Volunteer Onboarding

This template tracks new and returning volunteers from first interest to actively serving — a fit for any organization that recruits volunteers for events, programs, or ongoing roles.

Why use it

Most volunteer programs lose people in the quiet gap between "I'd love to help" and their first shift. This flow keeps every applicant visible, so a warm welcome, the paperwork, and the first assignment all happen while the enthusiasm is still fresh.

What it covers

• Application — a prospective volunteer expresses interest and enters the board.
• Screening — interview, application review, and reference checks to assess fit.
• Documents and agreements — collecting the volunteer agreement, confidentiality form, and waivers.
• Background check — role-appropriate screening for volunteers working with minors or vulnerable populations. Roles that don't need one can skip straight to training.
• Orientation and training — welcoming the volunteer and preparing them for their role.
• Active volunteer — fully onboarded, scheduled, and serving.

Applicants who drop off, decline, or are screened out land in a clear closed stage — with the option to reopen if they come back later.

The background check is there when you need it

The check step matches the role, not a blanket rule. Volunteers headed for supervised, low-risk roles can move on without it, and you can remove the step entirely if your organization never needs one.

→ New to templates? See Using templates for how to create a pipeline from one and make it yours.