Date of Conferral

7-30-2026

Date of Award

July 2026

Degree

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

School

Management

Advisor

Ashley Riebel

Abstract

Nonprofit organizations experience significant challenges in recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers. The issue is critical for nonprofit leaders because insufficient volunteer support can undermine day-to-day operations and threaten long-term financial sustainability. Grounded in social exchange theory, the purpose of this qualitative pragmatic inquiry research project was to identify and explore effective strategies that leaders in the nonprofit industry use to engage volunteers to increase financial sustainability. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with six nonprofit leaders in the northern United States, as well as public documents. Through thematic analysis, four themes were identified: (a) building relationships and personal connections, (b) creating a culture of motivation and recognition, (c) offering flexible and accessible opportunities, and (d) aligning volunteer roles with the mission. A key recommendation is for nonprofit leaders to create a structured but flexible community where people build relationships, receive continuous recognition, and clearly see how their work advances the mission. The potential for positive social change includes higher volunteer retention, which strengthens outcomes, builds trust and visibility, attracts greater funding, and ultimately increases a nonprofit’s capacity to reinvest in its people and programs.

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