Date of Conferral

9-5-2025

Degree

Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)

School

Management

Advisor

Michael Campo

Abstract

Human aid nonprofit organizations across the United States face significant challenges in recruiting volunteers, which impacts their ability to deliver essential services to vulnerable populations. The issue is important to nonprofit leaders because a lack of volunteers threatens organizational operations and sustainability. The purpose of this qualitative research project, grounded in self-determination theory, was to explore successful strategies nonprofit leaders use to enhance volunteer recruitment. The study was guided by a pragmatic inquiry design and included semistructured interviews with seven nonprofit leaders in Nashville, Tennessee who held roles responsible for volunteer recruitment. Data were collected through interviews and volunteer program materials. Through thematic analysis, five themes were identified: (a) building relationships and personal connections, (b) creating a welcoming and inclusive volunteer culture, (c) purpose-driven messaging and mission alignment, (d) flexible and accessible opportunities, and (e) empowerment and recognition of volunteers. A key recommendation is for nonprofit leaders to integrate relationship-centered practices into their volunteer management approaches to strengthen recruitment outcomes. The implications for positive social change include the potential to help nonprofit leaders build stronger, more sustainable volunteer programs, thereby increasing support for underserved communities and advancing nonprofit organizations’ missions.

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