Skip to main content
Create an account for suggestions personalised to you and your organisation
Create account
Research and Reports
1 minute read

Measurement & Impact: Providing the Evidence that Volunteering is Good for Society and Good for You

Meeting National Standards and Strategy Seal Meeting National Standards and Strategy What's this?

Introduction

Often the focus is on providing the evidence to record, measure and showcase the impact of volunteering. While it has always been important for volunteers to know that their involvement has made a difference, volunteering can also be of great benefit to the individual volunteer.

Summary

This paper explores how we can measure impact through volunteer experience and how these experiences influence volunteers’ future opportunities and behaviors. It also discusses methods of tracking the aspirations and needs of the communities where they volunteer. 2020. It is free to download but asks for name, organisation and email. Available in English.

Benefits for Volunteer Organisations

Volunteer organisations can benefit from this document by understanding the importance of measuring the impact of their activities. It provides insights into different approaches and methods for data collection, helping organisations to validate their contributions towards societal goals.

Application for Volunteer Management Practitioners

Volunteer management practitioners can use this resource to develop better strategies for monitoring and evaluating volunteer activities. By aligning volunteer efforts with high-level objectives like the Sustainable Development Goals, practitioners can demonstrate the tangible benefits of volunteering, thereby attracting more support and resources.

Downloads and sources

Visit source (opens in new tab)

More about the author

International Association for Volunteer Effort (IAVE) creates a more just and sustainable world by enabling the leaders, organizations, and environments that empower volunteers.
+1 202 964 1133
Visit website (opens in new tab)

Contribute to the Gateway

Leave feedback

Was this resource useful?

Make a Suggestion

If you find a great resource that isn't in the directory or want to provide feedback on the Volunteering Gateway, drop us a line!

More like this

Resources

Recruit and Retain Volunteers

This eLearning course is designed to equip you with the skills to recruit the perfect volunteer leaders and develop strategies to keep them engaged and motivated.
1 minute read
Volunteering Services Australia, Useability, The Knowledge Base
Resources

Volunteer Rights and Responsibilities - Plain Language

Outlining volunteer rights and responsibilities ensures a smooth experience for all. Use this plain-language template from the national VMA project and SCOPE Australia to guide your own document.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
Resources

Foundations of Volunteer Management: Recruit, Induct and Support Volunteers

This e-learning unit builds skills in recruiting, inducting, and supporting volunteers. Learn to craft roles, market effectively, manage risks, and run smooth inductions. Aligned with CHCVOL003, it supports strong volunteer engagement and program success.
1 minute read
The Knowledge Base, Volunteering ACT, The Centre for Volunteering, Volunteering Queensland, Volunteering SA&NT, Volunteering Tasmania, Volunteering Victoria, Volunteering WA, National Volunteer Management Activity Project
MyPass
Tech

MyPass

MyPass is volunteer onboarding and compliance management software centred around a digital Skills Passport, designed to help volunteer involving organisations (VIOs) reduce their risk and cost of operations.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
Volaby
Tech

Volaby

Volaby is an end-to-end volunteer and people management platform, enabling organisations to do more with less! Built from the collective voice of our volunteer managers using the platform, Volaby helps you automate and simplify the volunteer and manager experience to save time and scale impact.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Task management Compliance Reporting Resource management Event management
Better Impact
Tech

Better Impact

Better Impact offers a comprehensive software solution for volunteer program management, to simplify administrative tasks and enhance volunteer engagement across every stage of the volunteer lifecycle.
Volunteer database Recruitment Rostering / scheduling Onboarding / training Volunteer performance/recognition Communication / engagement Compliance Reporting Social media Donations
scheduled

2026 Volunteering NSW State Conference Regional

Attend the 2026 Volunteering NSW State Conference at a regional location. This hybrid event brings together sector leaders and practitioners to explore leadership, innovation and inclusion, and build knowledge and best practice in volunteering.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Check Listing for Details
scheduled

Culturally Sensitive Program Development & Management - Webinar 1

This webinar explores how to design and manage volunteer programs that are culturally sensitive and respectful to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learn practical approaches to communication, partnership and culturally appropriate practice.
The Centre for Volunteering
–
Free
scheduled

Introduction to the Volunteer Involvement Cycle

Introducing the Volunteer Involvement Cycle, a new resource aligned with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement. This session guides you through the key stages of volunteer engagement, equipping you with the knowledge and tools to run an effective, sustainable & impactful volunteer program
Volunteering Victoria
–
FREE