Post | April 2026 | 2 min read

How to help non-profits get more donations

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Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to give back, but beyond donating your time, there are many creative and impactful ways to help non-profits raise essential funds and collect in natura donations. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, expanding how you contribute can make a real difference.

One of the easiest ways to amplify your impact is by tapping into your workplace. Many employers offer matching gift programs, where they match donations made by employees to eligible nonprofits. Some even match volunteer hours with financial contributions. Taking a few minutes to check your company’s policy can potentially double your support for a cause you care about.

Another powerful approach is organizing or contributing to charitable auctions. These events thrive on donated items and services, and the possibilities are endless. You might offer a skill like photography, tutoring, or graphic design, or donate items such as handmade crafts, gift baskets, or event tickets. Local businesses are often happy to contribute as well, especially when it helps build community goodwill. Approaching them to get donations for a raffle sale would be valuable to organizations.

Nowadays, sharing online fundraising campaigns is also incredibly effective. Crowdfunding platforms make it easy for organizations to tell their stories and gather support. By sharing these campaigns across your social networks, you can help them reach a much wider audience. Adding a personal message about why the cause matters to you can make your post even more compelling.

Of course, traditional donation drives remain just as important. Small Dutch nonprofits also need volunteers to participate in local event markets where they sell second-hand items. They also have stands during Christmas markets to build awareness and find new donors. Going door to door to collect funds for nonprofits is very common but very regulated in The Netherlands. Collecting food items for local food banks or organizing clothing drives can directly support people in need. These efforts are especially impactful when coordinated with community groups, schools, or workplaces, turning small individual contributions into something much larger.

Fundraising doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming, it is not only grant writing and making a financial gift yourself. It’s also about finding opportunities that fit your strengths and resources. Whether you’re leveraging your professional network, donating your talents, or simply spreading the word online. Every action counts. By thinking creatively and encouraging others to get involved, you can help charitable organizations continue their vital work and make a lasting difference in your community.

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Volunteer The Hague Gift Collection for Sinterklaasavond!

Sintvoorieder1 and Volunteer The Hague to Collect Gifts for Low-Income Families, Refugees and Children in Need For internationals in the Netherlands, there are no doubt many Dutch holiday traditions that may be new to you, such as chocolate name letters and delicious kruidnoten! But perhaps the most beloved Dutch holiday tradition for adults and kids alike is Sinterklaasavond (Sinterklaas Evening)! This event, which happens every year on December 5, is a day when the hearts of many little children will beat faster while waiting for special holiday gifts. But unfortunately, there are thousands of children from low income families receiving assistance, as well as children who live in shelters, refugee locations, who miss out on gifts during this time of year. This is why we're so excited to tell you about Sintvoorieder1, an organization committed to bringing joy to the hearts of these children during this festive time of year. Each December, Sintvoorieder1 strives to give children growing up in visible and invisible poverty a Sinterklaas gift. Their yearly goal is to provide as many children as possible between the ages of 0 and 18 with a new or near-new Sinterklaas gift worth around 10€. But this is a mission they can't accomplish without help. So for this, Sintvoorieder1's 11th year, we at Volunteer The Hague, along with PEP Den Haag, are also helping to collect gifts for these wonderful children by serving as a drop off point for donations! If you're interested in answering this call for gift donations, we are available to receive gifts every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 8:30 and 16:30 before 1 December 2022. Please consider contributing to this fantastic cause! It will not only bring light to the life of these children, we're confident it'll also bring some light to your holiday season as well! Prettige Kerstdagen! Mailing / Drop off location: Volunteer The Hague office at PEP Den Haag, Riviervismarkt 2, 2513 AM Den Haag The last drop off day is Thursday Dec 1 between 8:30 - 16:30. Tip from Sintvoorieder1: It's best if gifts are new or as good as new and have a value of approximately 10€.