In this post, we’ll break down the best platforms and websites for promoting volunteer opportunities, helping organizers reach motivated people beyond their usual circles.
Where to Post Volunteer Opportunities Online
If you’ve ever listed a volunteer opportunity only to hear crickets, you’re not alone. Many organizations rely on one go-to platform—often Facebook or Instagram—to spread the word. The problem?
Not all volunteers are in the same place online.
Limiting yourself to a single site means missing motivated people who just aren’t scrolling that platform at the right time.
In the same way a job posting might be cross-listed on LinkedIn, Indeed, and a company’s own site, volunteer opportunities perform best when shared across multiple channels. This strategy diversifies your reach, improves search visibility, and connects you with both active and passive volunteers.
Key Platforms to Post Volunteer Opportunities
Below are some of the top online spaces for listing opportunities—along with why they work best when combined.
1. VolunteerMatch
VolunteerMatch is one of the most widely recognized volunteer opportunity databases. Nonprofits can post roles for free (with optional paid features for boosted visibility), and volunteers can filter by cause area, skills, and location.
Best for: Reaching people actively searching for volunteer work, especially in specialized skill areas.
2. Create the Good (AARP)
Create the Good is AARP’s platform, targeting a broad audience with a strong base of older adults looking for meaningful community involvement.
Best for: Connecting with experienced volunteers and retirees who bring valuable expertise.
3. Your Local Volunteer Centers
Most major cities have online hubs run by volunteer centers, often linked to local government or nonprofit networks. These sites attract people who want to give back in their own communities.
Best for: Geographic targeting and opportunities that require local presence.
4. Social Media—But Not Just Meta
Facebook and Instagram (Meta platforms) are useful for tapping into existing followers and groups, but they’re far from the whole picture. Consider also posting on LinkedIn for skill-based opportunities, TikTok for creative and youth-focused outreach, and X (formerly Twitter) for rapid updates and cause-related hashtags.
Best for: Quick awareness and driving traffic to your official volunteer sign-up page.
5. Niche Cause-Based Platforms
If your nonprofit focuses on a specific issue—animal welfare, environmental action, youth mentoring—seek out digital communities and forums centered on those causes.
Best for: Highly motivated, mission-aligned volunteers who already care about your work.
6. Your Own Website (and SEO)
Don’t forget to maintain a well-structured volunteer page on your own site. Opportunities here should be clear, searchable, and updated regularly. Pair it with basic SEO so that when people Google “volunteer in [your city],” your page ranks.
Best for: Establishing your organization as the primary source of info and capturing organic search traffic.
7. Golden
Golden is a modern volunteer management and recruitment platform that integrates listing, scheduling, and reporting into one system. It allows you to post opportunities, match with volunteers based on interests and availability, and track engagement seamlessly.
Best for: Coordinators who want both recruitment and management tools in a single platform.
Tips for Maximizing Reach Across Platforms
- Use Consistent Messaging – Keep the role description, requirements, and benefits the same everywhere so volunteers get a unified picture.
- Tailor for Each Platform – Adjust tone and visuals to match the audience (formal for LinkedIn, casual and visual for Instagram).
- Include a Strong Call to Action – Always link to your sign-up page, not just your homepage.
- Track Your Sources – Use UTM codes or trackable links to see where your best volunteers come from.
- Refresh Regularly – Repost or update listings every few weeks to stay visible.
Why One Platform Is Never Enough
As Whole Whale points out, volunteer recruitment is about meeting people where they are—and they’re scattered across many online spaces. By diversifying your posting strategy, you’re not just increasing visibility; you’re creating multiple entry points for people to engage with your cause.
Relying solely on Meta (or any single platform) creates a bottleneck. Volunteer demographics, interests, and tech habits vary, and so should your outreach.
Take the Next Step
With the right platforms, you can connect with more volunteers, more often and make it easy for them to get involved. If you’re ready to streamline posting, scheduling, and tracking all in one place, check out:
