Introduction to Reference Letter Volunteer Format
A well-crafted reference letter for a volunteer can make a significant difference in their future opportunities. Whether it’s for academic admissions, employment, or further volunteer engagements, a professional reference letter highlights the individual’s skills, dedication, and character. This guide provides 16 sample reference letter volunteer formats, each tailored to different scenarios and purposes.
When writing a reference letter for a volunteer, it’s essential to include specific details about their contributions, the duration of their service, and the impact they made. The letter should also reflect the volunteer’s personal qualities and how they interacted with the team and beneficiaries. Below, you’ll find a variety of examples that demonstrate the proper format and content for different situations.
1. General Volunteer Reference Letter
Emily Johnson
123 Community Lane
Springfield, IL 62704
October 15, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Thompson for any future volunteer opportunities. Sarah volunteered with our community center for over two years, where she demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion.
During her tenure, Sarah organized several successful fundraising events and led a team of volunteers in a local food drive that served over 500 families. Her ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds made her an invaluable asset to our organization.
Sarah’s commitment to our mission and her exceptional interpersonal skills make her an outstanding candidate for any volunteer role. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 123-4567 if you require further information.
Sincerely,
Emily Johnson
Volunteer Coordinator
2. Academic Volunteer Reference Letter
Dr. Michael Carter
University of Illinois
456 University Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
November 2, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Alex Martinez for admission to your esteemed program. Alex volunteered in our university’s community outreach program, where they demonstrated a deep commitment to education and social welfare.
During their time with us, Alex developed and implemented an after-school tutoring program that significantly improved the academic performance of local high school students. Their ability to inspire and motivate others is truly remarkable.
Alex’s dedication, creativity, and leadership qualities make them an excellent candidate for your program. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 789-0123 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Carter
Program Director
3. Professional Volunteer Reference Letter
Laura Bennett
Green Earth Foundation
789 Environmental Way
Portland, OR 97201
December 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to recommend James Wilson for any professional volunteer opportunity. James volunteered with our environmental conservation projects for three years, during which he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.
James led a team of volunteers in a large-scale tree-planting initiative that resulted in the planting of over 10,000 trees in our local forest. His ability to manage complex projects and inspire others was instrumental in the success of our conservation efforts.
James’s professionalism, work ethic, and passion for environmental conservation make him an outstanding candidate for any volunteer role. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 456-7890 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Laura Bennett
Executive Director
4. Volunteer Reference Letter for Scholarship
David Lee
Scholarship Review Committee
321 Scholarship Lane
New York, NY 10001
January 5, 2023
Dear Members of the Scholarship Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Olivia Brown for the Community Service Scholarship. Olivia volunteered with our youth mentorship program for over three years, where she demonstrated a deep commitment to helping at-risk youth.
Olivia developed and implemented a mentorship program that paired high school students with college mentors, resulting in a significant increase in college acceptance rates among participants. Her dedication and compassion have made a lasting impact on our community.
Olivia’s exceptional leadership qualities, combined with her passion for community service, make her an ideal candidate for this scholarship. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 234-5678 for any further information.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Committee Chair
5. Volunteer Reference Letter for Internship
Sarah Davis
Internship Coordinator
654 Internship Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
February 8, 2023
Dear Internship Committee,
I am delighted to recommend Michael Chen for the summer internship program. Michael volunteered with our organization for two years, during which he gained valuable experience in event planning and community engagement.
Michael played a key role in organizing our annual charity gala, which raised over $100,000 for local charities. His attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure were instrumental in the success of the event.
Michael’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make him an excellent candidate for your internship program. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 567-8901 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Sarah Davis
Internship Coordinator
6. Volunteer Reference Letter for Job Application
John Smith
Human Resources Manager
987 Job Lane
Los Angeles, CA 90001
March 12, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Emily Johnson for the position of Community Outreach Coordinator. Emily volunteered with our organization for three years, during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and communication skills.
Emily developed and implemented a community outreach program that increased our organization’s visibility by over 50%. Her ability to connect with diverse groups and inspire others was truly remarkable.
Emily’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make her an outstanding candidate for this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 890-1234 for any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Human Resources Manager
7. Volunteer Reference Letter for Graduate School
Dr. Jane Doe
Graduate Admissions Committee
321 University Drive
Boston, MA 02215
April 10, 2023
Dear Admissions Committee,
I am pleased to recommend Rachel Green for admission to your graduate program. Rachel volunteered with our organization for two years, during which she demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental conservation.
Rachel led a team of volunteers in a large-scale beach cleanup initiative, which resulted in the removal of over 10 tons of trash from our local beaches. Her leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of this project.
Rachel’s passion for environmental conservation, combined with her exceptional leadership qualities, make her an ideal candidate for your graduate program. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 345-6789 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Doe
Program Director
8. Volunteer Reference Letter for Fellowship
Dr. Robert Brown
Fellowship Selection Committee
654 Fellowship Lane
San Francisco, CA 94105
May 15, 2023
Dear Members of the Selection Committee,
I am writing to enthusiastically recommend Kevin White for the Community Service Fellowship. Kevin volunteered with our organization for three years, during which he demonstrated a deep commitment to helping the homeless.
Kevin developed and implemented a food distribution program that served over 1,000 homeless individuals each week. His compassion and dedication were truly inspiring.
Kevin’s exceptional leadership qualities, combined with his passion for community service, make him an ideal candidate for this fellowship. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 678-9012 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Robert Brown
Committee Chair
9. Volunteer Reference Letter for Non-Profit Organization
Laura Wilson
Non-Profit Organization
789 Charity Way
Dallas, TX 75201
June 20, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am delighted to recommend David Miller for the position of Volunteer Coordinator. David volunteered with our organization for two years, during which he demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills.
David organized several successful fundraising events, including a charity run that raised over $50,000 for our cause. His ability to inspire and motivate others was instrumental in the success of these events.
David’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make him an outstanding candidate for this position. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 234-5678 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Laura Wilson
Executive Director
10. Volunteer Reference Letter for Church
Reverend John Smith
First Baptist Church
321 Church Street
Nashville, TN 37201
July 10, 2023
Dear Pastor Johnson,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Emily Davis for the position of Youth Minister. Emily volunteered with our church’s youth program for three years, during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and compassion.
Emily developed and implemented a youth mentorship program that paired high school students with college mentors, resulting in a significant increase in the number of students pursuing higher education. Her ability to inspire and motivate others was truly remarkable.
Emily’s dedication, creativity, and strong faith make her an ideal candidate for this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Reverend John Smith
Senior Pastor
11. Volunteer Reference Letter for Hospital
Dr. Jane Wilson
Volunteer Services
654 Hospital Drive
Atlanta, GA 30301
August 5, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to recommend Sarah Johnson for the position of Hospital Volunteer Coordinator. Sarah volunteered with our hospital for two years, during which she demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication.
Sarah organized several successful fundraising events, including a charity gala that raised over $75,000 for our pediatric ward. Her ability to connect with patients and staff alike was truly inspiring.
Sarah’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make her an outstanding candidate for this position. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 567-8901 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Wilson
Volunteer Services Director
12. Volunteer Reference Letter for School
Dr. Michael Carter
Springfield High School
789 School Lane
Springfield, IL 62704
September 8, 2023
Dear Principal Smith,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Alex Martinez for the position of Student Volunteer Coordinator. Alex volunteered with our school’s community service program for three years, during which they demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.
Alex developed and implemented a community service program that resulted in over 1,000 hours of volunteer work by students. Their ability to inspire and motivate others was truly remarkable.
Alex’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make them an ideal candidate for this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 890-1234 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Carter
Program Director
13. Volunteer Reference Letter for Animal Shelter
Laura Bennett
Animal Shelter Volunteers
321 Shelter Way
Austin, TX 78701
October 15, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am delighted to recommend James Wilson for the position of Animal Shelter Volunteer Coordinator. James volunteered with our shelter for two years, during which he demonstrated exceptional compassion and dedication.
James organized several successful adoption drives, resulting in the adoption of over 100 animals. His ability to connect with both animals and people was truly inspiring.
James’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make him an outstanding candidate for this position. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 345-6789 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Laura Bennett
Shelter Manager
14. Volunteer Reference Letter for Community Center
David Lee
Community Center Volunteers
654 Community Lane
Denver, CO 80201
November 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Sarah Thompson for the position of Community Center Volunteer Coordinator. Sarah volunteered with our center for three years, during which she demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.
Sarah developed and implemented a community outreach program that increased our center’s visibility by over 50%. Her ability to inspire and motivate others was truly remarkable.
Sarah’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make her an outstanding candidate for this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 678-9012 for any further information.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Center Director
15. Volunteer Reference Letter for Charity
John Smith
Charity Volunteers
789 Charity Way
Seattle, WA 98101
December 5, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am pleased to recommend Emily Johnson for the position of Charity Volunteer Coordinator. Emily volunteered with our organization for two years, during which she demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion.
Emily organized several successful fundraising events, including a charity run that raised over $30,000 for our cause. Her ability to connect with donors and volunteers alike was truly inspiring.
Emily’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make her an outstanding candidate for this position. Please feel free to contact me at (555) 234-5678 for any further information.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Executive Director
16. Volunteer Reference Letter for Disaster Relief
Dr. Jane Doe
Disaster Relief Volunteers
321 Relief Way
Miami, FL 33101
January 10, 2023
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Michael Brown for the position of Disaster Relief Volunteer Coordinator. Michael volunteered with our organization for three years, during which he demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication.
Michael led a team of volunteers in a large-scale disaster relief effort, resulting in the distribution of over 10,000 pounds of supplies to affected areas. His ability to inspire and motivate others was truly remarkable.
Michael’s dedication, creativity, and strong work ethic make him an outstanding candidate for this position. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (555) 456-7890 for any further information.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jane Doe
Program Director
Conclusion
Writing a reference letter for a volunteer requires careful consideration of the individual’s contributions, skills, and personal qualities. The examples provided above demonstrate how to effectively highlight these aspects in a professional and compelling manner. Whether for academic, professional, or personal purposes, a well-crafted reference letter can significantly enhance a volunteer’s opportunities for future success.
Remember to always include specific details about the volunteer’s contributions, the impact of their work, and their personal qualities. This will ensure that the letter is both meaningful and effective in supporting the volunteer’s goals.