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Knowledge Center: Figures & Insights
Knowledge Center: Figures & Insights
Trends in volunteering: what does the research say?
Volunteering is changing. Those who fail to see this risk formulating policies for a world that no longer exists. This article gathers key insights from recent research.
Volunteering is changing. Those who fail to see this risk formulating policies for a world that no longer exists. This article gathers key insights from recent research.
More people are volunteering, but in different ways
Figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) for 2024 show that half of all Dutch people aged 15 and older engage in volunteer work. This represents a significant portion of the population and an increase compared to previous years.
However, the nature of volunteering is shifting. People are less willing to commit to long-term obligations. Short-term, project-based, and flexible volunteering is on the rise. Recruiting for a fixed weekly role with no end date is more challenging than offering a concrete project with a clear conclusion.
Digitalization is changing the landscape
Volunteering is increasingly being found and organized digitally. Platforms, apps, and social media make it easier to reach and match volunteers. At the same time, people expect a seamless digital experience—sign-ups should be easy, and communication swift.
Organizations that lag behind digitally lose reach to those that do not.
Diversity in volunteering is growing, but slowly
There is increasing attention on diversity and inclusion within the volunteer sector. Yet, volunteers remain overrepresented in certain groups: the highly educated, the middle-aged, and the native Dutch population. Newcomers, people with lower socioeconomic status, and young people are underrepresented.
This is not an insurmountable challenge—but it requires targeted effort, not just good intentions.
The 'golden generation' as untapped potential
Research by KPMG, commissioned by VC Utrecht, highlights the potential of people over 60 as volunteers. This group possesses time, experience, and a lifetime of expertise—yet they are not always actively reached or invited.
Organizations that tailor their recruitment to this target group—using the right channels and the right framing—stand to gain a great deal.
What motivates volunteers?
Research consistently shows that people volunteer out of intrinsic motivation: a sense of purpose, social connection, and contributing to something greater. Extrinsic factors (such as certificates or small stipends) are less decisive than organizations sometimes assume.
What deters volunteers: a poor initial experience, unclear expectations, and the feeling that their efforts are not appreciated.
Next step
Want to delve deeper into research and data on volunteering? Explore the research reports and databases related to this topic.