Technology is no longer just a nice-to-have for volunteer programs—it’s essential.
The way volunteers engage with organizations has evolved, and they now expect a seamless, digital-friendly experience. If your current system creates barriers to participation, you risk losing valuable supporters.
Relying on outdated tools or a patchwork of disconnected systems can create more problems than solutions, including:
A dedicated volunteer management system, however, eliminates these issues by streamlining and automating key processes like:
Jumping into a new software solution without a clear understanding of your needs can lead to wasted time, money, and frustration.
A tech-readiness assessment helps you make an informed decision by ensuring that the technology you choose is the right fit for your volunteer program.
A tech-readiness assessment can help nonprofits:
Many nonprofits make the mistake of selecting software based on features they think they need—only to realize later that it doesn’t actually solve their biggest challenges.
By assessing your current pain points and defining your program’s priorities, you’ll avoid purchasing a tool that is too complex, too limited, or simply not built for volunteer management.
A tech-readiness assessment brings clarity to your team by identifying key priorities before you start evaluating solutions.
Instead of getting distracted by flashy features, you’ll be able to focus on what truly matters for your program—whether that’s better volunteer tracking, automated communication, or integrated reporting.
Switching to a new system can feel overwhelming, especially if your team and volunteers aren’t prepared for the change.
By assessing your needs upfront, you’ll have a clear roadmap for implementation, making the transition smoother and increasing adoption rates.
Want a personal assessment of your tech needs? Reach out for a free tech audit →
If managing your volunteer program feels harder than it should be, outdated or ineffective technology may be to blame.
Here are some clear signs that your nonprofit should take a tech-readiness quiz:
Are you constantly finding ways to “make it work” with tools that weren’t designed for volunteer management?
Many organizations start with spreadsheets, SignUpGenius, or general CRM systems, but as the program grows, these tools become more frustrating than helpful.
If your team is constantly updating spreadsheets, sending individual emails, or piecing together reports by hand, you’re losing valuable time that could be spent on engagement and impact. Volunteer management software can automate these tasks, freeing up staff time.
Does your nonprofit constantly get new volunteers but find that they quickly disappear before their first shift?
This might be a sign that your onboarding and scheduling process is a hassle, causing volunteers to disengage. A seamless digital experience—from easy sign-ups to automated reminders—helps retain volunteers and keeps them coming back.
Is your staff relying on endless email threads, phone calls, or separate messaging apps to stay organized?
When communication is fragmented, important details get lost, leading to scheduling conflicts, no-shows, and frustrated volunteers.
Nonprofits need to show results—to funders, leadership, and their own team. If pulling reports means sorting through multiple systems or manually compiling data, you’re missing an opportunity to quickly demonstrate your program’s value and make data-driven decisions.
Your volunteer program may be small now, but what happens when you expand programming and volunteer opportunities? If your current tools aren’t built to grow with you, you could find yourself needing a major overhaul down the line. Investing in the right technology now can future-proof your operations.
Any of these sound familiar? Download the Tech Readiness Guide to take the first step in evaluating your volunteer program’s technology needs
Take the Volunteer Tech Readiness Quiz
Before investing in new technology, it’s essential to assess where your program stands today.
A structured evaluation will help you determine what’s working, what’s not, and what you need moving forward.
Here’s a preview of what you can expect in a tech-readiness quiz:
Pinpoint the biggest challenges your team and volunteers face.
Ask yourself:
Take a close look at the technology you currently use:
Think about what you need to streamline operations and improve volunteer engagement:
By defining these needs now, you’ll be better prepared to choose the right solution when the time comes.
Once you've completed your tech-readiness assessment, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your volunteer program’s needs and how technology can support those needs.
Here are some next steps:
Review your tech assessment results to pinpoint the most pressing areas for improvement.
Whether it’s communication, scheduling, reporting, or data management, knowing what needs the most attention will guide your decision-making process.
Now that you know what you need, research volunteer management software options that align with your priorities. Look for features that address your pain points—whether it's automation, easy sign-ups, or streamlined reporting.
Still unsure which tool is right for your program? Consider reaching out to a technology advisor for a free audit. An expert can help you assess your current setup and offer guidance on selecting the best solution for your specific needs.
Technology is constantly evolving, and staying informed will help you make the best choices. Dive into webinars and other educational resources focused on nonprofit technology to keep learning about trends, best practices, and new tools.