
- How to manage volunteers and members in one database
- How do I set up a birthday or in-memory fundraiser?
- How do I start a fundraiser for a charity?
Sources
Checked on 2 October 2026.
- NCVO: guidance on volunteers: role descriptions, recruiting, induction, volunteer policy, thanking, volunteers and the law
- Vlaams Steunpunt Vrijwilligerswerk: vrijwilligerswerk.be as a vacancy board, information on the Flemish volunteer law, expenses and insurance
- Flemish Support Centre for Volunteering, 2026 amounts: flat-rate expense allowance €44.02 per day, €1,760.83 per year, increased ceiling €3,233.91
- Vlaamse overheid: free volunteer insurance from the Flemish government under conditions
More from Glowie
- How to manage volunteers and members in one database
- How do I set up a birthday or in-memory fundraiser?
- How do I start a fundraiser for a charity?
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