What is a volunteer application form?

A volunteer application collects information about potential volunteers. It’s similar to a job application in that it requests contact details and information about each person’s skills and experiences. You can use the form to evaluate volunteer applicants and decide who is right for your organization.

Volunteer application forms typically include information about your organization and the programs and services you offer. They may also list available volunteer positions and explain the commitment each one involves.

If you already have a job application for hiring nonprofit staff, you can use it as a template. You can also create a new application form using the following template.

Why use a volunteer form?

Volunteer application forms can help your organization:

• Gather details: An application allows you to obtain contact details and relevant background information for easy reference.
• Create a consistent screening baseline: Asking every applicant for the same role-related information helps you compare their qualifications before investing time in interviews or additional screening. A structured form can make your screening and vetting process more consistent.
• Place volunteers: Many volunteer forms ask applicants about their interests and their hard and soft skills. You can use this information to place applicants in volunteer roles that match their abilities.
• Inform applicants: Providing details about your organization’s current needs sets clear expectations, helping candidates determine whether the roles align with their interests and saving review time.
• Document your process: An application form demonstrates that you’re committed to finding quality volunteers. It also documents your screening process.

An application form is one of many tools you can use to recruit, screen and place volunteers. For example, you might ask prospective volunteers to attend an in-person or virtual information session before filling out an application form. And after a person submits an application, you might schedule an interview to find out if they’re right for your volunteer positions.

What to include on a volunteer application form

Organize the application into clear sections so applicants can complete it efficiently and your volunteer coordinator can review similar information in the same place.

Common sections cover contact information, relevant experience, availability, areas of interest, references and any credentials required for a particular assignment. Grouping related questions also makes applications easier to compare and store.

Use a risk-based approach for additional screening. Roles involving children, older adults, people living with disabilities, driving, financial information or other sensitive responsibilities may require references, licenses or background checks.

Consult legal counsel to determine what information you can request, how to obtain consent and when to conduct advanced screening. Because background checks may add time and expense, you might reserve them for applicants who complete the preliminary application and interview stages.

Collect only relevant information

When you’re creating an application form, ask your applicants only for the information that directly relates to volunteering with your organization. This helps streamline the volunteer onboarding process and lets candidates know that you respect their time and privacy.

As you decide what information to request, plan how you’ll store it securely. Protecting the applicant’s privacy can prevent identity theft and other security risks.

Sample volunteer application form

Here’s a simple volunteer application form that you can adapt for your school, nonprofit or group.

About You

• First name:
• Last name:
• Your preferred pronouns (they, she, he, etc.):
• Date of birth:
• Address:
• Phone number:
• Email address:
• Preferred contact method (text, phone or email):
• Emergency contact name and relationship to you:
• Emergency contact phone number:

Your Skills and Experience

• Language(s) you speak:
• Language(s) you read/write:
• Level of education completed:
• Special skills and interests:
• Relevant work or volunteer experience:
• Any additional information:

Availability

• Days and hours you’re available:
• Total number of hours you can volunteer each week:
• How long would you like to volunteer with our agency? (one time, temporary project, ongoing, etc.)

Licenses and Certifications

• Do you have a driver’s license?
• Are you CPR certified?
• Do you have first aid or wilderness first aid training?

Interests

• Briefly describe why you’re interested in volunteering with our organization.

• What type of volunteer work would you like to do? (Direct client service, remote/work from home, warehousing, delivery, etc.)
• Are there any specific projects you’re interested in?

Other

• Would you be willing to undergo a criminal record check?

Personal or professional references

• Include name, title and contact information

Is there anything else you’d like us to know?

• Provide details here:

Signature:

Date:

As you create a volunteer application form, you can add or remove sections as needed. If you already have a staff job application, you can adapt it or create a new version using the template.

Volunteer application templates for PDF & Word

Download these volunteer application forms to help you collect information regarding your volunteers.