Hello group,
I just found this site and I think it’s an awesome resource! I've been looking through past posts and I've found so much useful information about volunteers. It is so good to find a board with so many kind people who are willing to share their time and talents with each other.
I’m new to a non-profit in Tucson Arizona with a limited budget and I am in need of help. I would like to gather as much information on organizing and retaining volunteers as possible. I’ve used Access and Excel in previous positions and I was very comfortable with the software. We have Access and Excel 2002 in our office, but not much money for purchasing software. Therefore, I am looking for either an Access database template or Excel spreadsheet that I can use to keep track of volunteer hours logged, dates and times of availability, contact information and interests. I noticed that there were people who offered to email forms etc. on some old posts on the same topic in the past.
If those people are still active in this forum, I would also greatly appreciate information on:
• Excel spreadsheets for other programs that could be used or adapted as a volunteer database
• Sample Access data bases for other programs that could be used or adapted for a volunteer pool
• Any tips on how to use spreadsheets/databases to track volunteer hours, thank volunteers, send reports to staff members who may need to use them to collect statistics for future grants, or how to use them in future recruiting. (using either Access or Excel)
• How to create a log in screen for volunteers to log their own hours
• Tips on using Access filters to create reports or ideas for organizing a database to accommodate for rotating volunteer positions or shared positions
• Any forms you’ve developed or tips you have about using software to coordinate volunteers
I hate to have to re-create the wheel in terms of organizing things when my efforts could be going towards retention and recognition.
Also, If you’re a member of any listserves or online groups that deal with these topics, that info would be helpful too.
Thank you again to everyone for making this site such a useful and welcoming resource!
