Create a Volunteer Letter of Recommendation to showcase the volunteer’s impact, skills, and personal growth.
Updated June 15, 2024
Written by Raina Chou | Reviewed by Brooke Davis
A Volunteer Letter of Recommendation, also known as a volunteer reference letter, is a document that details an individual’s volunteer work and underscores their positive attributes and skills within an organizational context. Typically authored by volunteer managers at the volunteer’s request, these letters play a crucial role in enhancing a volunteer’s application for universities, scholarships, or employment.
The letter aims to offer a personalized account of a volunteer’s capabilities beyond their hard skills, focusing instead on personal attributes that make them invaluable to new teams or educational opportunities.
Use a personal letter of recommendation to bolster your application.
Volunteer reference letters are crucial in:
A recommendation letter should include five key parts:
Heading
Start your letter by applying a standard business letter format. Include the recipient’s name, organization, mailing address, and contact information in the top left corner, along with the date to document when the letter was written.
Greeting
Begin with a respectful greeting, using the recipient’s name, such as “Dear Ms. Maxwell.” If the name is unknown, “To Whom It May Concern” is acceptable. Personalizing the greeting can make the letter more impactful, so ask the volunteer for the recipient’s details if possible.
Statement of Purpose
Introduce yourself, stating your relationship with the volunteer, your job title, and the organization you represent. Briefly describe your organization’s mission or programs to provide context and establish credibility. This introduction engages the reader and supports the authenticity of your recommendation.
The body of your letter should contain two to three paragraphs. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the volunteer’s key strength, skill, or contribution relevant to the opportunity they are pursuing. Then, use specific examples and anecdotes to support your statement.
Key elements to mention in your volunteer recommendation letter may include:
Summarize your recommendation and reiterate your confidence in the volunteer’s abilities. State your belief in their potential to excel in their future endeavors. Offer to provide further information or answer any questions the reader may have, underscoring your willingness to support the volunteers in their pursuit of new opportunities.
End the letter with a professional closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Best Wishes,” followed by your name. Leave space for your handwritten signature to add a personal touch.
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Chris Jackson for the Bright Futures Scholarship. My name is Maria Stevenson, and I am the Director of Youth Volunteer Programs at Community Impact Initiative, where Chris has been an active and outstanding volunteer for the past two years. Through his work with us, Chris has demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and compassion.
Chris has been instrumental in several of our community projects, notably our weekend tutoring program for underprivileged children. His commitment to this initiative has been exemplary; he not only volunteered his time but also took on a leadership role, organizing sessions and mentoring new volunteers. Chris’s ability to connect with and inspire younger students has significantly boosted their academic confidence and performance.
Beyond his contributions to our tutoring program, Chris has shown remarkable initiative and problem-solving skills. He identified the need for a structured mentorship program within our organization and took the lead in developing and implementing it. His efforts have resulted in a more cohesive and supportive environment for both volunteers and the community members we serve.
Chris’s personal growth through his volunteer work has been impressive. He has developed strong organizational and leadership skills, an ability to work effectively in diverse teams, and a deep sense of social responsibility. His enthusiasm and positive attitude are infectious, making him a role model for his peers.
In conclusion, I believe Chris Jackson possesses the qualities and potential that the Bright Futures Scholarship seeks to support. His intellect, dedication, and character make him an outstanding candidate. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information or have any questions.
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am thrilled to recommend Janet White for the Customer Service Representative job position at New Horizons Corporation. As the Director of Community Outreach at Second Chances Foundation, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing how Janet actively participated in our rehabilitation and employment readiness programs over the past year.
Janet’s journey to this point has been one of profound transformation. After serving a three-year sentence for a non-violent drug-related offense, Janet committed herself to turning her life around. Upon her release, she joined our Second Chances Foundation, determined to rebuild her life and contribute positively to society.
During her time with us, Janet participated in various skills training workshops and completed our intensive job readiness program. One of Janet’s most notable achievements has been her leadership role in our community garden project. She took the initiative to organize volunteers, manage resources, and ensure the project’s success. Her ability to coordinate and lead a team, combined with her hands-on approach, resulted in a flourishing garden that provides fresh produce to local families in need.
In addition to her project management skills, Janet has demonstrated excellent communication and teamwork abilities. She is reliable, hardworking, and always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that tasks are completed to a high standard. Her positive attitude and eagerness to learn have made her a valuable member of our community. These qualities align perfectly with the requirements for a Customer Service Representative, where effective communication and teamwork are essential.
In conclusion, I am confident that Janet White will be a valuable asset to New Horizons Corporation. Her journey is a testament to her ability to overcome challenges and her determination to build a better future for herself. I strongly recommend her for this position and am happy to provide any further information you may need.
Simply copy our free sample below to get your own volunteer letter of recommendation. You can also download a customizable Word document or a fillable PDF.
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
______________________________________ [Recommender’s Address]
______________________________________ [City, State, Zip Code]
___________________ [Recipient’s Name]
___________________ [Recipient’s Entity/Organization]
______________________________________ [Recipient’s Address]
______________________________________ [City, State, Zip Code]
Dear ___________________ [Recipient’s Name],
My name is ___________________ [Recommender’s Name], and I am delighted to recommend ___________________ [Candidate’s Name] for ___________________ [Applied Program/Position] at ___________________ [Applied Entity/Organization]. Having served as ___________________ [Candidate’s Name]’s ___________________ [Relationship to Applicant] for ________ [Time Known] at ___________________ [Entity/Organization], I have had the privilege to witness their growth and steadfast dedication to community involvement.
A notable instance was ___________________ [Candidate’s Name]’s commitment to ______________________________________ [Description of Achievement]. In this capacity, they consistently demonstrated ___________________ [Key Attribute/Skill of the Applicant], which directly led to ______________________________________ [Result of Achievement].
Furthermore, ___________________ [Candidate’s Name] has shown exceptional ______________________________________ [Another Key Attribute/Skill] through their involvement in ______________________________________ [Another Description of Achievement]. Their efforts were instrumental in achieving ______________________________________ [Result of Achievement].
Additionally, ___________________ [Candidate’s Name]’s aptitude for ______________________________________ [Another Attribute/Skill] was clearly evident in their contributions to ______________________________________ [Another Description of Achievement]. Their involvement was pivotal, resulting in ______________________________________ [Result of Achievement].
In conclusion, I am confident that ___________________ [Candidate’s Name] embodies the qualities and potential ___________________ [Applied Entity/Organization] looks for in its volunteers. Their intellect, dedication, and character make them an exemplary candidate for ___________________ [Applied Program/Position].
Please do not hesitate to contact me at ___________________ [Recommender’s Phone Number] or ___________________ [Recommender’s Email] should you require any further information or wish to discuss ___________________ [Candidate’s Name]’s qualifications in more detail.
___________________ [Recommender’s Name]
___________________ [Recommender’s Position/Title]
