Sterling Volunteers, the dedicated nonprofit and service sector unit of Sterling — a leading provider of background and identity services — has released 2021 Industry Insights: Nonprofit and Volunteer Perspectives. Published in partnership with VolunteerMatch, the Web’s largest volunteer engagement network, the third annual Industry Insights report explores varying perspectives and evolving trends in volunteer engagement, background screening, volunteering advancements, and the state of volunteerism.
“This past year has been a rough road. Our impact partners have needed to be resilient and resourceful, and have risen to the occasion, ensuring our communities have what they need to survive and even thrive,” said Laura Plato, Chief Solutions Officer, VolunteerMatch. Plato continued, “The global pandemic has enhanced our drive to connect and care. Volunteers were eager to get back to service, and nonprofits are ready to welcome them back.”
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“While volunteerism is thriving, many organizations still need more volunteers. Only 1% of the organizations in the survey said they had enough volunteers,” said Katie Zwetzig, Executive Director, Sterling Volunteers. Zwetzig continued, “Organizations proved their resilience and agility last year, finding creative ways to engage volunteers and support their missions among the uncertainties accompanying a global pandemic.”
Sterling Volunteers and VolunteerMatch surveyed a random sample of 3,927 total respondents (2,577 volunteers and 1,350 nonprofit organizations) across the U.S. Among the report’s key takeaways:
- Most volunteers continued volunteering during the pandemic while one-in-five held off due to Covid-19.
- One-in-four organizations have uncovered a violent crime with a background check.
- Eighty-two percent of organizations emphasized access to “virtual and in-person” opportunities, versus 54% in 2020.
- Volunteers are willing to pay $20–$25 for their background check—more than organizations think.
- Volunteers are ready for a secure digital identity wallet, as 62% of respondents—compared to 46% in 2020—said they would use a digital identity wallet.
In addition, the report sheds light on why now is a great time to expand corporate partnerships to advance volunteer opportunities and screening education, as over 10% of respondents say they find volunteers or volunteer opportunities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs, and more than 40% would like CSR opportunities to be incorporated into volunteer programs.
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