Study Title: Measuring the Impact of Appreciation on Nonprofit Volunteer Motivation

Researcher: Eric Westreich, Doctoral Candidate, California Miramar University, San Diego, California

Faculty Supervisor: Dr. Terri Friel

Important Note (Please Read Before Proceeding)

• Filling out the form is just the first step — not a commitment.

• The form gives you the details and invites you to a short training session. The training will help you see what participation looks like so you can decide if it’s right for you

• Participation is always voluntary, and you can stop at any time without penalty.

Invitation to Participate

You are invited to take part in a doctoral research study at California Miramar University in San Diego, California, titled “Measuring the Impact of Appreciation on Nonprofit Volunteer Motivation.”

By understanding what this study involves, you can decide whether or not to participate.

By participating, you will contribute to important research on how appreciation influences volunteer motivation — while offering you a meaningful, positive experience.

What is this study about?

This study examines how peer appreciation impacts volunteer motivation within nonprofit organizations.

The study is designed as a free program intended to help volunteers easily connect more deeply with your organization’s mission and each other with the miminum of effort.

Why participate?

• Free program designed to strengthen volunteer connection to your mission while requiring minimal management involvement.

• Practical insights your leadership may be able to use to improve volunteer engagement.

• Positive experience: the study is designed to be fun, energizing, and team-building.

What will you be expected to do?

As a participant, you will:

• Complete a one-hour online training session (live or recorded).

• Complete two short online surveys (about 15 minutes each): once before the study and once after the study.

• Take part in weekly online structured networking group video chats (8 weeks, 30 minutes each, scheduled for 1 hour for flexibility).

  • Each week, you will be randomly placed into a different small group of six or fewer volunteers, providing a more comfortable and supportive environment.

  • Share your thoughts and recent contributions with your group in a supportive, positive environment (about 3 minutes).

  • Reach consensus with your group to rank which contributions in the group best amplified the organization’s mission using a simple app.

  • Each group may leave early once they have reached consensus.

  • Receive a weekly personal email celebrating your appreciation points awarded to you by your group (based on your peers’ rankings), as well as your cumulative points to date.

Are there any risks?

There are no known significant risks to participating. However, reflecting on how your contributions are appreciated may evoke personal emotions.

What are the benefits?

• To you as a volunteer: Participants have reported feeling more connected to the organization and each other, while feeling heard and appreciated. Possible benefits of participation also may include recognition, strengthened social bonds, and a clearer line of sight to your impact.

• To your organization: The study’s findings may help provide practical insights into how appreciation relates to volunteer motivation. These insights might assist nonprofit leaders in refining strategies for recruiting, engaging, and retaining volunteers.

Is the study confidential?

Volunteer participation is confidential.

• Your name or identifying information will not be linked to survey responses.

• Only the researcher will have access to your data.

• You will interact directly only with your small group (6 or fewer volunteers) during weekly online video chats.

• Data will be stored securely and reported only in aggregate form.

Can I stop participating in the study?

Participation is completely voluntary. Participants may leave the study at any time without experiencing any negative impacts. You may also skip any activity or question you do not wish to complete.

Will I get to know what you find out?

You may request a free summary of findings at the end of the study. Any personal identifiers will be removed; only group results will be reported.

Who is involved in the study?

The research is conducted by Eric Westreich, Doctoral Candidate at California Miramar University in San Diego, California, under the supervision of Dr. Terri Friel.

If you have questions about the study, please contact:

• Eric Westreich — 858-603-0753, [email protected]

• (You may also request Dr. Terri Friel’s contact information via Eric.)