Maybe it’s not your budget. Maybe it’s your volunteers... and the incredible things they bring with them.

Hey Nonprofit Leader, What’s Keeping You Awake at Night?

Some of you may remember my blog from last December when I shared a milestone: my mother’s 100th birthday. Her life was one of grit, resilience, and adaptability—and honestly, those qualities aren’t just for centenarians. Nonprofits could take a page or two from her playbook.

This week, I’ve traded in my consultant hat for rubber gloves and a dust mask—I’m in San Francisco cleaning out the family home. The one my parents bought in 1952. Let that year sink in—and then imagine the treasures (and ahem, stuff) tucked into closets, drawers, and that Bermuda Triangle we call “the garage.” It's been a time capsule of memories, old tools, mismatched Tupperware, and love. Lots of love.

Being surrounded by reminders of home, family, and connection got me thinking about something we don't talk enough about in the nonprofit world: belonging.

At Desert Best Friend’s Closet (DBFC), our volunteers weren’t just helping out—they were the heartbeat of the organization. They styled clients, sorted donations, ran the Boutique, and always—always—greeted everyone with warmth and dignity. It didn’t matter who you were: formerly incarcerated, disabled, low-income, or just having a rough day. You were treated like someone who mattered.

But here’s the twist: while I was busy being grateful for everything our volunteers gave, I slowly realized—we gave something to them, too. A place to belong. A new retiree, fresh to the desert, might not know anyone. But come volunteer with us? Suddenly, you’ve got purpose, people, and a safe place to be.

Psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary call this the “need to belong.” In fact, they say it’s a fundamental human motivation. Not a nice-to-have. A biological imperative. Even Maslow gave it a prime spot in his hierarchy—right after food, water, and not being eaten by lions.

When people feel like they belong, magic happens. Emotional well-being improves. Health markers go up. Depression goes down. People sleep better (which, nonprofit leader, I know you’d appreciate). It’s not just about socializing—it’s about feeling seen, valued, and needed.

We saw it firsthand. We Zoomed with volunteers during the pandemic so no one felt isolated. We visited them in hospitals. We noticed when something seemed off—like the time we gently alerted a volunteer’s adult children that maybe, just maybe, it was time Mom stopped driving. (Spoiler: she agreed. Eventually.)

So yes, volunteers keep the wheels turning. But you, nonprofit leader, are giving them something profound: community, purpose, and a way to feel significant again.

Let’s break it down (because I know you love a good bullet point):

The Big Benefits of Volunteering for Older Adults:

• Boosts mental health: Lowers risk of depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

•  Improves physical health: Encourages activity, lowers blood pressure, and may improve sleep.

•  Strengthens social connections: Builds friendships, reduces loneliness, and bridges generations.

•  Encourages learning: Teaches new skills and keeps minds sharp.

• Fosters belonging: Creates a sense of being valued and included.

• Raises life satisfaction: Gives people a reason to get up in the morning (other than feeding the cat).

So, if you’re tossing and turning tonight wondering how you’ll ever thank your volunteers enough, take a deep breath. You’re already giving them more than you know.

And that, dear leader, should help you sleep better tonight.

PS: If this struck a chord, don’t keep it to yourself—share it with a fellow nonprofit leader, board member, or volunteer coordinator who needs a reminder of just how powerful belonging can be. We all sleep better when we know we’re not in this alone. 😴💙