We’re sharing what’s working for Binky Patrol not because we’re special, but because these strategies can work for almost any nonprofit. You’re going to need to adapt them for your mission, but the bones are solid.

Here’s how we’re thinking about volunteer recruitment in 2026, and how you can make it work for your organization.

Here is a replay of our quick episode that inspired this post:

Go Where Young People Already Are: College Partnerships

College students need service hours. Greek life chapters typically have charity partners that may already tie to your organization. If they don’t have a charity partner and are looking for one – how can you become that partner? This is ideal because once those relationships are set up, they typically pass down through the years as students graduate and more students come on board. Some students may even continue after college. Student clubs need activities. You need volunteers.

Here’s what we’re doing with sororities and fraternities at Oregon State. Most of them already support a children’s charity like St. Jude’s. We’re not asking them to change that. We’re saying “Hey, in addition to your fundraising, what if you had a hands-on event where your members actually make something for those kids or their siblings?”

It’s social. It takes maybe 3-4 hours. It gives them content for their Instagram. And the kids get blankets. Everyone wins.

How you adapt this depends on what you do:

Running an animal shelter? Talk to pre-vet clubs, environmental groups, or Greek chapters that support animal causes. Offer dog-walking events, supply drive competitions, or help recruiting foster families. Students love dogs. Use that.

Running a food bank? Hit up culinary programs, nutrition clubs, service fraternities. Create meal prep events, food sorting parties, or have them help with nutrition education. Bonus: a lot of college students know food insecurity personally and actually want to help.

Environmental organization? Science clubs, outdoor recreation groups, sustainability-focused chapters are everywhere on campuses. Trail cleanups, tree planting, citizen science projects. Make it outdoors and active and they’ll show up.

Literacy program? Education majors need practicum hours. Honor societies need service projects. Greek life chapters love supporting kids. Tutoring events, book drives, reading buddy programs. Find the people studying to be teachers and give them a place to practice.

Here’s how to actually make this happen:

First, do your research. Make a list of every college and university within an hour of you. Go to their student life websites and find the organization directories. You’re looking for Greek life chapters, academic clubs, and service organizations. Create a spreadsheet you can share of what charity they currently support and who their advisor is. Get their social media handles, too.

Look for alignment. Which groups are already supporting causes related to yours? Which ones have service hour requirements? Who’s looking for new charity partners? Prioritize the ones that make the most sense and are big enough to be worth your time.

Now create your pitch. Write one good email that explains your mission without a bunch of nonprofit speak. Record a 2-3 minute video introducing yourself and showing what you do. Make a one-page PDF that outlines what a partnership looks like. Design an event that’s actually fun and can be done in one afternoon. Figure out what it costs per person. Create some graphics they can share on social media. You know what your group is, they may not. Start with telling them what time it is, not how to build the watch.

Then start reaching out. Follow all your target organizations on social first. Like and comment on their stuff. Show you’re paying attention. Then send your email to your top 10. Follow up. Offer to come to their chapter meeting. Propose a pilot event with whoever seems most interested.

When you do the first event, bring everything they need. Don’t make them hunt down supplies. Show them photos of who benefits from their work. Share real stories. Take lots of pictures during the event. Get their feedback. Give them service hour documentation if they need it. Thank them fast, like within two days.

Then use that first event to recruit the next five organizations. Share the photos, the testimonials, the fun they had. Success breeds success. Pretty soon you’ve got a semester partnership model and a calendar of recurring events.

Add these student organizations to your website as partners. Build the relationship. These students graduate and become your donors and board members in ten years. Think long term.