an application letter for volunteering

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position

Mary McLain / The Balance

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Tips for Writing a Cover Letter to Volunteer

What to include in a cover letter for volunteering, how to send an email cover letter.

When applying for any professional position, it is good form to include a cover letter with your resume. Your cover letter is an opportunity to highlight some of your most relevant qualifications and experiences, enhance your resume, and increase your chances of being called for an interview.

This is true for volunteer positions as well as for paid ones. Your cover letter is an opportunity to share your interest in an organization and explain why you'd like to volunteer with the group.

Here's advice on what to include in a cover letter for volunteering, an example, a template to download, and tips for emailing your letter.

There are many reasons why you may be considering applying for a volunteer position. Perhaps you are hoping to volunteer as a way of exploring a possible career field. Or, you may feel passionate about a cause and wish to help “make a difference.”

It may be that volunteering is a required component of a school, church, or club program.

Whatever your reason, a strong cover letter will help you to gain positive attention and—hopefully—to garner a personal interview for the volunteer role you are interested in.

Include Relevant Experience

When you’re writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, whenever possible, you should try to call on your experience that is most relevant to the volunteer role. Give some thought to what you believe will be your responsibilities as a volunteer, and then write a list of your experiences that have prepared you to assume these particular tasks.

Show How You're a Fit

The relevancy of your background experience is more important than whether it was voluntary, paid, or recreational. If you don’t have relevant experience, then do your best to connect your professional, academic, extracurricular, and/or personal history to the position, explaining why you think you are a great fit for the organization and how your skill set will enable you to become a strong contributor to their mission.

Explain Why You Want to Volunteer

You should also provide some reasoning as to why you are applying to volunteer. After all, in most cases, volunteering is completely “voluntary,” so the organization will want to know what’s motivating your application. 

If you aren’t applying on your own volition—if it is part of some requirement for school, work, or something else—then it’s best not to mention anything that would cause the organization to doubt your genuine interest and enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Include Your Contact Information

Finally, you should end your letter with a brief description of your availability, along with the best way to contact you.

You can use this cover letter sample as a model. Download the template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or read the text version below.

Here's an example of a cover letter written for a volunteer position.

Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position (Text Version)

Brady Applicant

123 Main Street Anytown, CA 12345 555-555-5555 brady.applicant@email.com

May 4, 2021

Jackson Lee Director Greenleaf Child Center 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in an opportunity to volunteer with the Greenleaf Child Center. I have significant experience working with children and would like to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.

I volunteered as a teacher’s aide at the Champlain School and enjoyed being able to help kindergarteners learn during their first experience in a classroom. In this position, I assisted with classroom projects, provided one-on-one literacy tutoring to the children, and chaperoned field trips. I also contributed additional time, outside of my set hours, to stay after school and assist with extracurricular activities.

For the past several winters, I volunteered with children on the slopes of a local ski resort, assisting coaches with teaching basic skiing to toddlers and elementary school-age children.

If the Greenleaf Center has a need for a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist. I believe it would be an excellent opportunity to develop my interest in early childhood education, a field I wish to study and pursue professionally in the future.

My schedule is flexible, and I am available to volunteer both evening and weekend hours, as well as during the day. Please feel free to reach out to me via email or cell phone.

I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you in person to discuss any potential opportunities at the Greenleaf Child Center.

Thanks for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you!

Brady Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

If you're sending your cover letter via email, list your name and the reason you're writing in the subject line of the email message:

Subject:  Volunteer Position - Brady Applicant

Include your contact information in your email signature, and don't list the employer's contact information. Start your email message with the salutation.

Here's how to format an email cover letter and more details on sending an email cover letter.

CVs & Résumés

• Jan 3, 2022

How to Write a Cover Letter for Volunteer Work

Ready to volunteer? If you're looking to gain experience or simply want to help others, there's a high chance you'll need a volunteering cover letter.

Joanna Zambas

Content Manager and Career Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Volunteering can add valuable experience and skills to your résumé, especially if you’re fresh out of education or changing occupation. That said, it can be hard to bag the perfect volunteer role. To help you, we'll walk you through all the steps you need to take to write an impressive cover letter to help you grab the attention of the recruiter.

What to include in a volunteer cover letter

As with any formal document or a regular cover letter, you need to follow a professional format. Below we’ve listed the correct formatting rules, structure and layout to ensure you impress the reader.

Your name and address

Your name and address should be written at the top right-hand corner of the page. In American English, the sender's address can sometimes be found in the top-left corner, so be sure to alter your template according to your location.

The date should appear a few lines below the letterhead — avoid this part if your request is via email.

The addressee’s name and address

A space should be left between the date and the addressee’s name and address. Regardless of your location, this should appear on the left-hand side of the page. If your letter is via email, skip this step and add a ‘subject line’.

Any formal letter should start with a formal greeting. A good way of making an impression is to use their name. For example, you could open with ‘Dear Ms Smith’. If you can’t find the hiring manager's name anywhere, writing ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ is acceptable.

Introduction

The introduction is the perfect chance to market yourself and capture the recruiter’s attention. Open the letter by sharing your interest in the position and explain how and why you would be a good fit for the position by using a short example.

Within the body, go into further detail by explaining why you’d be perfect for the volunteering position . You could mention skills that you have that will benefit the work, relevant work experience or your educational background. If your previous jobs are not directly relevant to the role, then mention your employment history as a way to highlight your specific strengths as a volunteer. You may want to focus on your work ethic, your dedication to your current or former employers, and any transferable skills that could be relevant to the position you're applying for.

Close the letter by mentioning how much it would mean to you if you were selected to be part of the team. Inform them of how excited you are about the position and how you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Conclude with ‘Yours sincerely’, followed by your full name and signature. If you’re sending this via email, simply use your name and contact information.

Tips for writing a volunteer cover letter

To help you write a better cover letter, follow these handy tips:

Do your research

Before any job application, it’s important to do your research and find out all you can about the company. Have a clear understanding of the organisation’s goals and what the role entails. This will ensure that you are a genuinely good fit for the role. Besides researching the company, find out who is handling the hiring, so you know who to address your letter to.

Define your goals

After doing your research, you should know what the company's mission statement is, which will help you define your goals and align them to the goals of the organisation that you’re applying to. For example, if you’re applying to teach English abroad, explain how you are a great listener and educator who wants to help others develop their knowledge and skills.

Keep it short

The space on the page should be used wisely — don’t fill up two pages with unnecessary information. It’s important to keep your cover letter short and sweet, highlighting only essential details and facts that show off your skills, abilities and experience. Save your stories for the interview , where you can further elaborate on your experiences in the workplace.

Proofread your letter

Be sure to proofread your letter and look for any typos, misspelt words, grammatical and punctuation errors. You could even use a proofreading application like Grammarly that will do the work for you, or ask a trusted friend to skim their eyes over it and offer any corrections.

If you send off an application for volunteer work with sloppy errors, chances are you won’t get the opportunity, as you’ll have come across as unprofessional through your letter.

Match your résumé's design

With a high volume of applications, hiring managers will be looking for someone with an edge, so why not match your cover letter to your résumé template’s design? It’ll show that you’ve gone the extra mile to create professional documents.

To help you, we’ve created the ideal résumé templates bundle , which offers a range of reliable templates along with our job search application checklist.

Volunteer cover letter example

Here's a sample letter requesting volunteer work.

If you’re applying via email, you could follow this template:

Mrs Jane Smith 123 street name City, County Postcode

Dear Mr Crane,

I came across the volunteer opening at the Red Cross, and I was instantly excited at the opportunity to volunteer for such a prestigious organisation. Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked as a nurse in private and public institutions. I would love the opportunity to give back to the world and work for a cause that is close to my heart.

A lot of people take nursing for granted. However, I see it as a role that can positively impact someone’s health and offer guidance. In the last decade, I have nursed sick children back to health, worked in a maternity ward and in a busy accident and emergency department. I would be grateful if I could offer these resources to children whose parents don’t have the funds for good healthcare. I have the experience of working in busy and demanding environments. Besides this, I have travelled to different countries already and have great interpersonal skills that will make my new patients feel comfortable.

As you can see, I’m extremely passionate about this role and believe I have valuable skills and experience that can benefit the cause that you’re working for. I hope that our goals align so we can offer the very best service to Third World countries that require the support.

Please do not hesitate to get in touch so we can schedule an interview. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Name] [Your Number] [email protected]

Final thoughts

Volunteer work not only adds credibility to your résumé but also gives you an opportunity to explore different cultures, learn new skills and gain valuable experience, so it’s important to create an impressive cover letter and résumé to ensure that you get the position.

Have you volunteered for a company recently? Did you write a letter similar to this that was successful? Let us know your thoughts and comments below.

This article is an updated version of an earlier article originally published on 23 October 2017.

Cover Letter Examples

Cover Letters

Volunteering Programs

Volunteering

Volunteer Cover Letter Sample and Writing Guide (Template)

Want to crush your interview.

Learn how to ace your interview with superior confidence.

Writing a volunteer cover letter? Volunteering appeals to people for a variety of reasons. They may like to obtain professional experience, expand their personal network, and/or contribute to their communities.

It's crucial to know how to create a professional volunteer cover letter if you want to seek a volunteer position. We'll go through what to include in a volunteer cover letter, writing suggestions, and a sample of a successful cover letter in this post.

What should you include in a volunteer cover letter?

Here's what should be included in your cover letter.

Full name and address

Start your cover letter by writing your name, home address, and primary phone number at the top, whether you're writing a physical letter or sending an email.

This lets your receiver know who you are and provides them with your contact information. Include your email address under your name if you're mailing a physical letter.

A short salutation or greeting should begin your letter. This should be courteous and professional, with the recipient's name mentioned if feasible.

If you don't know who will be reading your letter, use the conventional format of "Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name." Avoid " Dear Sir or Madam ."

If you're not sure who to address your letter to, look into the department you could be working in and see if there's a possible contact there.

Note: If you don't know the preferred prefix of the professional you're writing to, you can use "Mx" as a starting prefix. This is a gender-neutral start to the cover letter.

An opening paragraph or introduction

Your letter's first full paragraph introduces you to your receiver/letter recipient. A brief overview of who you are and why you are interested in the role should be included. You might also include where or how you learned about the opportunity in this line.

Body paragraph

You should explain why you are a good match for the role in this paragraph.

The following should be included in the body of your letter:

• Your education: List your degrees, majors, and the names of the colleges and universities you've attended. Because many organizations have educational criteria for volunteers, it's critical that you disclose your greatest degree of education.
• Work experience: Concentrate on describing any relevant professional experience for the role. If you have volunteered or worked for another group, make sure to provide your title as well as the name of your employer or supervisor.
• Skills and competencies: Finally, make a note of any special talents that are pertinent to the role. Teamwork, work ethic, interpersonal skills , and time management are examples of general abilities. You should also list any technical talents you have that are relevant to the duties you will be undertaking.

You may also mention any professional accomplishments or certificates that illustrate your abilities in the body of your letter.

A closing paragraph

A expression of thanks should be included in the closing paragraph of your cover letter, thanking your recipient for taking the time to read and consider your message.

You should also reiterate your interest in the job and give an outline of your availability.

Finish by expressing your eagerness to hear from the company and promising a follow-up email.

Your sign-off

Include a professional sign-off beneath your conclusion, such as "Sincerely," or "With warm regards." If you're sending an email, enter your complete name first, followed by your contact details.

If you're sending a physical letter, type your name, print the letter, then sign your name beneath the closure.

How to write a volunteer cover letter

Tips for writing your cover letter for a volunteer position.

Do your research

Do your homework. Investigate the organization before applying. Find out who you should send your letter to, what opportunities are available, and what the volunteer criteria are. Knowing this information in advance will allow you to be more precise in the body of your cover letter.

Pro tip: Cover letters should always get tailored to the application letter or company you're sending this to. Make sure to tailor your resume as well.

Make a plan. Consider why you want to volunteer when you're drafting your letter. Perhaps you want to earn experience or skills, or you want to find a fulfilling way to give back to your community. Incorporating these objectives into your letter will assist your recipient in determining whether or not the position is a suitable fit for you.

Pro tip: If you're sending this cover letter as an email, use a simple subject line. "Your name - volunteer work," for example.

Keep your cover letter concise

Keep it short and sweet. Every week, your receiver may get dozens of volunteer applications. They may just spend a few minutes on each letter that passes their desk for the sake of efficiency. Limit your cover letter to one page.

Volunteer cover letter example

A volunteer cover letter sample.

Aaron Smith

1114 Main Street

Geneva, IL 60174

(630) 833-9473

May 21st, 2021

Deborah Hills

Childhood Care Centers

223 Summer Drive

Dear Ms. Hills

I'd like to interview with Childhood Care Centers for a volunteer program. I have significant experience dealing with children, and the prospect of volunteering as a counselor excites me much.

I volunteered as a teacher's assistant at Wild Rose Elementary School in Illinois, where I had a great time assisting children with in-class activities. I was responsible for putting up classroom projects, providing one-on-one tutoring sessions to the students, and accompanying the class on field excursions as a teacher's helper.

I worked as a lifeguard at a local recreation center last winter. I earned my CPR certification, childhood development certification, and received first-aid training.

If you're looking for volunteer counselors for your summer camps, I'd be honored to be considered for the role. I feel my qualifications and expertise would make me a great addition to your company. I also hope that through volunteering, I will be able to get more experience as an early childhood educator, which is the subject in which I intend to major when I start college next year.

My summer schedule is fairly flexible, and I may volunteer in the evenings, weekends, and throughout the day. I look forward to hearing from you as soon as possible. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email or phone.

Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Volunteer cover letter template

Contact Details:

Phone number

LinkedIn URL

Current date

Hiring Manager’s Name/Recruiter’s Name

Organization/Company Name

Salutation:

Dear Mr./Ms./Mrs. (Hiring Manager’s Last Name):

When possible, address the reader or specific person the job application is getting sent to.

First Paragraph:

Use this as a way of telling the hiring manager that the resume and cover letter have gotten designed around their ideas/values.

Second Paragraph:

Keep it brief. Mention that you believe these accomplishments show relevant skills and abilities that make you a perfect fir to the volunteer work. And/or why you should be one of the volunteers.

Third Paragraph:

Close your cover letter with a clear call to action. Mention available times to have a phone interview. Or suggest they continue to read your resume for more insights on what you can bring to the company.

Closing Sign-off:

Thank you so much for your time and consideration,

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I'm looking forward to speaking with you and the team.

Your name/signature

Related Hiring Resources

• Best Volunteer Resignation Letter Example (+ Free Template Download)
• How to List Volunteer Work Experience on a Resume (With Examples)

About the author

Patrick Algrim is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), NCDA Certified Career Counselor (CCC), and general career expert. Patrick has completed the NACE Coaching Certification Program (CCP). And has been published as a career expert on Forbes , Glassdoor , American Express , Reader's Digest , LiveCareer , Zety , Yahoo , Recruiter.com , SparkHire , SHRM.org , Process.st , FairyGodBoss , HRCI.org , St. Edwards University , NC State University , IBTimes.com , Thrive Global , TMCnet.com , Work It Daily , Workology , Career Guide , MyPerfectResume , College Career Life , The HR Digest , WorkWise , Career Cast , Elite Staffing , Women in HR , All About Careers , Upstart HR , The Street , Monster , The Ladders , Introvert Whisperer , and many more. Find him on LinkedIn .

Fact checked: Our small and dedicated team rigorously evaluates every article, guide, and reference to ensure the information is accurate and factual. Learn more .

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Volunteer Cover Letter Example

Cover letter examples, cover letter guidelines, how to format an volunteer cover letter, cover letter header, cover letter header examples for volunteer, how to make your cover letter header stand out:, cover letter greeting, cover letter greeting examples for volunteer, best cover letter greetings:, cover letter introduction, cover letter intro examples for volunteer, how to make your cover letter intro stand out:, cover letter body, cover letter body examples for volunteer, how to make your cover letter body stand out:, cover letter closing, cover letter closing paragraph examples for volunteer, how to close your cover letter in a memorable way:, pair your cover letter with a foundational resume, key cover letter faqs for volunteer.

Start your volunteer cover letter by addressing the recipient by name, if possible. If not, use a formal salutation like "Dear Hiring Manager." Then, introduce yourself and express your interest in the volunteer position. Mention where you found the opportunity and why it caught your attention. It's important to show enthusiasm and commitment right from the start. For example, you could say, "I am excited to apply for the volunteer position at XYZ organization, as I have always admired your commitment to environmental conservation." This not only shows your interest but also that you've done your research about the organization.

The best way for volunteers to end a cover letter is by expressing gratitude and enthusiasm for the opportunity. This can be done by saying something like, "Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the possibility of contributing to your organization and look forward to the opportunity to discuss my application further." This ending is effective because it shows appreciation, eagerness, and openness to further conversation. It's also important to include your contact information so they can easily reach you. Lastly, end with a professional closing such as "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. This leaves a positive, professional impression.

Volunteers should include the following elements in a cover letter: 1. Personal Information: Start with your name, address, contact number, and email address at the top of the letter. 2. Salutation: Address the letter to the appropriate person, if possible. If you don't know the name, use a general greeting like "Dear Volunteer Coordinator." 3. Introduction: Briefly introduce yourself and mention the volunteer position you are applying for. If someone referred you, mention their name in this section. 4. Motivation: Explain why you want to volunteer for the organization. This could be because you support their cause, want to give back to the community, or are looking to gain specific skills or experiences. 5. Relevant Skills and Experiences: Highlight any skills, experiences, or qualifications that make you a good fit for the volunteer role. This could include previous volunteer work, relevant work experience, or personal experiences that have prepared you for the role. 6. Availability: Mention your availability for volunteering. Be as specific as possible about the days and times you are available. 7. Closing: Thank the reader for considering your application and express your enthusiasm for potentially joining their team. Include your contact information again and express your willingness to provide further information if needed. 8. Signature: End the letter with a professional closing like "Sincerely" or "Best regards," followed by your name. Remember, a cover letter for a volunteer position is just as important as one for a paid position. It's your chance to show your passion for the cause, highlight your relevant skills, and demonstrate your commitment to volunteering.

Related Cover Letters for Volunteer

Church volunteer cover letter.

Community Volunteer Cover Letter

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Student Volunteer Cover Letter

Community Involvement Cover Letter

Counselor Cover Letter

Mental Health Counselor Cover Letter

Strategy Consultant Cover Letter

Related Resumes for Volunteer

Church volunteer resume example.

Community Volunteer Resume Example

School volunteer resume example, student volunteer resume example, community involvement resume example, counselor resume example.

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How to Write a Volunteer Cover Letter (With Examples)

It’s interesting to know that getting a volunteering position isn’t as easy as it may seem – volunteers also deal with competition. Don’t be surprised, some people feel the urge to give more to the world than to take from it.

For instance, according to the 2022 UN World’s Volunteerism Report, there are 862 million working-age people who volunteer around the globe. According to AmeriCorps research, US volunteers spent more than 4.1 billion hours on formal volunteering service in 2021, with an economic value of $122.9 billion.

If you’ve decided to go for a volunteer opportunity for the first time, or you just want to stand out from the talent pool and get selected faster, our article is here to help you. The same as with a paid position, volunteer positions require your application. It usually consists of your resume and cover letter. How to write an effective one? You’ll find out below!

Table of Contents

What is Volunteer Cover Letter?

A volunteer cover letter is a part of your application where you provide a more comprehensive explanation of why you are a good fit for a particular volunteer work. It has to include:

• Your reasons for taking up a volunteering position;
• Why exactly you picked their organization;
• What relevant experience you possess;
• How you can apply your skills while working;
• How the company will benefit from your contribution.

Why Should You Include a Volunteer Cover Letter in Your Job Application?

People have various motives to be willing to volunteer, but the most common ones are either gaining experience or making the world a bit better. Even though volunteering doesn’t imply any remuneration, people seek opportunities to participate as it gives something more valuable than money – experience. Furthermore, volunteering is incredibly rewarding, and this is the feeling people crave in our highly commercialized world.

Given these reasons and the fierce competition in the field, you should do your best to make yourself stand out to the organization you’d like to join. Writing a tailor-made cover letter can become a game-changer. If you want to win the hearts of your desired organization’s hiring manager, pour your heart and soul into your volunteer cover letter.

Important Things to Consider Before Writing

As with any other document, a volunteer cover letter has to be well-organized and structured, laconic but informative, and easy to read. Hiring managers in non-profit organizations are oftentimes as tied up as in other companies, and a volunteer cover letter of poor quality may be a red flag for them. If an applicant didn’t consider it necessary to pour their time into creating a professional cover letter, why would hiring managers be generous with their time to read it?

Remember to showcase your readiness to work hard. Avoid focusing on your gains and writing “Helping animals makes me feel so good!” or “I feel happy when I help others!”. The brutal truth is that volunteering isn’t a walk in the park, it’s mentally and physically demanding. If a company representative gets a feeling that you don’t fully understand the point of volunteering, you can kiss the opportunity goodbye.

How to Format a Volunteer Cover Letter

We’ve already figured out that an interview-winning cover letter has to be well-organized and well-structured. It ensures readability and helps your cover letter get noticed and read till the end:

• Divide the text into paragraphs, use double-spacing;
• Use 1 or 1,5 line spacing and a 1” margin on the sides;
• Avoid sophisticated fonts, standard Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial of 12 pt size would be the best choice;
• The letter should be one page long, include approximately 400 words, and, of course, be error-free.

Header and Headline

A volunteering cover letter header and headline have two key purposes. First, it’s visual structure, and second, they serve an informative function by giving the reader the understanding of who the letter comes from and why.

Being placed in the top left corner or top center, a header includes:

Your Name Address Phone Number Email, Social Media Date [MMDD, YY] Recipient’s Name Recipient’s Role Organization Name Address Zip Code

The cover letter headline’s mission is to catch the reader’s attention and set your letter apart from hundreds of other volunteer applications. It’s up to you whether to include it or not. When included, a headline has to be personalized and demonstrate your interest and dedication, for instance: “3 Ways of How My Skills Can Contribute to [Organization Name].”

Introductory Paragraph

Personalization throughout the letter makes a difference. When opening your letter with a greeting, don’t be lazy to go to the company’s website and find out the name of their hiring manager or volunteer organizer. They will definitely appreciate your effort.

In the introduction, bring the value of your candidacy straightaway. Mentioning your qualifications or skills relevant to the position and how you can apply them for the good of their organization. If you are applying by referral or you know somebody from their organization in person, you may include it in the introduction too.

Body Paragraph

Remember that your text has to be reader-friendly, so if you have a lot to include, divide it into smaller paragraphs. In body paragraphs, you describe your education, background experience, your skills, and previous volunteer experience (if you have it).

For instance, you are a student who has no hands-on experience but wants to volunteer. Include your degree(s), majors, and the name of the institution(s). Educational achievements serve as an alternative to working experience, so don’t bother to mention all of them. It’s also important to mention if you’ve had any leadership experience or participated in extracurricular activities or classroom projects that are connected with the company you’re applying to.

When describing your previous experience or skills, mention only those that are relevant to the role. Also, provide examples of how exactly they will come in handy in the volunteer position you want to obtain. Each skill you mention in the letter has to be accompanied by an example of how you used them at work or volunteering before and what results you achieved.

Closing Paragraph

Including a call to action in the closing paragraph is a must. You can encourage the hiring manager to contact you via the contact detail that you mention one more time and discuss further details of your cooperation. For their convenience, specify when you are reachable. Add some appreciation words for their time and attention and emphasize that you are looking forward to hearing from them as soon as possible. Finalize your letter with a respectful sign-off.

Volunteer Cover Letter Example

Finally, let’s have a look at some cover letter samples that can serve as a writing guide for creating your own volunteering cover letter.

Sample Cover Letter

Dear Mr Jackson, As soon as I found out about the volunteer role at Four Paws Kindergarten, I immediately decided to apply. I graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 and have been working as a vet’s assistant for about 2 years now. Besides that, I have been volunteering at various dog institutions for 1,5 years. I am sure that my decent store of both theoretical knowledge and practical experience with a focus on dogs will contribute to Four Paws Kindergarten’s main mission – enhancing dogs’ lives. Working at Animedic gave me two things. Firstly, it’s valuable hands-on experience in the art of treatment. Secondly, it made me face the brutal reality of how many animals (mostly dogs) are mistreated on a regular basis. We cooperate with animal shelters and regularly accept their animals as our patients. Having seen numerous situations of animal mistreatment, I decided to make my own contribution to their well-being outside of my work. This is how I started volunteering 1,5 years ago. I regularly participate in dog training sessions, often for dogs with severe behavioral issues: anxiety, fear-related aggression, possessive aggression, and hyperactivity. I have learned to effectively interact with dogs of various sizes, temperaments, and backgrounds. I can achieve it by ensuring their safety, thus letting them understand that they can trust me. Such skills as patience, stress resilience, and emotional intelligence help me make progress as a dog trainer. My well-developed communication skills help me find approaches to dog owners and change their perspectives on dog training for the better. I have managed to dissuade 10 people from abandoning their dogs because of behavioral issues and start building meaningful relations with their dogs. All stories have happy endings. I truly believe that both my veterinary experience at a clinic and the fundamental knowledge of dog psychology I obtained while volunteering will be useful for Four Paw Kindergarten. And I will be happy to continue making a difference and sharing my love with these wonderful creatures. I will appreciate the opportunity to discuss the details of our future cooperation at Four Paws Kindergarten via my phone (555) 555-1234 or via video call anytime. Feel free to contact me via my email [email protected] or my LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/nickolasdwt. Thank you for your time. I look forward to your response. Regards, Nick Dewton

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Write Compelling Volunteer Cover Letters: Samples Included

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. 

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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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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.  

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. 

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

Volunteer letter sample one, volunteer cover letter sample two.

This article includes everything you need to know about writing volunteer cover letters. When sending your email, ensure you include your contact information. 

About The Author

Jim Blessed

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Volunteer cover letter example

Cover letter header

Cover letter greeting, cover letter introduction, cover letter body, how to close a volunteer cover letter (conclusion & sign-off).

What’s the difference between a successful job application for a volunteer and someone pursuing a paid position? Actually, there isn’t much at all — an answer you may find surprising. With so many volunteer positions based on heart and passion for the role, an exceptional volunteer cover letter can give you an advantage over other applicants who haven’t included one. 

No matter what form of volunteering you’ve decided to pursue, we’re here to help you create an interview-winning cover letter. With 300+ writing guides and occupation-specific cover letter examples, Resume.io is a resource for candidates in all fields and at all experience levels. This writing guide, backed by volunteering cover letter example, will cover these topics:

• The best format for structuring a cover letter
• How each cover letter section conveys you’re an ideal volunteer job fit: header, greeting, introduction, body and conclusion
• Writing psychology to persuade recruiters that you’re a lucky find for the volunteer workforce
• Common cover letter mistakes to avoid.

The job market for volunteers is recession-proof and guaranteed to never dry up for any reason, anywhere on the planet. Consider these facts posted by TRVST , an organization championing global change-making initiatives. 

• The number of volunteers worldwide — over 1 billion — exceeds the number of unemployed people in six out of 10 of the most populous countries.
• The efforts of volunteers worldwide are equal to 109 million full-time workers.
• Approximately 25% of the U.S. adult population are volunteers, declining from 28% between 2003 and 2005.

Best format for a volunteer cover letter

Your volunteer cover letter should be structured exactly the same way as it would be for a paid job opportunity in the same field. These are the sections to include:

• Cover letter closing.

The overall guidelines for reader-friendliness are also the same. 

• Keep it short — no more than a single page, and 400 words maximum.
• Make it eye-pleasing in a professionally polished sense — clean and streamlined, with ample white space.
• Readability takes precedence when choosing fonts and non-distracting design elements.

Here is an adaptable volunteer cover letter example that you can customize for the position and hiring organization:

Dear Mr. Sonnenheim, | am writing as an aspiring soccer coach to see whether there is an opportunity to volunteer at the Boston Cubs? Having played soccer since I was 13, I had to curtail my playing career last year due to injury and would love to give back to the game during my sports science degree. I have no formal coaching experience; but would be keen to take on my first coaching qualifications alongside the volunteer work. A friend of mine helped out last year and he said that you are open to such arrangements. I have worked with the 11-16 age group previously at summer camps and I enjoy helping kids make the most of their potential and love watching them challenge themselves. I have a solid understanding of the tactics of soccer, but realize that much of the initial work will be organizational and logistical. I am a qualified minivan driver and was a treasurer for my college theater group, so hopefully I have other skills that may come in useful for the club. Due to my previous work with schoolchildren, I have all recent background checks and can share 35+ positive references from parents and participants. I live ten minutes walk away from your training ground and have watched the kids play every now and again on my weekend strolls. They all seem to have so much fun and I would love to be a part of that journey for them. I would relish the opportunity to come along and discuss what else I might be able to contribute to the Cubs. Sincerely, Bridgette Cole

The header lends off-the-top importance to your volunteer cover letter’s overall goal — to attract favorable attention leading to a job interview. It serves two key purposes:

• Readily identifies who you are and how the recruiter can contact you for an interview.
• Visually sets your volunteer application apart from countless others that may be overwhelming busy recruiters.

A matching pair Recruiters in a volunteer-dependent organization may sometimes be stretched to their multi-tasking limit, and perhaps frazzled when poring over job applications. A visually matched resume and cover letter pair can be a sight for sore eyes. 

The small bit of extra effort it takes to make these documents look like they belong together could ensure both get more than a passing glance.

Goal of the cover letter header: Set yourself apart from possibly hundreds of other volunteer job applicants with a visually distinctive identifier and contact information.

Volunteer job applicants may have an advantage when it comes to knowing who their cover letter greeting should address. They’ve likely shown initiative in exploring opportunities of interest and determined the requirements to apply, including recruiter contact information. Or, they may already have firsthand knowledge and connections without having to do research.

In any case, do address your cover letter to someone by name if possible. The positive psychological impact is well established. Otherwise, there’s no need to overthink the salutation: “Dear <Mr.> or <Ms.> Surname” is never outdated. Sometimes, the less formal “Hello,” “Greetings” or “Hi” is fine instead of “Dear.” Only use a first name greeting if you know the recipient personally. 

If you are unable to find out the recipient’s name, fashion a warmer alternative to “To Whom It May Concern.” Try “Dear <Organization Name> Volunteer Hiring Team” or something similar.

Goal of the cover letter greeting: Start off by directly addressing the person responsible for recruiting volunteers in a warm but professional manner.

Dear Mr. Sonnenheim,

Your volunteer cover letter introduction is pivotal to forming a connection with the reader. It’s where your passion, personality and purpose start shining through.   Volunteer recruiters will naturally expect you to start highlighting your most relevant strengths and background experience right away. And you absolutely should — especially emphasizing your people skills up front. But the biggest wow factor comes from revealing your “why.” Why do you care about this organization or charitable cause? What’s driving your desire to give? If there’s a personal, close-to-home reason, share that. This motivational insight should answer the recruiter’s foremost “how” question: How will your volunteer efforts help us if we give you this opportunity?

Goal of the cover letter introduction: Appeal to the specific needs of the organization or cause by conveying how your volunteering efforts will be of benefit.

Here’s an introduction idea from our volunteer letter sample:

I am writing as an aspiring soccer coach to see whether there is an opportunity to volunteer at Boston Cubs? I had played soccer since I was 13, but had to curtail my playing career last year due to injury and would love to give back to the game during my sports science degree.

Again, the same advice for writing the middle section (known as the body) of any job search cover letter applies when you are seeking a volunteer role. Focus on what the volunteer job requirements are and why your background is a good fit. 

Whether your previous experience has been professional or in other volunteer capacities is less important than its relevance to this particular volunteer job. Elaborate on achievements and the transferable skills brought to bear — especially soft skills. Cite relatable facts and figures such as target-beating fundraising totals or special event attendance. And by all means, share an anecdote or two that the reader can relate to on a personal level.

Goal of the cover letter body: Instill confidence in your sense of dedication and desire to contribute as a volunteer, based on relevant background experience.

This volunteer cover letter sample illustrates what you might include in the middle part:

I have no formal coaching experience; but would be keen to take on my first coaching qualifications alongside the volunteer work. A friend of mine helped out last year and he said that you are open to such arrangements. I have worked with the 11-16 age group previously at summer camps and I enjoy helping kids make the most of their potential and love watching them challenge themselves. I have a solid understanding of the tactics of soccer, but realize that much of the initial work will be organizational and logistical. I am a qualified minivan driver and was a treasurer for my college theater group, so hopefully I have other skills that may come in useful for the club. Due to my previous work with schoolchildren, I have all recent background checks and can share 35+ positive references from parents and participants. I live ten minutes walk away from your training ground and have watched the kids play every now and again on my weekend strolls. They all seem to have so much fun and I would love to be a part of that journey for them.

Like any cover letter, yours should end with a note of thanks for the recruiter’s interest and a concluding remark about your potential assets as a hired volunteer. Sound optimistic with the hope of hearing back soon; perhaps take that call to action a step further by asking if an interview can be arranged.  In addition, be sure to stipulate when you are available to volunteer and how much time you can commit. Specify the best way to reach you by repeating the phone number or email address shown in the header.

Finally, simply sign off with “Sincerely,” Best regards,” or “Best,” above your name. 

Aim of the cover letter closing: End with an upbeat call to action, ideally resulting in an interview, along with information about your volunteer availability.

Below is the closing section of our volunteer letter example.

I would relish the opportunity to come along and discuss what else I might be able to contribute to the Cubs. Sincerely, Bridgette Cole

Writing psychology

Reversing the roles is actually a useful way to look at the persuasive goal of any cover letter, whether you are applying for a paid position or a volunteer job. Put yourself behind the recruiter’s desk. Imagine routinely receiving dozens of submissions every week from volunteer hopefuls, compared with a salaried job vacancy generating a finite number of applications within a closed timeframe. 

Consider the added burden of proof that a volunteer cover letter carries when it comes to motivations compelling enough for the reader to pay serious attention. And never assume that qualified willing volunteers are in such short supply that organizations, out of desperation, will take anyone who steps forward. 

It goes without saying that most volunteer applications are “voluntary,” so recruiters are curious about the underlying reasons — typically to gain work experience, develop skills or give back to the community. Besides wanting to know your volunteer goals and whether the position is a good mutual fit, the cover letter reader needs a good sense of your potential value to the team and how long your commitment will last.

If your volunteer job application is not actually “voluntary” — that is, it’s a requirement for school, work or some other purpose — consider ways to reframe this information in your cover letter without being deceptive. Try to avoid casting doubt about whether your interest in the opportunity and desire to help are genuine. 

Common cover letter mistakes to avoid

Avoiding the most common cover letter pitfalls will ensure your volunteer appeal hits the mark. 

• A generic cover letter is like pretending you can clone yourself for multiple volunteer stints simultaneously.
• A “what’s in it for me” focus will turn off recruiters interested in how your volunteer contributions will help their organization or cause.
• Meaningless clichés and redundant word bloat waste valuable page space and the reader’s precious time.
• Without insights to your personality, passion and purpose, recruiters have no sense of what drives your giving intentions or how well you get along with others.
• Typos, spelling mistakes and grammatical goofs are a warning that your involvement might cause more work for others — fellow volunteers and paid staff alike.
• Design and formatting flaws can be perceived as a disregard for the organization’s identity, image and values, but a cover letter template can help you avoid these mistakes.

Key takeaways for a volunteer cover letter

• Despite the absence of financial compensation for volunteer work, the job application approach is remarkably similar, including the importance of an outstanding cover letter.
• Infinitely available volunteer opportunities allow for mutually ideal matches to be made, so each volunteer cover letter calls for a customized approach.
• Cover letters are designed to reflect your personality and purpose to a greater extent than resumes allow, which volunteer recruiters are keenly interested in.
• A visually attractive and error-proof cover letter speaks to your professionalism, work ethic and attention to detail. See how this is done in our volunteer cover letter sample.

For more inspiration, check out our other related resume examples:

• Support worker cover letter sample
• Social worker cover letter sample
• Youth worker cover letter example
• Career change cover letter sample
• Non-profit cover letter example

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Sample Email Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position

• Tips for Writing a Volunteer Cover Letter

Drafting Your Cover Letter

Sample letter for a volunteer position, emailing your cover letter.

If you're looking to volunteer, you likely know it involves donating your time, effort, and service. While most volunteer roles are unpaid, applicants looking to make a difference and gain valuable experience should consider sending an email message inquiring about such opportunities.

In some cases, volunteer roles can be competitive, so sending a cover letter can help you stand out. Plus, the time required to train and supervise volunteers is precious to these often short-staffed organizations.

Candidates who can show they have relevant experience or demonstrate that they're likely to volunteer for a long period (not just drop in for a single afternoon) will be appealing to the organization. 

As with a paid position, you'll want to use your cover letter to show why you're a good fit for the role. Get tips for what to write when you want to volunteer and see an example of a cover letter sent to inquire about volunteer opportunities. 

Tips for Writing a Volunteer Cover Letter 

Cover letters for volunteering written to organizations are an effective way to indicate your interest in a specific volunteer position, as well as to describe how your skills, experiences, and background can better the lives of others.

Like cover letters written for paid employment, those written for volunteer positions are most effective when they can highlight exactly how closely your background and interests fit the qualifications a group is looking for in its volunteers.

Like many paid jobs, organizations with volunteer positions available will often—but not always—publicly list the job openings they are looking to fill. Review these positions to find potential matches and understand their requirements. If there isn't a position listed at an organization, you can write a  letter of interest , letting the organization know that you are interested in volunteering there. 

Although volunteer opportunities are usually unpaid, the employer may still require certain qualifications for an applicant to be eligible. For instance, volunteers at an animal shelter may need experience working with pets. Other volunteer roles may call for a valid driver's license, experience with office administration, good phone manners, and so on. 

As in any cover letter, you'll want to highlight your most relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. 

Before you begin drafting your cover letter, be sure to  research the organization . Familiarizing yourself with the organization, its culture, and its mission can make you a stronger, more prepared candidate. In your letter, you'll be able to explain  why  you're interested in volunteering at the organization. 

Plus, learning about its operations may reveal that its values and mission are vastly different from your objectives—a sign that you should perhaps look for another organization to which you can contribute your time and labor.

Volunteering opportunities are not always listed by an organization’s human resources department, so make sure you research who to contact and how best to reach them.

When writing a cover letter for a volunteer position, mention your related work or volunteer experience, if applicable. Keep your cover letter professional, just like you would if you were applying for paid employment. For all you know, your volunteer position could ultimately turn into a job or full-time employment.

Utilize this time to market yourself to the organization. This cover letter is your opportunity to introduce yourself and your intentions right off the bat. When drafting the letter, be sure to describe your interest in the position as well as your relevant experience and background.

Provide examples of how you embody the organization’s mission statement, values, and core principles. In addition to your cover letter, include your  resume . You may also want to include letters of recommendation written by  personal or professional references  who can describe and attest to your experience and skills.

This is an example of a cover letter for a volunteer position. Download the volunteer position cover letter template (compatible with Google Docs and Word Online), or see below for more examples.

Sample Letter for a Volunteer Position (Text Version)

Barry Applicant 123 Any Street Anytown, CT 11112 555-124-1245 barry.applicant@gmail.com

July 30, 2024

John Lee Volunteer Manager St. John Senior Center 123 Business Rd. Business City, NY 54321 

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am interested in opportunities that may be available to volunteer at the St. John Senior Center. As a long-time advocate of the needs and welfare of the elderly in our community, I have experience working with senior citizens and would be thrilled to continue to do so in a volunteer capacity.

I volunteered as an aide at the Champlain Center and enjoyed being able to help senior citizens with arts and crafts. In this position, I assisted program participants with recreational projects, contributed to program planning and strategy sessions, and accompanied group field trips to local musical events and museums. I also participated in fundraising and community outreach initiatives.

If the St. John Center needs a dedicated volunteer, I would be thrilled to have the opportunity to assist you. My schedule is flexible, and I would be available to volunteer at your convenience.

Eager to learn more about your mission, successes, and challenges in serving our senior citizens, I would be grateful for the opportunity to interview with you at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to speaking with you.

Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Barry Applicant (signature hard copy letter)

Barry Applicant

You can either send your cover letter as an email attachment , or you can send it in the body of the email message with your resume . Be sure to include your name in the subject line of the email:

Subject: Your Name - Volunteer Application

Additional Sample Cover Letters

The most effective format for cover letters can vary depending on the opportunities they are targeting. Review cover letter samples for a variety of career fields and employment levels, including an internship cover letter sample, as well as targeted and email cover letters.

Key Takeaways

• When applying for volunteer positions, crafting a well-written cover letter can help highlight your relevant experience and demonstrate your commitment, making you a more appealing candidate.
• Researching the organization and tailoring your cover letter to align with its mission and values can strengthen your application and ensure a good fit.
• Even though volunteer positions are typically unpaid, it's important to treat the application process professionally. Who knows—it could potentially lead to future employment opportunities.

Writing Effective Volunteer Cover Letters (With Sample)

As a college instructor and communication expert with extensive nonfiction and educational writing experience, Mary shares tips and advice related to a wide variety of topics.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Nonprofit organizations rely on the generosity of volunteers. If you'd like to donate your time and talents to a cause you believe in, consider sending a letter requesting to serve as a volunteer. Cover letters for volunteer roles are similar to job application cover letters, with a few adjustments. Use the sample volunteer application letter provided here as a starting point to craft an effective letter of your own.

Sample Volunteer Cover Letter Template

To access the volunteer application letter template, simply click the image below. The letter will open as a PDF file in a separate tab or window (depending on your computer's settings). Use this guide to printables if you need help with the document. Click anywhere in the document to change the text to meet your needs. Once you have made changes, save and/or print the document.

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You may also want to view a few other cover letter examples before finalizing your volunteer opportunity request letter.

Best Practices for Volunteer Application Letters

Make your letter stand out by following best practices for writing a great cover letter. Key tips for writing this type of business letter include:

• Address the letter to a specific contact person rather than a general "to whom it may concern" greeting. (Call the organization and ask who the contact should be.)
• Use a standard business letter format.
• Ensure the tone of the letter is appropriate for professional communication.
• Make it clear that you are requesting volunteer work, not applying for a paid position.
• Explain why you're interested in volunteering with this particular organization.
• State what kind of volunteer work you would like to do for the group.
• Highlight what qualifies you to do this kind of work.
• Including your resume or a list of skills to emphasize your qualifications.
• Ask how to proceed with your efforts to become a volunteer.
• Include your telephone number and email address.
• End the letter with an appropriate business letter closing .
• Proofread closely, ensuring the letter is well-written and free from grammatical errors.
• Keep track of the volunteer application letters you send and follow-up with a phone call or email within a few weeks if you don't get a response.

Sending a Letter Requesting Volunteer Work

You can submit a printed volunteer cover letter via mail or hand-deliver it to the organization's office. You can also email your cover letter if you have the contact person's email address, which may be availalbe on the organization's website. If using email, you can send the PDF as an attachment or copy the text into the body of an email. Some organizations have electronic communication policies prohibiting workers from opening attachments sent by unknown sources, so it's possible that the recipient is more likely to read your message without at attachment. Be sure to use a subject line indicating that the message contains a volunteer opportunity request.

Volunteer cover letter examples

Do you want to volunteer your time and make a difference to the lives of others?

If you’ve found a charity or business that you want to help, you need to submit an honest and engaging cover letter that shows your passion, and explains why you’d be a great fit for the role.

To help get you onboard as quickly as possible, we’ve put together all our top tips, along with some volunteer cover letter examples in the guide below to inspire your application.

CV templates 

Volunteer cover letter example 1

Volunteer cover letter example 2

Volunteer cover letter example 3

These 3 Volunteer cover letter examples will provide you with some good ideas on how to format a cover letter, along with the type of message you should be trying to put across to recruiters .

To further understand exactly how you can write a cover letter that will get you noticed, check out our further guidance.

How to write a Volunteer cover letter

Here’s a simple process to write your own interview-winning cover letter.

Write your cover letter in the body of an email/message

When you send a cover letter with a job application, you should always write your message into the body of your email – or the body of the messaging system if you are sending via a job website.

Why do this?

Simply because you want to get your message seen as soon as the recruiter opens your application.

If you attach the cover letter as a separate item, this means the recipient will have to open it before they can read it – slowing down the process and potentially causing frustration along the way.

So, write your cover note in the body of your email/message to ensure you make an instant connection with the reader.

Start with a friendly greeting

To start building rapport with the recruiter or hiring manager right away, lead with a friendly greeting.

Try to strike a balance between professional and personable.

Go with something like…

• Hi [insert recruiter name]
• Hi [insert department/team name]

Stay away from old-fashioned greetings like “Dear sir/madam ” unless applying to very formal companies – they can come across as cold and robotic.

How to find the contact’s name?

Addressing the recruitment contact by name is an excellent way to start building a strong relationship. If it is not listed in the job advert, try to uncover it via these methods.

• Check out the company website and look at their  About page. If you see a hiring manager, HR person or internal recruiter, use their name. You could also try to figure out who would be your manager in the role and use their name.
• Head to LinkedIn , search for the company and scan through the list of employees. Most professionals are on LinkedIn these days, so this is a good bet.

Identify the role you are applying for

Now that you have warmed the recruiter up with a friendly greeting, firstly you need to let them know which role you are applying for.

Sometimes a recruitment consultant will be juggling 10 or 10 vacancies, so it’s important to specify which one you are applying to.

Give us much detail as possible (team/department, role title etc.) and paste in the reference number if you have one.

Here are some examples you can use.

• I am interested in applying for the role of Volunteer with your company.
• I would like to apply for the role of Sales assistant (Ref: 40f57393)
• I would like to express my interest in the customer service vacancy within your retail department
• I saw your advert for an IT project manager on Reed and would like to apply for the role.

See also: CV examples – how to write a CV – CV profiles

Highlight your suitability

The main purpose of your cover letter is to excite recruiters and make them eager to open your CV. And you achieve this by quickly demonstrating your suitability to the job you are applying for.

Take a look at the job adverts you are applying for, and make note of the most important skills being asked for.

Then, when you write your cover letter, make your suitability the focal point.

Explain how you meet the candidate requirements fully, and why you are so well suited to carry out the job.

This will give recruiters all the encouragement they need to open your CV and consider your application.

Keep it short and sharp

It is best to keep your cover letter brief if you want to ensure you hold the attention of busy recruiters and hiring managers. A lengthy cover letter will probably not get read in full, so keep yours to around 3-6 sentences and save the real detail for your CV.

Remember the purpose of your cover letter is to quickly get recruiters to notice you and encourage them to open your CV, so it only needs to include the highlights of your experience.

Sign off professionally

To finish off your cover note, add a professional signature to the bottom, stating your important contact details and information.

This not only provides recruiters with multiple means of contacting you, but it also adds a nice professional appearance to the cover letter, which shows that you know how to conduct yourself in the workplace.

Include the following points;

• A friendly sign off – e.g. “Warm regards”
• Your full name
• Phone number (one you can answer quickly)
• Email address
• Profession title
• Professional social network – e.g. LinkedIn

Here is an example signature;

Warm regards,

Aaron Smith Customer service professional 075557437373 [email protected] LinkedIn

Quick tip : To save yourself from having to write your signature every time you send a job application, you can save it within your email drafts, or on a separate document that you could copy in.

What to include in your Volunteer cover letter

So, what type of information should you write about in your Volunteer cover letter?

The specifics will obviously depend on your profession and the jobs you are applying to, but these are the key areas you should be covering.

• Your industry experience – Tell recruiters the types of companies you have been working for and the roles you have held in the past.
• Your qualifications – Highlight your most important relevant qualifications to show employers you are qualified to do the roles you are applying for.
• The impact you have made – Demonstrate the positive impact you have made for employers in previous jobs. Have you saved money? Improved processes? Made customers happy?
• Your reasons for moving – Employers will want to know why you are leaving your current/previous role, so provide them with a brief explanation here.
• Your availability – When will you be able to start a new job ? Check your current contract to find out your notice period if you are in a position already.

Volunteer cover letter templates

Copy and paste these Volunteer cover letter templates to get a head start on your own.

I am writing to express my keen interest in the Church Volunteer position at St Michaels Church. With over 15 years of experience supporting rural and urban churches, I am confident in my ability to make a meaningful contribution to your congregation.

At St Edmunds Church in Southampton, I excelled in event planning and coordination, leading to successful community engagement initiatives, such as the highly acclaimed 2021 Summer Wine Camp. My inclusive approach during worship services ensures a warm welcome for visitors, as I support worship leaders and provide childcare. In the realm of music, my choral compositions have increased participation in the church choir by 41%, while my gardening expertise adds beauty to the church grounds. I take pride in fostering an environment of integration by introducing a Buddy System for new members. At my previous church in York, I coordinated music programs, facilitated gardening workshops, and organized fundraising events to support local causes.

I am eager to contribute my diverse skill set to St Michaels’s mission. I am available for an interview at your earliest convenience to discuss how my experience aligns with the goals of the church.

Kind regards,

Jackie Williams

I am excited to apply for the part time Volunteer Coordinator position at the Trussell Trust. With 6+ years of experience collaborating with renowned charities like Amnesty International and Mind, I possess the skills to strategize and coordinate impactful volunteer recruitment drives and fundraising events.

As a politics student at Warwick University, I am the president of the Amnesty society and have improved regular volunteer retention by 39% as well as raising £10K through a charity music festival. At Big Al’s Kitchen, I reduced understaffing instances by 72% with an online notification system. My proficiency in managing databases and logistics was vital at Strawberry Fields Community Kitchen, ensuring efficient food pickups for underprivileged communities. In addition to my previous fundraising accomplishments, I also ran the 2021 London Marathon, raising an impressive £6.2K for the Trussel Trust.

I am eager to discuss my dedication to the Trussel Trust and how my skills could help support their ongoing work in the community in an interview. I am available at your convenience.

Katrina Vok

I hope this email finds you well. My name is James Mitchell, and I am excited to apply to volunteer at Oxfam in central Bradford.

Having volunteered for several years at a local charity shop, St Gemma’s Hospice, I have gained valuable experience in organising and managing the shop floor efficiently. I successfully led the team to achieve a 22% increase in sales in 2022 by implementing attractive visual displays and conducting community outreach events. With my proven dedication to the charity sector, I am confident in my ability to engage with customers and communicate Oxfam’s mission effectively. My excellent interpersonal skills have allowed me to develop strong relationships with donors and contribute to successful fundraising campaigns including the recent Parkside fun run.

I am thrilled about the opportunity to further contribute to the community, and I look forward to discussing how my experience and passion align with your goals in an interview.

James Mitchell

Writing an impressive cover letter is a crucial step in landing a job as a Volunteer, so taking the time to perfect it is well worth while.

By following the tips and examples above you will be able to create an eye-catching cover letter that will wow recruiters and ensure your CV gets read – leading to more job interviews for you.

Good luck with your job search!

4 Professional Volunteer Cover Letter Examples for 2024

In your volunteer cover letter, showcase your passion for the cause you wish to support. Let this enthusiasm radiate from every word you write. Demonstrate your understanding of the organization's work and how your skills align with their needs. Your dedication and relevance will make your application stand out.

Cover Letter Guide

Volunteer Cover Letter Sample

Cover Letter Format

Cover Letter Salutation

Cover Letter Introduction

Cover Letter Body

Cover Letter Closing

No Experience Volunteer Cover Letter

Key Takeaways

Community Organizer

Hospital volunteer.

Crafting a compelling volunteer cover letter can be a stumbling block, even for those well into their job search journey. You understand it's not to echo your resume, but rather to weave the narrative of your proudest professional moment. Striking that fine balance between formality and genuine passion, steering clear of overused clichés, all while fitting your story neatly on one page can feel like an uphill battle. It's time to tackle these challenges head-on and let your dedication shine through.

• Create a volunteer cover letter to persuade the recruiters you're the best candidate for the role;
• Use industry-leading volunteer cover letter templates and examples to save time;
• Dedicate your volunteer cover letter space to your best achievement;
• Make sure your volunteer cover letter meets recruiters' expectations and standards.

Avoid starting at the blank page for hours by using Enhancv's AI - just upload your resume and your volunteer cover letter will be ready for you to (tweak and) submit for your dream job.

If the volunteer isn't exactly the one you're looking for we have a plethora of cover letter examples for jobs like this one:

• Volunteer resume guide and example
• Stay at Home Mom cover letter example
• ATS cover letter example
• Spanish Translator cover letter example
• Non Profit cover letter example
• Site Manager cover letter example
• No Degree cover letter example
• US cover letter example
• Military to Civilian cover letter example
• Returning to Work cover letter example
• Career Change cover letter example

Volunteer cover letter example

MICHELLE SANDERS

New York, NY

+1-(234)-555-1234

[email protected]

• Emphasis on alignment with the organization's mission showcases not only an understanding of the company's values but also a personal commitment to their cause, which is crucial for advocacy-based roles.
• Demonstration of relevant experience by citing specific achievements, such as leading a successful fundraising initiative, evidences the candidate's capability to contribute effectively to the organization's objectives—fundraising prowess is often essential for nonprofit work.
• Highlighting soft skills like empathy, organization, and proactive teamwork presents an image of a well-rounded candidate who can navigate the social complexities of work in the non-profit sector, especially when dealing with vulnerable populations.
• A clear call to action for an opportunity to further discuss the candidate's fit for the role, which conveys enthusiasm and initiative, may increase the chances of securing an interview.

What about your volunteer cover letter format: organizing and structuring your information

Here is one secret you should know about your volunteer cover letter assessment. The Applicant Tracker System (or ATS) won't analyze your cover letter.

You should thus focus on making an excellent impression on recruiters by writing consistent:

• Introduction
• Body paragraphs (and explanation)
• Promise or Call to action
• Signature (that's optional)

Now, let's talk about the design of your volunteer cover letter.

Ensure all of your paragraphs are single-spaced and have a one-inch margins on all sides (like in our cover letter templates ).

Also, our cover letter builder automatically takes care of the format and comes along with some of the most popular (and modern) fonts like Volkhov, Chivo, and Bitter.

Speaking of fonts, professionals advise you to keep your volunteer cover letter and resume in the same typography and avoid the over-used Arial or Times New Roman.

When wondering whether you should submit your volunteer cover letter in Doc or PDF, select the second, as PDF keeps all of your information and design consistent.

The top sections on a volunteer cover letter

• Header: Include your contact information, the date, and the recipient's details to ensure the cover letter is addressed properly and to make it easy for the recruiter to reach out to you.
• Greeting: Use a formal salutation to address the hiring manager or volunteer coordinator, as it demonstrates professionalism and respect from the outset of your communication.
• Introduction: Highlight your enthusiasm for volunteering and mention the specific role you're applying for, as this section sets the tone and shows your genuine interest in contributing to the organization.
• Body: Detail your relevant skills, experiences, and motivations for wanting to volunteer, as recruiters look for candidates whose values align with their mission and who can bring valuable contributions to their team.
• Closing: Reiterate your interest in the role and thank the reader for considering your application, providing a polite and professional end to your cover letter that leaves a positive impression.

Key qualities recruiters search for in a candidate’s cover letter

• Passion for the cause: Demonstrates dedication and a personal connection to the mission of the organization.
• Proven commitment through previous volunteer work: Shows experience in and understanding of the nonprofit sector or similar volunteer roles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills: Essential for interacting with various stakeholders and team collaboration.
• Flexibility and adaptability: Indicates the ability to handle diverse tasks and adjust to changing environments common in volunteer settings.
• Leadership and initiative: Ideal for taking charge of projects and showing the willingness to go beyond assigned tasks.
• Cultural sensitivity and inclusiveness: Important for organizations working with diverse communities or global outreach.

How to address hiring managers in your volunteer cover letter greeting

Goodbye, "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To whom it may concern!"

The salutation of your volunteer cover letter is how you kick off your professional communication with the hiring managers.

And you want it to start off a bit more personalized and tailored, to catch the recruiters' attention.

Take the time to find out who's recruiting for the role (via LinkedIn or the company page).

If you have previously chatted or emailed the hiring managers, address them on a first or last name basis.

The alternative is a "Dear HR team" or "Dear Hiring Manger", but remember that a "Dear Ms. Simmons" or "Dear Simon," could get you farther ahead than an impersonal greeting.

List of salutations you can use

• Dear [Organization Name] Team,
• Dear Hiring Manager,
• Dear [Specific Contact Person's Title and Last Name],
• Dear Volunteer Coordinator,
• Dear [Department Name] Director,
• Dear Members of the [Committee or Department Name],

The volunteer cover letter intro: aligning your interest with the company culture

You only have one chance at making a memorable first impression on recruiters with your volunteer cover letter.

Structure your introduction to be precise and to include no more than two sentences.

Here are some ideas on how to write a job-winning volunteer cover letter introduction:

• get creative - show off your personality from the get-go (if this aligns with the company culture);
• focus on your motivation - be specific when you say what gets you excited about this opportunity.

How to select your best achievement for the middle, or the volunteer cover letter body

You probably feel exhausted by this point in your application: you've dived into all the details of your success and skills in your volunteer resume.

What else can you include in your volunteer cover letter body ?

Well, for starters, the next three to six paragraphs should show you further value as a professional. Or, why should recruiters choose you?

Think back on a noteworthy achievement that answers key job requirements and dive deep.

Structure your volunteer cover letter middle as you'd a story: following chronological logic and highlighting outcomes, thanks to skills.

At the end of the day, you'd want recruiters to be able to see you as the best candidate for the role and understand more about who you are and what makes your success unique (and valuable to the role).

Time to wrap up your volunteer cover letter

Writing the closing paragraph of your volunteer cover letter is just as important as the salutation.

You have to make it personalized to the job advert and recruiter.

Experienced professionals advise candidates to end with a request or reminder for follow-up. Write that you're grateful for the opportunity, and, at the same time, hint that you're available for the next steps of the process.

Otherwise, you could also conclude your volunteer cover letter by facing the future. How do you see yourself, as part of the team? In particular, how would you settle in your new role in the first six months to a year?

What to write on your volunteer cover letter, when you have zero experience

The best advice for candidates, writing their volunteer cover letters with no experience , is this - be honest.

If you have no past professional roles in your portfolio, focus recruiters' attention on your strengths - like your unique, transferrable skill set (gained as a result of your whole life), backed up by one key achievement.

Or, maybe you dream big and have huge motivation to join the company. Use your volunteer cover letter to describe your career ambition - that one that keeps you up at night, dreaming about your future.

Finally, always ensure you've answered why employers should hire precisely you and how your skills would benefit their organization.

Key takeaways

Winning recruiters over shouldn't be difficult if you use your volunteer cover letter to tell a story that:

• Is personalized by greeting your readers and focusing on key job skills greets;
• Isn't spread all over the place, but instead focuses on one key achievement and selling your value as a professional;
• Introduces your enthusiasm for the role, passion for the job, or creativity in communication;
• Is also visually appealing - meeting the best HR practices;
• Ends with a nod to the future and how you envision your growth, as part of the company.

Volunteer cover letter examples

Explore additional volunteer cover letter samples and guides and see what works for your level of experience or role.

Cover letter examples by industry

AI cover letter writer, powered by ChatGPT

Enhancv harnesses the capabilities of ChatGPT to provide a streamlined interface designed specifically focused on composing a compelling cover letter without the hassle of thinking about formatting and wording.

• Content tailored to the job posting you're applying for
• ChatGPT model specifically trained by Enhancv
• Lightning-fast responses

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Community Volunteer Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2024

Crafting a standout community volunteer cover letter is a crucial step towards making a meaningful contribution to your community. As a community volunteer, your role can span from securing local neighborhoods to lending a hand at public parks.

It's a role that requires a blend of skill, dedication, and that special spark of community spirit. Let's ignite that spark in your cover letter with our handy tips, inspiring examples and customizable templates.

Continue reading to learn how to:

• How to give your community volunteer cover letter visual appeal
• Why it is essential to personalize the content of your cover letter
• Which key details to include in your community volunteer introduction
• How you can showcase your qualifications as a community volunteer
• What to say in your cover letter conclusion to make it effective
• Where to find the best job search resources for community volunteers

1. How to give your community volunteer cover letter visual appeal

When applying to a position as a community volunteer, providing a volunteer organizer with a well-written, compelling cover letter is essential.

To start off your cover letter strong, you must give it visual appeal by creating a cover letter hader and cover letter headline .

Your header will always come first, placed in the top left corner of your letter. In a header, you should include all the vital information about who you are and who the intended recipient of the letter is.

This information includes:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information (email address, phone number, LinkedIn, etc.)
• The name of the organization you are applying to

Here is an example of a well-formatted community volunteer header

Jacob Jackson , Community Volunteer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/jacob-jackson

To: McDowell Community Center 1234 Street Address Newark, NJ 07101

A few spaces below your header is where you should place your cover letter headline. The headline looks best centered on the page and should include four key elements:

• A keyword : The keyword should be related to the position — typically, the best keyword to use is the position title itself.
• A number or trigger word: A number or trigger word helps to outline how many key points there are in the cover letter, informing the reader of what they can expect from the letter.
• An adjective and/or verb: To give your headline a more intriguing sound and structure, you should include a powerful adjective or verb that describes you and your qualifications.
• A promise statement: It is important to let the reader know that this letter is written specifically for them — to accomplish this, include a personalized promise statement that directly references the person and/or their business.

Here is an example of an excellent headline from a community volunteer cover letter

3 Reasons Why I Love Community Volunteering & How This Passion Can Benefit Your Organization

Trigger Word/Number: 3 Reasons Keyword: Community Volunteering Adjective/Verb: Love, Benefit Promise: Your Organization

Create your cover letter fast with artificial intelligence.

2. how to personalize the content of your cover letter.

Your next key step in the cover letter writing process is to personalize the letter for a specific volunteer organizer or organization . Personalization is important, as it helps you make your letter much more relevant and valuable to the person reading it.

The personalization process is done by first researching the organization before writing and then using the information you gather within the letter. For instance, if the organization is currently working on a major community project, you could reference this project and explain how your skills can help them accomplish it.

Additionally, you should try to discover who is responsible for onboarding new volunteers, such as a head volunteer organizer. With this detail, you can create a personalized greeting that addresses this person by name, letting them know immediately about the research you have completed.

Here are 3 examples of personalized community volunteer cover letter greetings

Dear Head Volunteer Rachel Harris,

• Dear Volunteer Organizer Rachel Harris,
• Dear Ms. Rachel Harris,

3. How to write a compelling community volunteer cover letter introduction

As a community volunteer, your first primary goal with your cover letter should be to showcase your passion for service and volunteering — and there’s no better place to do this than in your introduction .

A cover letter introduction should include:

• A concise summary of your experience as a volunteer, including any specialized areas of expertise
• A statement on why you are enthusiastic about applying to this organization
• A mutual acquaintance (when possible) — including a mutual acquaintance can help build rapport with the volunteer organizer, as well as provide them with a professional reference that they trust. To gain a mutual acquaintance, try networking through professional platforms like LinkedIn.

Here is an example of a strong introduction from a community volunteer cover letter

As a community volunteer with more than 4 years of experience working in community youth centers, I was beyond thrilled to learn of your center’s volunteering opportunities. I am passionate about working with underprivileged youth in my community to help provide them with the resources and support needed to excel at both school and home. My mentor Ms. Lisa May, a local social worker that often works with your center, let me know about this opportunity and encouraged me to apply.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to showcase your qualifications as a community volunteer

A great community volunteer can possess many different skills and qualifications — the key is to determine which are most relevant to the position at hand .

No matter which skills, accomplishments, or other qualifications you choose to include, make sure to relate them back to the position as much as possible. For instance, if you are applying for a position as a community volunteer in a local garden, describe your teamwork skills and how they can benefit the community garden team.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a community volunteer cover letter

• Teamwork and collaboration
• Communicating with community members
• Administrative tasks
• Leadership (describe a specific leadership style)
• Punctuality

Here is an example of how to describe an accomplishment in a cover letter

As a community volunteer for a local homeless shelter, I helped with community outreach to gather donations for the shelter food bank. In this role, I helped to develop a new outreach incentive program that increased donations by more than 15% per month.

5. How to conclude your community volunteer cover letter effectively

The final step to writing your community volunteer cover letter is to write an effective conclusion . In this conclusion, make sure to include:

• An enthusiastic sentence saying you are looking forward to hearing from them
• How and when you can best be contacted
• When you plan to follow up
• A formal sign-off

Here is an example of a great conclusion from a community volunteer cover letter

As the newest volunteer at your organization, I know I can help uplift and support the local community with compassion and commitment. I greatly look forward to hearing from you and hope to hear back by next Tuesday regarding this volunteer opportunity. Please reach me any time Monday through Friday before 5 p.m., or between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekends.

With Sincerity,

[Applicant Name]

6. The best job search resources for community volunteers

Finding the right volunteering opportunity can be as rewarding as the volunteer work itself. Here’s a selection of resources to make the search for your ideal community volunteering role more straightforward:

• Volunteer match websites:  Platforms like VolunteerMatch  or  Idealist  are great resources for finding volunteer opportunities in communities all over the country.
• Local non-profits and charities:  Reach out to non-profit organizations in your area. They often need volunteers and can likely find a role that suits your skills and interests.
• Community centers:  Local community centers frequently run a range of programs that rely on volunteers. Be sure to check out their websites or pay them a visit in person.
• Social media:  Use platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn to find local volunteering groups and opportunities.
• Government resources:  Your local council or city website may have a page dedicated to volunteer opportunities.

Remember, volunteering is a journey. Equip yourself with the right tools, and you're sure to find an opportunity that resonates with your dedication to community service.

Community Volunteer Cover Letter FAQ

What should i include in my community volunteer cover letter.

Your community volunteer cover letter should contain your personal contact details, a professional greeting, and a brief introduction. Additionally, mention your relevant volunteer (if any), skills, and reasons for wanting to volunteer. Conclude with a strong closing statement and your signature.

How can I tailor my community volunteer cover letter for each position?

A tailored cover letter demonstrates your investment in the role. Show this by mentioning the organization by name, understanding its mission, and explaining how your experiences align with their work.

How long should my community volunteer cover letter be?

Ideally, your cover letter should be a maximum of one page. Aim to make every word count while discussing your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for community service.

Why is a cover letter needed for a volunteer role?

A cover letter is a chance to demonstrate your commitment and explain why you're a suitable candidate. It can highlight your passion for community service, showcase your relevant skills, and help you stand out among other applicants.

Do I need different cover letters for different volunteer roles?

Yes, similarly to job applications, it's important to customize your cover letter for each volunteer role. This shows your conscientiousness and interest in the particular cause or position.

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a Certified Professional Résumé Writer (CPRW™) and an active member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Career Coaches (PARWCC™). She is also a passionate translator and graphic designer. Julia holds degrees in translation and interpretation and has international work experience in various countries across Europe, as well as in China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and contributed as a graphic designer to outlets such as The Business of Business. You'll often find her with a book in one hand and a specialty coffee in the other, always on the lookout for new insights.

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11+ Sample Job Application Letters for Volunteers

Volunteer letter work is a noble endeavor. In soup kitchens, we hear motivational stories from war veterans and down-on-their-luck individuals. In doing schoolyard work as part of a nonprofit template, we help make a social statement by building the environments in which the minds of future leaders, teachers, and nation builders are molded.

Volunteer Application Letter Template

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Free Volunteering Application Letter Sample

Application Letter For Volunteer Work in Word

Volunteering Application Letter Template

Application Letter For Volunteer Work In Hospital Template

Application For Volunteering Template

Sample Letter Requesting Volunteer Work

How to Write An Application Letter for a Volunteer Job:

• Keep your letter professional – Although you are applying for a volunteer job, it is still imperative to write the letter in the same manner as you are applying for a paid position.
• Format your letter – A properly formatted application letter design can help you look professional and perfect for the position.
• Address the letter to the recipient’s appropriate title – If ever no contact person is listed in the job posting, a great strategy to get away with is to use a subject line instead of a formal salutation.
• Introduce yourself, explain your interest and how you are the perfect candidate for the position – Let us take for example you are volunteering to tutor children. You can express your interest in teaching children along with your academic experience as a teacher.
• Wrap it up by giving details on the specifics of what you are able to commit – You should provide the hiring party how much time you can allocate each week. Your availability is a crucial factor that helps determine whether you are the one who they think is perfect for the job.
• Write a professional closing – Before you send your application letter, it is important to formally thank the recipient for his time and consideration. You can also use formal closings, such as “Best Regards,” “Sincerely Yours,” and “Warm Regards.”

Example Of Volunteer Application Letter

Application For Voluntary Service

Volunteering Application Letter Sample PDF Free Download

Job Work Application Letter for Volunteer with Experience

Final Thoughts:

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How to Write a Letter Asking to Volunteer

Last Updated: August 30, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Katherine Kirkinis, Ed.M., MA . Katherine Kirkinis is a Career Coach and Psychotherapist who has served as a career expert for Forbes, Medium, Best Life, and Working Mother Magazine, and as a diversity and inclusion expert for ATTN and Quartz. She specializes in working with issues of career, identity, and indecision. She has doctoral-level training in career counseling and career assessment and has worked with hundreds of clients to make career decisions through career assessments. She is pursuing a doctoral degree at The University of Albany, SUNY where her work focuses on diversity and inclusion, racism in the workplace, and racial identity. She is a published author and has been featured in academic journals as well as popular media outlets. Her research has been presented at 10+ national APA conferences since 2013. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,164,315 times.

Volunteering is the act of giving your time and services to another person or organization without the expectation of monetary reward. You should first choose an organization to volunteer with. When you know who you wish to offer your services to, you can write a letter asking to volunteer by explaining your reasons for volunteering, expressing interest in a particular volunteer position, and discussing the ways in which your skills and experiences can benefit others. Knowing how to write a volunteer letter and what information to include could help you land a life-changing role at an organization you care about.

Finding a Position

• Look at multiple positions to find one that would fit you best.
• Get a sense of what the position you're interested in requires of its applicants. It's important to do this before applying, because even though it is not a paid position, there may still be a certain skill set, level of experience, or education background required for that position.

• Read the organization's mission statement and values. These should be available somewhere on the organization's website, and can save you time and frustration down the line.

• If no contact person is listed in the announcement, try searching on the organization's website to determine who is in charge of personnel. You may need to contact the organization's human resources department to find this information.
• If hiring decisions are made by a high-ranking executive, you may need to address your letter to that individual.

Drafting a Letter

• Use a uniform type size and font that are appropriate for a business letter. Stick with a font size between 10 and 12 points, and choose a font that is easy to read and has clean lines, like those in the sans serif family. Some examples of professional-looking fonts include Arial, Century Gothic, Futura, Lucida Sans, News Gothic, Technical, Times New Roman, and Rockwell. [1] X Research source
• Do not use any unusual or unique colors in your letter. Type the body of your letter in black.

• Write your contact information in the upper lefthand corner of the document. Include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. [2] X Research source
• Insert two or three line breaks, then write out the contact person's information. Start with their full name (or a proper title, if no first name is given - for example, Ms. Stone), the department that person works in, the name of the organization you are hoping to work with, and the organization's address. [3] X Research source
• You may wish to include the date on your letter so that the person reviewing your application can see when you applied. This can be inserted between your contact information and the organization's. [4] X Research source

• Include a statement of interest in the position.
• Mention where you saw the announcement for this volunteer opportunity.
• Write two to three sentences outlining your experience and expertise in the field of your interest.
• If you have a formal education or have taken coursework in the field to which you're applying, mention that in this section.
• Reference the organization's mission statement or values, and address why that mission or set of values is important to you. You should also tie your education, experience, and/or interests to the company's values or mission statement. Let the hiring party know that you are willing and able to work toward the organization's goals.

• Discuss your employment and volunteer history, and talk about how that experience it is relevant to the position. If your previous jobs are not directly relevant to the volunteer position, then mention your employment history as a way to highlight your specific strengths as an employee. You may want to focus on your work ethic, your dedication to your current or former employers, and any transferrable skills that could be relevant to the volunteer position you're applying for.
• Name any skills you possess that would be useful or relevant for this position, and talk about why those skills would be useful at the volunteer organization.
• If you have any substantial achievements that you are proud of (and that have relevant or transferrable skills), detail how those achievements make you an ideal candidate for the volunteer position you're interested in.
• Include any major issues or problems you were successfully able to identify and solve at your current or former jobs or internships. [7] X Research source
• Discuss any ways in which you successfully innovated new policies or procedures at your current or previous jobs or internships. [8] X Research source
• Incorporate any instances that illustrate your ability to take initiative and show responsibility or leadership skills. [9] X Research source

• Let the hiring party know how much time you can commit to each week. If you have specific days or times that work better for your schedule, let the hiring party know when you're available to volunteer, if you are accepted into the organization.
• Do not assume that you have the position. Writing about yourself and your availability as though you already have the position could be a turn off for the organization's hiring party.
• Ask the hiring party for the opportunity to meet in person to discuss the position further, and let him or her know when you would be available for an interview. It's important to be flexible when trying to set up a meeting/interview, so try to keep your schedule open and be willing to come in on short notice.

Sending Out Your Letter

• Letters of recommendation should be written by professional or personal references who can attest to your character and capabilities. [12] X Research source
• In lieu of letters of recommendation, you may want to include a list of professional references with each reference's contact information. This will allow the hiring party to reach out to your references, if he or she needs to, and it shows that you are able to maintain positive working relationships with current and former employers and/or colleagues.

• Address the interviewer by name. [14] X Research source
• Thank him or her for the opportunity to meet and discuss the position. [15] X Research source
• Try to mention something specific that the interviewer talked about during your meeting. Letting him or her know in the thank you note that you were interested in what he/she said shows that you were paying attention and that you take the opportunity seriously. [16] X Research source
• Close with a polite ending that does not assume that you have earned the position. Say something like, "I look forward to discussing this opportunity further," or wish the interviewer luck with the selection process.
• Some organizations are inundated with volunteer requests and may ask that you do not follow up. In each case, do as instructed.

Sample Letters

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://sendgrid.com/blog/best-email-fonts/
• ↑ https://writing.wisc.edu/handbook/assignments/businessletter/
• ↑ http://www.monash.edu.au/students/assets/docs/career-connect/samples/volunteering-job-advert-cover-letter.pdf
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/articles/2017-06-20/7-mistakes-of-cover-letter-writing
• ↑ http://www.mtu.edu/career/students/docs/resume-handout.pdf
• ↑ https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-a-recommendation-letter-2062074
• ↑ https://careersidekick.com/thank-you-note-after-interview/

About This Article

To write a letter asking to volunteer, start by putting your contact details in the top left-hand corner of the page so the recipient can easily get in touch with you. Then, begin the body of your letter by addressing the recipient with the correct title, like Mr. or Ms. In your first paragraph, introduce yourself and express your interest in volunteering. Next, in the second paragraph, explain how your experience makes you a good candidate. Finally, in the third paragraph, say how much time you can commit to, and conclude the letter with a professional closing, such as "Sincerely." For tips on how to find a volunteering position in your local area, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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