Working with Technical Volunteers: A Manual for NPOs

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Many nonprofits, libraries, and schools don't have the time, money, or funding to use technology in all the ways they would like. Technical volunteers can fill the gap by tackling the projects that in-house staff cannot handle, and that do not require paid consultants.

Yet even groups that have successfully involved volunteers in their other work have run into problems when asking volunteers to work on technology issues. Recruiting and managing technical volunteers can be intimidating, especially when staff members do not fully understand the work that techies do. Additionally, organizations must balance the benefits of technical volunteers' help with the need to establish sustainable, consistent computer support.

TechSoup has developed an effective methodology for recruiting, matching, and managing technical volunteers. You can use the downloadable guide below to assess your technical needs and identify areas where volunteers can help; recruit technical volunteers and assess their skills; manage technical volunteers; document their work; and find resources that will help your volunteers throughout the process.

We hope this information will help your organization create successful volunteer relationships to improve your technology and better achieve your mission.