If you are asked to write a reference letter for a volunteer, it can be a daunting task. However, with the right guidance and examples, it can be made easier. In this article, we will provide you with some volunteer reference letter examples that you can edit as needed.
A volunteer reference letter is a document that is written to provide information about a person’s volunteering experience, character, and skills. This letter is usually written by someone who knows the volunteer well enough to attest to their abilities and achievements. The letter can be used when the volunteer is applying for a job, scholarship or any other opportunity that requires a reference. Writing an effective volunteer reference letter can help the volunteer stand out from other applicants, and increase their chances of success.
In the following examples, we provide a variety of volunteer reference letters that can be used for different purposes. These examples are meant to be a starting point, and can be edited to fit your specific needs.
Tips for Writing Volunteer Reference Letters
When writing a volunteer reference letter, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose a clear and concise title
Your title should reflect the purpose of the letter. For example, “Volunteer Reference Letter for Scholarship Application”.
2. Introduce yourself
Start the letter by introducing yourself and your relationship with the volunteer. Include your name, job title, and how long you have known the volunteer.
3. Provide specific examples
Use specific examples to illustrate the volunteer’s skills and achievements. This could include the number of hours volunteered, specific tasks performed, or any impact they had on the organization.
4. Highlight the volunteer’s strengths
Focus on the volunteer’s strengths and how they can contribute to the opportunity they are applying for.
5. Use a professional tone
Keep the tone of the letter professional and formal. Avoid using slang or colloquial language.
Volunteer Reference Letter Examples
Volunteer Reference Letter for Job Application
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to recommend Jane Smith for the position of Volunteer Coordinator at your organization. I have had the pleasure of working with Jane for over two years, during which time she has consistently demonstrated her dedication to volunteering and her exceptional organizational skills.
Jane has volunteered more than 500 hours with our organization, during which time she has managed a team of volunteers, organized fundraising events, and helped with marketing efforts. Her leadership skills, attention to detail, and ability to work well under pressure make her an excellent candidate for the Volunteer Coordinator position.
Thank you for considering Jane for this position. I am confident that she will exceed your expectations and make a valuable contribution to your organization.
Sincerely,
Samantha Jones
Volunteer Reference Letter for Scholarship Application
Dear Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to recommend John Doe for the scholarship being offered by your organization. John has been a volunteer with our organization for the past two years and has demonstrated his commitment to helping others and his enthusiasm for learning.
John has volunteered over 300 hours with our organization, during which time he has demonstrated his leadership skills by organizing events and mentoring younger volunteers. He also shows a great passion for learning and has taken the initiative to attend workshops and training sessions to improve his skills.
I strongly recommend John for this scholarship. His dedication to volunteering and his commitment to education make him an excellent candidate.
Sincerely,
Mike Johnson
Volunteer Reference Letter for College Application
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am writing to recommend Sarah Lee for admission to your college. Sarah has been an outstanding volunteer with our organization for the past three years and has demonstrated her commitment to helping others.
Sarah has volunteered over 600 hours with our organization, during which time she has shown her leadership skills by organizing events and mentoring younger volunteers. She is also an excellent communicator and has helped with our outreach efforts, both on social media and in person.
I strongly recommend Sarah for admission to your college. Her dedication to volunteering and her commitment to making a positive impact on her community make her an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
Mary Williams
Volunteer Reference Letter for Youth Program Application
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend Tom Johnson for the youth mentoring program being offered by your organization. Tom has been a volunteer with our organization for the past year and has demonstrated his commitment to helping others and his ability to connect with young people.
Tom has volunteered over 150 hours with our organization, during which time he has served as a mentor to several young people. He is patient, compassionate, and has a gift for relating to young people, particularly those who are struggling with difficult situations.
I strongly recommend Tom for this program. His dedication to helping others and his ability to connect with young people make him an excellent candidate.
Sincerely,
Karen Brown
Volunteer Reference Letter for Community Award
Dear Awards Committee,
I am writing to nominate Susan Johnson for the Community Service Award being offered by your organization. Susan has been a volunteer with our organization for the past five years and has demonstrated her commitment to making a positive impact on her community.
Susan has volunteered over 1,000 hours with our organization, during which time she has organized several fundraising events, helped with community outreach efforts, and mentored younger volunteers. Her dedication to making a positive impact on her community is truly inspiring.
I strongly recommend Susan for this award. Her commitment to community service and her ability to inspire others make her an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
Jim Davis
Volunteer Reference Letter for Church Program
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend Lisa Rodriguez for the church youth program being offered by your organization. Lisa has been a volunteer with our church for the past two years and has demonstrated her commitment to helping young people grow in their faith.
Lisa has volunteered over 200 hours with our church, during which time she has planned and led several youth retreats, taught Bible study classes, and mentored several young people. Her enthusiasm and passion for helping young people grow in their faith is truly inspiring.
I strongly recommend Lisa for this program. Her commitment to serving others and her passion for helping young people grow in their faith make her an excellent candidate.
Sincerely,
Pastor John
Volunteer Reference Letter for Leadership Program
Dear Program Director,
I am writing to recommend David Kim for the leadership program being offered by your organization. David has been a volunteer with our organization for the past year and has demonstrated his leadership skills and his commitment to making a positive impact on his community.
David has volunteered over 100 hours with our organization, during which time he has demonstrated his leadership skills by organizing events and mentoring younger volunteers. He is also an excellent communicator and has helped with our outreach efforts, both on social media and in person.
I strongly recommend David for this program. His leadership skills and his commitment to making a positive impact on his community make him an exceptional candidate.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a volunteer reference letter?
A volunteer reference letter should include the volunteer’s name, your name and contact information, your relationship with the volunteer, the number of hours volunteered, specific tasks performed, and their skills and achievements.
Who should write a volunteer reference letter?
A volunteer reference letter should be written by someone who knows the volunteer well enough to attest to their skills, character, and achievements. This could be the volunteer coordinator, a supervisor, or someone who has worked closely with the volunteer.
How long should a volunteer reference letter be?
A volunteer reference letter should be one page long, with approximately 40 to 50 sentences. It should be clear, concise, and focused on the volunteer’s skills and achievements.
What tone should a volunteer reference letter have?
A volunteer reference letter should have a professional and formal tone. Avoid using slang or colloquial language.
Can I edit the volunteer reference letter examples?
Yes, the volunteer reference letter examples provided in this article are meant to be edited as needed. They are a starting point and can be customized to fit your specific needs.
How can I make my volunteer reference letter stand out?
You can make your volunteer reference letter stand out by using specific examples to illustrate the volunteer’s skills and achievements, highlighting their strengths, and using a professional tone.
Conclusion
Writing a volunteer reference letter can be a daunting task, but with the right guidance and examples, it can be made easier. The volunteer reference letter examples provided in this article can be edited as needed to fit your specific needs. Remember to focus on the volunteer’s skills and achievements, use specific examples, and keep the tone professional. With these tips in mind, you can write an effective volunteer reference letter that can help the volunteer stand out from other applicants.