write a letter for volunteer work

How to Write a Letter to Ask for a Volunteer Job

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Cover Letters for Conservation Jobs

What are the benefits of volunteer work, how to list a sabbatical on your resume.

• Job Description for Homeless Shelter Volunteer Coordinators
• How to Write a Letter Regarding Voluntary Work

There is no greater gift than your time. Volunteering is a rewarding endeavor that provides insight and personal enrichment. Side benefits include developing professional connections, gaining experience and making new friends. When you write a letter to ask for a volunteer job, be sure to write from a place of passion, explaining how you can make a difference in the organization. Your letter is a first impression that can have a lasting impact. Use a professional business format and be sure that you proofread for spelling and grammatical errors. Finally, follow up with the organization by phone a week or so after the letter is received.

Reason for the Letter

Start your letter by getting to the point. Explain that you are interested in a volunteer job and that you are specifically excited about the particular organization. You can even add a sentence about why the organization is an ideal match for your skills. The opening paragraph should entice the reader to want to learn more about you.

I am interested in volunteering with the ABC Tree Foundation. As an environmental science major, I have always cherished preserving nature.

I am writing to inquire about a volunteer opportunity with your organization. My expertise is in reforestation and I feel that I could make a difference with the ABC Tree Foundation.

Showcase Your Skills

Continue your request for a volunteer job by highlighting your talents and skills. Some organizations are overrun with volunteers, and managing too many volunteers becomes a burden sometimes. If you demonstrate why your special gifts can be transformative for the organization, you'll be more likely to land the position.

My academic work has focused on developing new tools that make reforestation easier and faster. I recently developed a new tree planting bar that I feel would help you in your work.

I love nature and spend as much time as possible working to replant trees. I would like to lend my talents and hard work to your organization.

Demonstrate Passion for the Organization

It is important to know as much as possible about the organization. A volunteer coordinator will be impressed if you can show more than just surface knowledge about what the organization does. If you don’t have first-hand information, talk to a board member or someone that has volunteered to learn more. Showing a sincere passion for the organization will impress a decision-maker. Examples:

I am so impressed that the ABC Tree Foundation has invested in the river cleanup project. The volunteer turnout was amazing, and I would like to become part of your effort.

I recently attended the ABC Tree Foundation fundraiser, and the strong community commitment was evident. As a passionate naturalist, I share in the desire to do more to help your organization.

Highlight How You Are a Great Match

As you near the end of your letter to ask for a volunteer job, make a final push by tying your special gifts to the needs of the organization. Communicating self-confidence, a strong work ethic and applicable skills will set you apart from others. This part of the letter ties your knowledge of the organization with the unique qualities you offer as a volunteer.

I recently read that the ABC Tree Foundation is embarking upon a new initiative to plant trees in the park that was destroyed by the spring tornado. I am eager to be a part of this project and can provide special tools that would make planting easier.

Given my background in environmental science, volunteering for the ABC Tree Foundation is a perfect fit. I would be excited to help your organization and I am confident I can make a difference.

Classy Closing

The closing of your letter asking for a volunteer job should be short and memorable. Emphasize your interest and add a note of support for the organization. Even if you aren’t selected right away, your letter may be filed for a future time when something becomes available.

Thank you for considering my interest in becoming a volunteer for the ABC Tree Foundation. If given the opportunity, I will work hard and do my best to be an asset to your work. I value the work that you do and will always be an avid supporter. I look forward to hearing from you.

• UW Madison: Sample Volunteer Letter

Dr. Kelly Meier earned her doctorate from Minnesota State Mankato in Educational Leadership. She is the author and co-author of 12 books focusing on customer service, diversity and team building. She serves as a consultant for business, industry and educational organizations. Dr. Meier has written business articles and books for Talico, Inc, Dynateam Consulting, Inc. and Kinect Education Group.

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• Cover Letter Examples
• Volunteer Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

Volunteer Cover Letter Example & Writing Guide

You’re all about giving. Write a volunteer cover letter that will help you get the job that gives back.

As seen in:

You've got a heart of gold and want to volunteer, but how do you make sure your cover letter shines just as bright? Simple!

We'll help you craft a volunteer cover letter that's as dazzling as your altruistic spirit. Ready to become the Mother Teresa of job applications?

This guide will show you a volunteer cover letter example, plus the best tips on how to write a volunteer letter step-by-step.

Want to write your cover letter fast? Use our cover letter builder. Choose from  20+ professional cover letter templates  that match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.

Create your cover letter now

Sample cover letter for a resume— See more cover letter samples and create your cover letter here .

Volunteer Letter Sample

Ellis D. Wight

3016 West Drive

Chicago, IL 60606

773-499-3635

[email protected]

linkedin.com/in/elliszetywight

Chicago, 7/15/2019

Mr. Kurt Pipkin

Rainbow Academy

1515 Fredericks Street

Chicago, IL 60608

Dear Mr. Pipkin,

I am excited about the volunteer opening at Rainbow Academy. I’ve been volunteering as a teacher’s aide for over 6 years with great enjoyment. Rainbow Academy is a place where I could continue the volunteering that I love as well as expand creatively with your renown outdoor learning program.

A lot of people overlook the importance of the role of the teacher’s aide as just a watered down list of teacher’s duties. I see it more as a role that can enrich the lives of young students and therefore influence their lives positively. I carry that same passion and philosophy in my professional life as a full time ESL teacher for children. Interactive classroom set ups as well as engaging extracurricular activities led me to receiving the “most innovative teacher of the year” award in Illinois in 2018. One of my biggest drivers when approaching teaching is using the environment around us to teach children in a safe yet interactive environment. This way they not only learn information, but also how to interact with the world around them.

When one of my colleagues, Pauline Shanchez, mentioned this volunteering opportunity, I jumped at the chance. Rainbow Academy is a leading preschool centered around creating safe spaces for children to learn and grow and using the outdoors as a medium for that growth. I’m positive that I would be a natural fit in the Rainbow Academy team due to my own passion for innovative teaching and my own inquisitive nature.

Could we schedule a call next week to discuss how I could assist teachers using my experience in interactive classroom set ups?

Ellis Wight

That was a great example of a volunteering cover letter. Read on to see just how you can write one just like this.

See our other support-based writing guides here:

• Non Profit Cover Letter Sample
• Social Work Cover Letter Sample
• Teacher Cover Letter Sample
• Teaching Assistant Cover Letter Sample
• Education Cover Letter Sample
• Case Manager Cover Letter Sample
• Police Officer Cover Letter Sample
• Coaching Cover Letter Sample
• Tutor Cover Letter Sample
• Security Officer Cover Letter Sample
• The Best Cover Letter Examples for Your Job Application

Volunteer Cover Letter Template 

The purpose of a volunteer cover letter is to show the recruiter that you have the skills, experience, and passion that a good volunteer needs. 

Why? Because volunteering is on the rise and hitting record-breaking highs. That makes for stiff competition. It also makes for more candidates adding their volunteer experience to their resumes and cover letters to outshine everyone else. So if you’re asking yourself:

Should I add volunteering to my cover letter?

The answer is a definite yes. Add any previous experience as a volunteer to show your professionalism and dedication to giving back.

But whether it’s your first time applying for a volunteering job or you’re a veteran of lending a helping hand, you need to get your volunteer cover letter right. 

Here are the best tips on how to write a great volunteering cover letter :

1. Use the proper volunteer letter format

Volunteering isn’t easy since you need to slide right into an established company structure pretty fast. Make sure your cover letter structure is just as sound as the company you’re giving your time to:

• Use professional cover letter spacing : a 1” margin on all sides and single or 1.15 line spacing is perfect.
• Use a professional and modern, 12 pt size cover letter font .
• Make your paragraphs easier to read by double-spacing between them.

Read more: The Best Covering Letter Layout

2. Create a professional volunteer cover letter header

• Include your name and up-to-date contact information up in the top left corner.
• List your phone number, email, LinkedIn, and (optionally) other social media or websites if they’re relevant to the volunteering role. Make sure to check your online profile before sending out your volunteer application letter.
• Add the city and date right below your personal details.
• Include the addressee’s specific details.

If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, try searching the company’s website or their LinkedIn page. If that fails, try giving the company a call and simply asking.

Read more: Cover Letter Header Examples

3. Open with a personal greeting and a compelling first paragraph

• Start your resume cover page with a professional cover letter salutation and address the potential employer by name. Be wary of simply writing a “To Whom It May Concern” cover letter .
• Mention the opportunity that you’re interested in.
• Highlight your most relevant achievements whether in your career experience or personal experience.

Read more: How to Start a Cover Letter With a Bang

4. Show that you’re the candidate they’re looking for

• Refer back to the open position and explain how your relevant experience can help solve their problems or push their projects forward. Some studies suggest that volunteers can actually offer higher quality work than paid employees. Try to highlight that in your volunteer letter.
• Rehashing your resume is never a good idea. Include some interesting achievements that you’re proud of and that prove your skills and character.
• Use numbers whenever you can: quantifiable achievements draw attention!

Read more: What Should a Cover Letter Say?

5. Explain why this is the job you want

• Include a couple of genuine compliments towards the company or organization and their culture or mission.
• Make the hiring manager understand why you want this volunteering opportunity more than any other. Sincerity is key.
• Let the recruiter know that if they let you become a volunteer, you’ll want to do so for a long time.

Read more: What to Include in a Cover Letter?

6. Make an offer and include a call to action

• Ask for a call or meeting and suggest a time that would suit you both.
• Repeat how valuable you are in your volunteer letter—make an offer to help them with any new projects or plans.

Read more: Great Cover Letter Closing Paragraph Examples

7. Close with a professional sign-off

• Sign off with your full name.
• Include a digital copy of your handwritten signature (if you have one) below your sign-off.
• Add any cover letter enclosures that might be required.
• Repeat your basic contact information in the footer of your volunteer letter.
• Save with a proper cover letter title .

How long should a cover letter be for volunteers? One page should definitely be enough.

Once you’re done writing your volunteer letter, make sure it has a design just as great as your accomplishments: Professional Cover Letter Design

It’s not enough to just send out your cover letter and hope for the best. Always follow up on your volunteer request letter. Here’s how to do just that: Write a Great Follow Up Email to Your Application 

As you can see, a great volunteer coordinator cover letter can really help you give back to the community through the best organization or company possible. Don’t forget to give your volunteer covering letter a helping hand by coupling it with a fantastic resume.

When making a resume in our builder, drag & drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check . Start building a  professional resume template here for free .

When you’re done, our free resume builder will score your resume and our resume checker will tell you exactly how to make it better.

Thanks for reading! What do you think of this volunteer’s letter? Are there any pointers you think we’ve left out? Let us know in the comments below!

About Zety’s Editorial Process

This article has been reviewed by our editorial team to make sure it follows Zety's editorial guidelines . We’re committed to sharing our expertise and giving you trustworthy career advice tailored to your needs. High-quality content is what brings over 40 million readers to our site every year. But we don't stop there. Our team conducts original research to understand the job market better, and we pride ourselves on being quoted by top universities and prime media outlets from around the world.

• https://www.nationalservice.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/volunteering-us-hits-record-high-worth-167-billion
• https://doi.org/10.1145/3235765.3235796
• https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1006132

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Professional Volunteer Cover Letter Example for 2023

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Professional volunteer cover letter tips to help you stand out

You probably know that cover letters complement resumes and that recruiters just love asking for them. But why are cover letters important?

Well, because they are your chance of telling a story.

And let’s face it – listing different skills and achievements on your resume is essential. But connecting the dots in your cover letter and explaining what’s helped you gain expertise will make you stand out.

Read our proven Volunteer cover letter tips and examples below.

By now you’ve probably learned that a well-written cover letter will complement your resume and increase your chances of getting the job.

It will also introduce the recruiter to your strengths and your capacity to handle challenges.

In short - it will make them want to learn more about you!

Check out our guide on what your cover letter should include for some additional inspiration.

Now it’s time to move on to what you actually came for – our professional tips and examples that will help you write a memorable cover letter and land an interview.

Choose the right salutation and write a strong introduction

It’s always better to address your cover letter to a specific person. This shows that you’ve taken the time to research who the hiring manager might be and that you’re attentive to detail.

However, in case you don’t know the recruiter’s name, you can go for traditional gender-neutral salutations.

Here are some of our suggestions:

• Dear Ms. Smith,
• Dear Peter Roberts,
• To the [company name] Recruitment Team,
• Dear Hiring Manager

Coming up with a good introduction is your chance to make the right impression and give the hiring manager a solid reason to remember you.

So instead of going for popular opening lines such as “I found your job advert on website X”, prove that you are actually passionate about the position. Share why you would like to grow in this field and what makes the company exciting.

Focus on your soft skills but don't forget about the hard skills too

So what skills do you need to include? Well, unfortunately, there’s no one answer to this. It all depends on the job description and the skills you’ve currently got.

According to experts, what recruiters look for in cover letters is how you can link your soft skills to particular achievements and goals. So, try to figure out what has helped you on the way to success.

However, don’t forget about hard skills. Even if they’re not the focus of your happy story, you need to include at least the ones that were mentioned as part of the requirements section of the job posting. This will help you pass applicant tracking systems (ATS) that screen applicant documents for certain keywords and phrases.

Prove that you've researched the company and are aware of industry problems

Having a paragraph that shows you’re aware of the company and the issues it faces is always a good idea. It proves your enthusiasm to join the team and makes a great impression.

For bonus points, you could also share how some of your strengths could help resolve company or even industry problems.

Go for an actionable ending

Ending your Volunteer cover letter in a suitable way can help you land an interview. Why? Because strong endings portray applicants as considerate and, what’s even more important – passionate about the job.

Just make sure that your ending (just like your cover letter’s body) matches the company culture. If you prefer to be on the safe side, go for traditional closing lines such as “Looking forward to hearing from you”.

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Pair your cover letter with a Volunteer resume that beats luck

Having a strong cover letter is great, but you know what’s even better than that? Pairing it with an equally good resume.

Check out our Volunteer resume examples for some additional tips and inspiration, or talk to an expert .

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Volunteering Cover Letter Samples & Examples That Worked in 2023

How to craft a compelling volunteering cover letter

Volunteers work in a wide range of positions, businesses, industries, and more. Depending on the type of volunteering position you pursue, you may need a well-written cover letter to showcase the relevant qualifications that make you the right choice for an organization.

In this guide, we teach you everything you need to know about writing a volunteering cover letter. Keep reading to learn about:

• Crafting your volunteering cover letter header and headline
• Tailoring the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter
• Creating a compelling cover letter introduction as a volunteer
• Showing off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer
• Persuading a volunteer organizer to contact you with your conclusion

1. How to write an effective volunteering cover letter header and headline

A cover letter header and headline refer to the first two elements found at the top of the page.

These elements serve two key purposes — they give your cover letter much-needed visual structure and they provide the volunteer organizer with the necessary introductory information about who you are and why you have written this cover letter.

Your cover letter header always comes first, placed in either the top left or top center of the page. In this header, a volunteer organizer should find:

• Your name and professional title
• Your professional contact information
• The name of the company or organization where you wish to volunteer

Here's an example of a well-formatted volunteer cover letter header

Madison Jones , Animal Care Volunteer (123) 456-7890 | [email protected] | linkedin.com/in/madison-jones

To: McKendall Animal Center 1234 Street Address Salem, MA 97301

Next, you will write your cover letter headline.

When applying for a paid position, this headline is used to convince the employer you have the top qualifications needed for the job. For a volunteer cover letter, comparatively, your headline should convey your passion for and commitment to the position.

To write a cover letter headline, include:

• A relevant keyword (such as the specific type of volunteering you will be doing)
• A number or trigger word that conveys a qualification
• An adjective and/or verb that conveys your dedication
• A personalized statement that shows this is an exclusively written cover letter

Here's an example of a great volunteer cover letter headline

My Top 3 Reasons for Volunteering in Animal Care & How It Will Benefit Your Shelter

Trigger word/Number: 3 Reasons Keyword: Volunteering in Animal Care Adjective/Verb: Top, Benefit Personalized statement: Your Shelter

Try our AI Resume Writer and have your resume ready in minutes!

2. how to tailor the content and greeting of your volunteering cover letter.

When writing a volunteering cover letter, your primary goal is to convey why you want to volunteer at the specific company or organization you are applying to.

To do this, it's essential to personalize not just your headline but also the content and greeting of your cover letter . Personalizing a cover letter means you must read up on the company or organization before applying, looking for key information about their values, goals, and needs.

As well as including this information throughout the body text of your cover letter, you should also use it to create a personalized greeting that addresses a specific person by name, such as the volunteer organizer.

Here are 3 examples of personalized volunteer cover letter greetings

Dear Head Volunteer Joe Smith,

• Dear Volunteer Organizer Joe Smith,
• Dear Mr. Joe Smith,

3. How to create an eye-catching cover letter introduction as a volunteer

When writing a volunteer cover letter, you will have many opportunities to explain your passion for acts of service and the skills that make you a great volunteer.

However, in your introduction, you should place special focus on your top qualifications and years of experience . This can also include any specialized areas of expertise you possess, which can be especially important if you are applying for a volunteer role that requires a specific skill set, such as child care.

Here is an example of a compelling introduction from a volunteer cover letter

I am a highly experienced volunteer with specialized experience working with homeless and mentally disabled youth. With more than 8 years of experience working in community youth centers, I bring the skills, compassion, and commitment your organization needs to continue supporting kids of all backgrounds in the local community. My employer, Ms. Harriet Leonard, is a current volunteer with your organization and strongly recommended I apply for this position.

Find out your resume score!

4. How to show off your relevant skills and accomplishments as a volunteer

Working as a volunteer can require a diverse skillset that allows you to communicate effectively and work well within a team.

As you describe your skills, accomplishments, and various qualifications as a volunteer, it is crucial to make sure all the details you include are highly relevant, specific to the role, and quantifiable (whenever possible). This will help you to show the volunteer organizer your commitment to the role, as well as the key reasons why you are a great fit for the position.

Here are 6 skills to describe in a volunteer cover letter

• Communication (describe your specific communication style)
• Problem-solving
• Leadership (describe your specific leadership style)
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Time management

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

As a volunteer for the American Red Cross, I helped to organize the nurse workstations and keep them well-stocked with supplies. After working diligently over 48 hours to design the optimal donation set-up, my team and I were able to boost the efficiency of donations, resulting in 25% more donations per day of the blood drive.

5. How to craft a persuasive volunteer cover letter conclusion

The final act of your cover letter writing process is to write a persuasive conclusion that lets the volunteer organizer know how to best contact you.

Make sure to not only reiterate your contact information but to also provide the best times and days on which you can be reached.

Additionally, always include a formal sign-off to show the proper respect and appreciation to the person reading your cover letter.

Here is an example of a persuasive volunteer cover letter

I am deeply appreciative to your team for taking the time to review my application and hope to join the ranks of your fantastic volunteer organization soon. You may reach me any weekday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (123) 456-7890, or on weekends at [email protected]. I hope to hear from you by next Wednesday and plan to follow up that afternoon if I have yet to hear back.

Yours in Service,

[Applicant Name]

If you have ever wondered how a cover letter differs from a resume, this article will tell you everything about the key differences between the two .

Julia Gergelova

Julia is a professional writer, translator and graphic designer. She holds degrees in translation and interpretation, and has international work experience from a number of different countries in Europe as well as China and Panama. Julia formerly taught academic writing and as a graphic designer contributed to outlets such as  The Business of Business . She has a passion for lifelong learning and good coffee.

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• Refugee Volunteer

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Sample Cover Letter for a Volunteer Position

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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.

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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.

Free Volunteering Application Letter Sample

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Application Letter For Volunteer Work in Word

Volunteer Application Letter Template

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 1,149,192 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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