Volunteer Cover Letter: Examples, Templates & Tips

Cover letter template for a volunteer position

Use this template as a starting point for your volunteer cover letter.

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Robert Cook
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
(555)555-5555
example@example.com

June 13, 2024

Paul Jackson, Recruiter
Little Wanderers NYC
8690 E. Ohio Ave.
Syracuse, NY 13206

Dear Mr. Jackson

I am thrilled to submit my application for the volunteer position with Little Wanderers NYC. With a strong background in volunteerism and genuine enthusiasm for making a difference, I am confident in my ability to contribute effectively to your organization.

My professional journey spans over three years in the social services industry, where I’ve amassed valuable experience in volunteer management and training. During my tenure as a volunteer coordinator, I successfully led and motivated a team of 20 volunteers, resulting in a 30% increase in volunteer retention rates. Additionally, I streamlined organizational processes, improved efficiency and contributed to successful event planning initiatives, resulting in 50% growth in community engagement.

Furthermore, my proficiency in utilizing various technologies facilitated efficient data collection and reporting, which led to a reduction in administrative overhead. My articulate communication skills and knack for the organization have fostered a collaborative environment among volunteers.

Driven by my passion for making a positive impact, I am eager to leverage my skills and experiences in the nonprofit sector. I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to the meaningful work of Little Wanderers NYC and am confident in my ability to excel in the role of volunteer.

Sincerely,

Robert Cook

Format your volunteer cover letter

In a world like volunteering — where you’re always trying to make a difference — how you present your qualifications in a cover letter can make a big difference. So can the formatting.

Making sure your cover letter has professional formatting not only reflects your organized approach to volunteer work but also ensures your message is compelling.

Consider these formatting tips:

Your cover letter is an opportunity to show off your skills, like attention to detail and dedication. Next, let’s talk about the style.

Selecting the perfect template

Create your cover letter

The cover letter template you choose can have a positive or negative impact on your success. You’ll want to select a design that is visually appealing yet doesn’t compromise the legibility of your content.

Opting for a predesigned template can be a time-saver, ensuring your cover letter has a professional appearance. This approach is beneficial for efficiently communicating your volunteer contributions and skills.

Alternatively, crafting a custom design using tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs offers personalization. However, if design is not your forte, this might extend how long it takes you to finish it and could potentially detract from the clarity of your letter.

As you begin drafting your cover letter, approach it with the same preparation and thoughtfulness as you would a significant volunteer initiative — setting the stage for a successful impact.

How to write a volunteer cover letter

Your cover letter offers a prime opportunity to showcase your dedication to community service and careful approach to every task — essential qualities for any volunteer.

Surprisingly, a significant majority of recruiters value cover letters highly when selecting volunteers. This is your chance to stand out.

Begin by thoroughly reviewing the volunteer listing.

Many organizations use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to screen candidates. You have a better chance of getting your application past an ATS — and reviewed by human eyes — if you borrow keywords from the job post.

Look for keywords related to the role — such as “community outreach,” “event coordination,” “fundraising” and “team leadership.” If these terms are emphasized in the posting, they should feature prominently in your resume and cover letter.

Although it might seem minor, the header of your cover letter is your introduction and should be thoughtfully organized. It needs to include your contact details to allow easy communication.

Here’s what you should list:

• Your full name
• Your city and state
• Your phone number
• Your professional email address

Aim for consistency in the formatting between your header and your resume to present a unified application package.

Personalizing your cover letter’s greeting ensures your message is directly tailored to the right audience.

If the volunteer posting doesn’t specify a contact, using “Volunteer Coordinator” or “Selection Committee” is a suitable alternative. However, a bit of research, perhaps a quick review of the organization’s website, can often reveal the name of the coordinator. This extra effort demonstrates your genuine interest and attention to detail.

The opening lines of your cover letter should captivate the reader’s interest. In a few sentences, you should:

• Declare the reason for your letter.
• Highlight why you’re an excellent match for the position.
• Showcase a few of your key skills.
• Express how you believe you can contribute to the organization.

Here’s how you might begin:

In the core of your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are the perfect candidate for the volunteer role. Devote two to three paragraphs to convincingly present your case.

Concentrate on a few areas:

• Skills: Highlight a blend of your hard skills (such as event planning or database management) and soft skills (like effective communication or teamwork). This combination demonstrates your well-rounded capability as a volunteer.
• Your story: If you have a unique story about what motivated you to start volunteering, sharing it can add depth to your application and illustrate your ability to embrace and adapt to new challenges.
• Major successes: Reflect on moments when you’ve made a substantial impact. Whether it was leading a campaign that significantly increased donations or initiating a community program that brought people together, these are the stories that set you apart.

Example body paragraphs:

Toward the end of your cover letter, reiterate your excitement about the opportunity to contribute to the organization. Express gratitude for the reader’s time and mention your eagerness to discuss further how you can support their mission.

You might conclude with:

Close your letter appropriately with a polite signoff. Phrases like “Sincerely,” “Best regards” or “With appreciation” are appropriate.

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Include a resume

Create your resume

Keep in mind that your cover letter and resume are more than just documents — they represent your personal brand. Together, they should convey who you are and the unique contributions you can make as a volunteer.

To start, select a resume template that complements your cover letter design. Achieving a cohesive look between these two documents demonstrates your attention to detail and organizational skills.

Unsure of how to make a resume? Explore various resume examples for inspiration on content and formatting.

If you’re pressed for time, a AI resume builder can help you. This tool makes it easy to craft a resume that showcases your volunteer work and personal qualities, ensuring it helps you achieve your goals.

Key takeaways