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Fundraising Event Volunteer Playbook (PDF)

A volunteer handbook template for fundraising events: nine defined roles, outreach scripts, a 15-minute briefing checklist, a communication plan and a roster.

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What's included

Where to look: places to find volunteers beyond your usual circle
Nine roles: defined and ready to advertise
Role advert template and personal ask script: invite people to a specific job, not a general call for help
Fifteen-minute briefing checklist: everything volunteers need to know on the day
Three-stage communication plan: what to send, and when
Volunteer roster: shifts, roles and who each person reports to
The playbook also includes feedback questions to ask your volunteers after the event.

How to use it

Start recruiting the day your event date is confirmed.
Write role descriptions before you advertise anything.
Ask personally for specialist roles, and for anyone you particularly want.
Send the final schedule about a week before, with shifts and reporting lines.

FAQs and suggestions

Q: When should I start recruiting event volunteers?

As soon as your event date is confirmed. Leaving it to the final few weeks means choosing from whoever is left.

Q: How do I get more people to volunteer?

Ask personally, for a specific role with a known time commitment. People say yes when they can picture the job, know who they report to and know they'll be trained.

Q: How long should a volunteer briefing take?

Around fifteen minutes is enough when roles are clearly defined in advance.