Template · People
Annual volunteer survey
A short yearly survey asking volunteers how it's going: their role, support, communication, feeling valued, safety and what would make them stay.
Three editable formats: Word (.docx), Rich Text (.rtf) and plain text (.txt). Reviewed October 21, 2026.
How to use this template
- Download it as a Word file (.docx), which opens in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages and LibreOffice, or as Rich Text (.rtf) or plain text (.txt). All three are editable.
- Fill in every blank. Blanks are in square brackets, like [ORGANIZATION NAME], and are highlighted in the preview below. Delete any bracketed notes you don't need.
- Make it yours. Check it against your bylaws and your state's rules, and change anything that doesn't fit. Have your board approve it where it says so.
- Printing? Print this page: the printout leaves out the site's menus and shows the template with lines for the blanks.
Volunteers often notice what staff and boards miss: a confusing process, a missing tool, a shift that always runs short. Once a year, ask them. This survey takes about 10 minutes to answer. It's different from our participant feedback survey, which asks the people your programs serve, and our volunteer hours log, which records time given.
How to use it
- Send it at a quiet time of year, with two or three weeks to answer, and one friendly reminder.
- Make it anonymous, or let people choose to add their name. Use a simple online form, and offer paper or a phone call for anyone who prefers.
- Keep it short. Cut questions you won't act on.
- Collect only what you need. Don't ask for age, health or other personal details unless you have a clear reason, and say why. See our guide to data privacy basics.
- Share what you heard with volunteers within a month: the main themes, and two or three things you'll change. Then do them.
- Compare year to year, using the same rating questions each time.
Preview
[ORGANIZATION NAME] volunteer survey, [YEAR]
Thank you for giving your time to [ORGANIZATION NAME]. This survey takes about 10 minutes. Your answers are [ANONYMOUS, OR "ANONYMOUS UNLESS YOU CHOOSE TO ADD YOUR NAME"]. We'll share what we learned, and what we'll change, by [DATE].
Please answer by [DATE].
About your volunteering
- Which area or program do you mainly volunteer with? [LIST OF AREAS, OR "OTHER"]
- How long have you volunteered with us? [LESS THAN 6 MONTHS / 6 TO 12 MONTHS / 1 TO 3 YEARS / MORE THAN 3 YEARS]
- About how often do you volunteer? [WEEKLY / MONTHLY / A FEW TIMES A YEAR / FOR EVENTS ONLY]
How it's going
Rate each statement: 1 = strongly disagree, 2 = disagree, 3 = agree, 4 = strongly agree, or "not sure".
- I understand what is expected of me in my role. [RATING]
- I got the training I needed to do my role well. [RATING]
- I know who to ask when I have a question or a problem. [RATING]
- I have the tools and information I need. [RATING]
- The amount of time I'm asked to give is about right. [RATING]
- I feel safe when I volunteer. [RATING]
- I know how to report a concern about someone's safety or behavior. [RATING]
- I'm treated with respect by staff, other volunteers and the people we serve. [RATING]
- I feel my work is valued. [RATING]
- I can see the difference my volunteering makes. [RATING]
- Communication from [ORGANIZATION NAME] is clear and timely. [RATING]
In your own words
- What is the best part of volunteering with us?
- What is one thing that would make your volunteering better?
- Is there anything that has made you think about stopping?
- Are there skills or interests you'd like to use that we haven't asked about?
- How do you like to be thanked? [A PRIVATE NOTE / A PUBLIC MENTION / A SOCIAL EVENT / A REFERENCE OR RECORD OF HOURS / OTHER]
Looking ahead
- How likely are you to still be volunteering with us a year from now? [VERY LIKELY / LIKELY / UNSURE / UNLIKELY]
- Would you recommend volunteering here to a friend? [YES / MAYBE / NO]
- Would you like to talk to someone about a new role, more hours or fewer? [YES OR NO] If yes, how can we reach you? [CONTACT]
- Is there anything else you'd like to tell us?
Thank you. If you'd like to raise a concern privately, contact [NAME AND ROLE] at [CONTACT].
Summary of results (for staff)
Number of responses: [NUMBER] of about [NUMBER] active volunteers
Highest-rated statements: [STATEMENTS]
Lowest-rated statements: [STATEMENTS]
Main themes from open answers: [THEMES]
Reports that need follow-up under our policies: [NONE, OR WHO FOLLOWED UP AND WHEN]
Changes we'll make this year: [CHANGE 1]; [CHANGE 2]; [CHANGE 3]
Shared with volunteers on: [DATE]. Shared with the board on: [DATE].
Template from Golden Hint: goldenhint.org/resources/templates/annual-volunteer-survey. Reviewed October 21, 2026. General information, not legal or tax advice.
Keep going
- GuideEmployee, contractor or volunteer? Getting it rightThe difference between employees and independent contractors in plain words, why misclassification is risky, and why volunteers can't be paid wages.
- GuideGetting the most from a pro bono or volunteer expertA short kickoff, a written scope, a steady rhythm and an honest close: how to work with a volunteer professional so the help lands and the relationship lasts.
- GuideHiring your first employee: the paperwork, in orderWhat to settle before you hire, and the forms, registrations and deadlines that come with a charity's first paid employee, step by step.
- Founder pathwayRunning day-to-day operationsOpen a bank account, keep simple books, get insured, treat volunteers and workers fairly, protect people's data and adopt the core policies.
Was this page useful?
Need help with something specific? Ask a person.