If you’re interested in volunteering, there are several things you have to do, one of which is learning how to write volunteer cover letters. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to write volunteer cover letters and top it off with some samples to help you write the best ones.
What Is a Volunteer Cover Letter?
Like a regular job application, a volunteer letter explains your motives for volunteering for the organization. This letter contains everything the organization would need to know to work with you.
A volunteer letter includes but isn’t limited to your volunteer experience, character, and why you’re interested in volunteering.
Important Traits to Include in Your Volunteer Letter
There are several reasons to be interested in volunteering, you may want to broaden your working experience, give back to the community or help a cause you believe in. Regardless of your motives, there are specific traits you must have that make you a desirable volunteer.
In this section of this article, we will discuss the most important traits organizations look out for when approving volunteer applications.
- Passion
While this might sound cliché, passion is one of the most important traits non-profit organizations look out for when deciding on volunteers.
Being passionate about the cause directly influences how motivated you are to help. Passionate people often go the extra mile when it comes to volunteering. And with non-profits, going the extra mile is almost always a necessity.
- Teamwork
Volunteering is rarely a one-man affair. As a result, your ability to work well with a team ranks high on the list of to-have skills.
To be a great volunteer, you must be comfortable working in a team, whether as a leader or a subordinate. Being a team player helps the organization achieve its aim faster and increases the chances of success.
- Positive attitude and mindset
While volunteering, many things are bound to go sideways, and you may be pushed out of your comfort zone. Your ability to maintain a positive outlook, remain calm and handle these situations exemplarily, makes you a valuable volunteer.
- Compassion
This goes without saying, but compassion is one of the most important traits you must have to volunteer. This is one of the traits that seeps into everything that makes you a great volunteer.
Being compassionate means you believe in the cause and the change you’re trying to impact. This helps you go the extra mile whenever needed. Again, this is one of the most important traits you can have.
- Organization
As much as we’d like them to, things do not always go by the book, and things slip through the cracks. Being organized mitigates the damage and helps you and everyone. Being organized helps you stay ahead of tasks and directly speaks to your efficiency.
- Creativity
This word gets thrown around a lot, but your ability to think outside the box will be useful when you’re volunteering. Your creativity will help you think of solutions where there don’t appear to be any.
All of the traits listed here are non-negotiable if you hope to be a great volunteer.
Steps to Write a Volunteer Cover Letter
When writing volunteer letters, there are steps you must follow to ensure your letter covers all bases. These steps will be discussed in this section of this letter.
- Express your interest: When writing your letter, you must express interest in the position you’re applying for. To increase your chances of acceptance, your interest must be personalized and tailored to the organization and the role.
- Include relevant credentials or experiences: Much like a regular job application, relevant experiences increase your chances of getting the volunteer position. If you don’t have any experience volunteering with an organization, you can include any volunteer experience. If you have none, the best option is to sell them on your passion.
- Explain your schedule and availability: If you are available whenever they need you, state this in your letter. If you’re only available during weekends or specific days, state this as well.
How to Write a Volunteer Cover Letter
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write effective cover letters:
- Your contact information
Your contact information should be on the top left corner of your cover letter. It should begin with your name, address, and phone number. If you’re sending a physical letter, include your phone number and email address as well.
- Opening salutations
Volunteer cover letters are professional letters and, as such, must follow professional letter etiquette. Your letter should begin with a professional salutation, such as, ”Dear Mr./Ms. last name” If you don’t know the name of the person you’re emailing, your salutation can be addressed to the organization.
- Introductions
The introduction of your letter should briefly state who you are, what you do, and why you’re interested in the position. You don’t have to go in-depth about your experience in this section, save that for the body of your letter.
If you were referred, ensure to state the name of the person that referred you in the first paragraph.
- Body
The body of your letter is easily the most important part of your letter and should comprise your relevant experience, your education, and your skills.
If you have any relevant experience, state them in the body of your letter. Be as descriptive as you can about your involvement and achievements. If you held any major role or had great results, include these in your letter.
It is not unusual for organizations to have educational requirements for their volunteers. So, ensure to list all your educational qualifications. If you held any leadership positions or contributed to extracurriculars, also state that in the letter.
We’ve listed some of the most important skills you must have in the section above. Ensure to mention them in this section of your letter.
- Closing
The closing of your letter should thank the recipient for their time and reiterate your experience and passion for volunteering. After that, end the letter with warm regards by saying you’re looking forward to their response.
- Sign-off
Your signoff should be professional. An example is “Kind Regards,” “Sincerely,” etc. Your letter should end with your full name and contact information.
Volunteer Letter Template One
Your Name City and State Phone number Email address Date Name of Recipient Title Name of organization Organization’s address Dear (Recipient), I’m writing this letter to apply for the volunteer position at (name of organization). I have years of experience working at a Volunteer, particularly with (specific experience) and I am beyond excited at the possibility of working with you. I volunteered at (name of previous organization) and there, I worked with the team and we succeeded in (include result). I worked with (name of previous organization) for 3 years, and in that time, we successfully helped (state specific result). I understand you organization is passionate about helping (state cause) and I believe my experience and passions are well inline with your organization and its goals. If given the opportunity, I will commit two weekends a month to volunteering. And if needed for emergencies, my schedule is flexible. I’m most passionate about volunteering and I would like to bring that passion to your organization. Thank you for your time, looking forward to your response. Kind Regards, Your Name
Volunteer Letter Sample One
Jane Yebba Houston, Texas 123 456 7890 [email protected] Date John Doe Director, Helping Hands Children Organization 123 Privet Lane Houston, Texas Dear John, I’m writing this letter to apply for the volunteer position at Helping Hands Children Organization. I have years of experience working at a Volunteer, particularly with out of school children, and I am beyond excited at the possibility of working with you. I volunteered at School Inc. and there, I worked with the team and we succeeded in helping out of school children get back in school. I worked with School Inc. for 3 years, and in that time, we successfully helped over 3000 out of school children get reenrolled. I understand you organization is passionate about helping children and I believe my experience and passions are well in line with your organization and its goals. If given the opportunity, I will commit two weekends a month to volunteering. And if needed for emergencies, my schedule is flexible. I’m most passionate about volunteering and I would like to bring that passion to your organization. Thank you for your time, looking forward to your response. Kind Regards, Jane Yebba
Volunteer Cover Letter Sample Two
Drey Aubrey Austin, Texas 123 456 7890 Drey@email. com Date Jane Doe Director, Aid Rehab 123 Hands Lane Houston, Texas Dear Jane, I am interested in volunteering at Aid Rehab over the summer. I have experience working with people suffering from substance abuse and I would like to bring that experience to your organization and lend a helping hand. I volunteer at Lakeside rehab every summer for the last three years and in that time, I helped the team take care of people going through substance abuse and helped them along their rehabilitation journey. I have also partnered with a number of non-profit agencies on desensitization campaigns. I am free this summer and every summer for the foreseeable future. I would love to be of service to your organization and I look forward to hearing back from you. Sincerely, Drey Audrey
Conclusion
This article includes everything you need to know about writing volunteer cover letters. When sending your email, ensure you include your contact information.
