A professional sample email cover letter for a volunteer position. Learn how to highlight your skills, express your passion, and make a strong first impression.

If you’re hoping to volunteer, you already understand that these roles involve giving your time, energy, and skills to support a cause. Even though most volunteer positions are unpaid, applicants who want to make a real impact and gain meaningful experience should consider sending an email cover letter to inquire about available opportunities.

Because many volunteer roles can be competitive, a strong cover letter helps you stand out. Nonprofit organizations often operate with limited staff, so showing that you are committed, trainable, and likely to volunteer consistently—not just for a single afternoon—can make you a more attractive candidate.

Just like applying for a paid job, your volunteer cover letter should clearly explain why you’re a great fit for the role. Highlight relevant experience, show genuine enthusiasm for the mission, and communicate how you can contribute long-term.

Below, you’ll find essential tips on how to write an effective volunteer cover letter, along with a sample email message you can use when reaching out to ask about volunteer opportunities.

Tips for Writing a Volunteer Cover Letter

A well-crafted volunteer cover letter allows you to express your interest in a specific role and outline how your skills, background, and passion can help support the organization’s goals. Use it to show your commitment, emphasize your strengths, and demonstrate how your involvement can make a positive difference.

Note

Just like cover letters for paid jobs, volunteer cover letters are most effective when they clearly highlight how your background, skills, and interests match the organization’s needs. The closer your qualifications align with what the group is looking for, the stronger your application will appear.

Many organizations list their available volunteer roles publicly, although not all of them do. Reviewing these postings can help you understand the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for different positions. If you don’t see any openings listed, you can still reach out with a letter of interest to express your desire to volunteer.

Even though volunteer positions are unpaid, many nonprofits still require specific qualifications. For example, an animal shelter may prefer candidates with hands-on experience caring for pets, while other roles might require a valid driver’s license, strong administrative skills, or professional phone etiquette.

Note

As with any cover letter, you should focus on your most relevant qualifications and explain why they make you a strong fit for the volunteer opportunity.

Before writing your cover letter, take time to research the organization. Learning about its mission, values, and culture will help you craft a more compelling message and clearly express why you want to volunteer there. It can also help you determine whether the organization truly aligns with your own goals and interests. If its mission doesn’t resonate with you, it may be a sign that your time and energy could be better invested elsewhere.

Drafting Your Cover Letter

Volunteer opportunities aren’t always posted through an organization’s HR department, so it’s important to research who the right contact person is and the best way to reach them.

When you write a volunteer cover letter, highlight any related work or previous volunteer experience that supports your application. Keep the tone professional—just as you would when applying for a paid job. In many cases, a volunteer role can grow into long-term involvement or even lead to future employment.

Use your cover letter as a chance to market yourself. It’s your first opportunity to introduce yourself, explain your intentions, and show why you’re genuinely interested in the role. Make sure to describe your motivation for volunteering, along with any relevant skills, qualifications, or background that connect you to the position.

Give clear examples of how your values align with the organization’s mission and core principles. Along with your cover letter, include your resume, and consider attaching letters of recommendation from personal or professional references who can speak to your strengths and experience.

Sample Letter for a Volunteer Position

Below is an example of a well-structured cover letter written to inquire about volunteer opportunities.

Sample Letter for a Volunteer Position

Barry Applicant

123 Any Street

Anytown, CT 11112

555-124-1245

barry.applicant@gmail.com

July 30, 2024

John Lee

Volunteer Manager

St. John Senior Center

123 Business Rd.

Business City, NY 54321

Dear Mr. Lee,

I am writing to express my interest in any volunteer opportunities currently available at the St. John Senior Center. As a long-time supporter of programs that serve older adults, I have extensive experience working with senior citizens and would welcome the chance to continue contributing in a volunteer role.

Previously, I volunteered as an aide at the Champlain Center, where I enjoyed assisting seniors with arts and crafts activities. In that role, I supported recreational programming, took part in planning sessions, and accompanied groups on field trips to concerts, museums, and other cultural events. I also helped with fundraising efforts and community outreach initiatives.

If the St. John Senior Center is seeking a committed, dependable volunteer, I would be excited to assist in any way needed. I have a flexible schedule and am available to volunteer at times most convenient for your team.

I would appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your mission and the programs you provide for our community’s seniors. I would be grateful to meet with you for an interview at a time that works best for you. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Barry Applicant

(signature for a printed letter)

Barry Applicant

Emailing Your Cover Letter

You can send your volunteer cover letter as an attachment or place it directly in the body of your email along with your resume. Whichever method you choose, make sure your message looks professional. Always include your full name in the subject line so the recipient can quickly identify your application:

Subject: Your Name – Volunteer Application

If you'd like, I can also create a full sample email version.

Additional Sample Cover Letters

The ideal format for a cover letter can differ depending on the type of opportunity you're pursuing. To get a better sense of what works, review sample cover letters across various career fields and experience levels—including internship cover letters, targeted cover letters, and email cover letter examples.

Key Takeaways

1. A strong volunteer cover letter helps you showcase your relevant experience, highlight your motivation, and stand out as a committed candidate.
2. Researching the organization and tailoring your letter to reflect its mission, values, and needs can significantly strengthen your application.
3. Even though volunteer work is unpaid, always approach the process professionally. Your volunteer experience could eventually lead to long-term involvement—or even future employment opportunities.

Read more:

Internship Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

Part-Time Job Cover Letter Examples and Writing Tips

How to Include Contact Information in a Cover Letter

How to Choose the Right Salutation for Your Cover Letter