“We just need a few more volunteers… anyone?” Sound familiar? If you’ve been to an AGM, a board meeting, or even a fundraiser brainstorm session, chances are you’ve heard it—or said it—yourself. But in a world where time is the new currency, that simple question carries more weight than ever.

People aren’t ignoring your call for help. They’re overwhelmed. And trust me, a guilt trip isn’t going to change that.

Back in 2022, I wrote about the disappearing volunteer. Fast forward to 2025, and I’m asking a different question:

What if the problem isn’t a lack of willing people… but how we’re designing the volunteering experience?

If Time is the New Currency, we can’t afford to waste it. We need systems that honor people’s time, not drain it.

This is how modern organizations stand out. Let’s talk about how.

1. Hybrid Meetings Are the New Standard

During the pandemic, we discovered something magical: virtual meetings increased participation.

Why? Because people could join from their kitchen, their car, or while folding laundry. But many organizations have since defaulted back to fully in-person—leaving behind busy parents, caregivers, and rural residents.

Tip: Host hybrid meetings whenever possible. In-person for those who want connection. Virtual for those who need flexibility. Bonus points for posting replays and sending summaries.

When people can engage on their own terms, they’re more likely to give what they can—because Time is the New Currency, and hybrid access is how you earn it

2. Replace Cheques with Cloud-Based Approvals

Still mailing or hand-signing cheques? That’s not volunteer-friendly.

In finance roles especially, manual processes = burnout risk. One of my not-for-profit clients used to require physical cheque signing. Directors had to show up in person, every two weeks, just to pay the bills.

We switched them to an online payable system. Now, directors approve payments from their phones. They’ve expanded board reach beyond their town, attracted new experts, and nobody dreads “signing day.”

If time is the new currency, then automation is the wallet. Smart systems protect what matters most.

3. Hire Admin Help (Even Part-Time)

Many organizations have “that one person” who does everything. Sound familiar?

The issue? That person eventually steps down… and no one wants the role after seeing how much it demands.

Hiring even a part-time administrator changes everything:

  • Ensures continuity.
  • Reduces the burden on volunteers.
  • Opens the door to grant funding and program growth.

Yes, it might require a fee increase. But it can also be offset by better funding strategies, sponsorships, or consolidated services with similar orgs.

People are more willing to pay $10 more in registration than they are to give up 10 more hours of their time.

4. Focus on Micro-Volunteering and Clear Expectations

Not everyone can chair a committee. But almost everyone can do something small if the ask is:

  • Clear
  • Time-bound
  • Meaningful

Need a driver for one delivery?
A designer for one poster?
Someone to supervise one event?

Break down roles. Make them bite-sized. And make it easy to say yes.

Final Thoughts: Design for the World We Live In

Volunteering isn’t dead. It’s just being redefined.

Your mission still matters. Your impact is still vital. But if your systems feel like they belong to 2005, don’t be surprised when people stop showing up.

  • Give people their time back.
  • Remove friction points.
  • Meet them where they are.
  • And you might just find your volunteers again—not out of guilt, but out of genuine connection.

Need help streamlining your not-for-profit’s finance and volunteer systems? At Virtual Heights Accounting, we help organizations modernize their back end so they can focus on their mission—not chasing signatures.