Good management practices will limit problems, but the unexpected will happen. Schedule regular status reviews to assess whether and how the volunteer programme is changing over time. If someone unexpectedly offered you 10,000, you'd be thrilled. Look for the subtle ways that an organisation values money over time and talent. Most important, make sure financial development and volunteer development are integrated so that they mesh instead of compete.
Management can do more than just praise volunteers with words.
Ask for and respond to reports on volunteer activities. Periodically meet with representative volunteers and ask for feedback. Develop volunteer tasks that directly help with executive-level work. Reward employees who are especially effective with volunteers assigned to them. A last thought Economic and social changes continue to create uncertainty about the future of many non-profit organisations and government services.