FINDING A VMS THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU

  1. What features are you looking for?

Free Trial

Free Version

Web-based

Installed on server

Mobile app

  • iOS
  • android

Attendance Management

Calendar Management

Event Management

Group Management

Member Directory

Membership Management

Recognition Management

Registration Management

Scheduling

  • Flexible shifts
  • Fixed shifts
  • One-time events

Self Service Portal

Training Management

Volunteer Profiles

  1. Number of Admins who will need access to the VMS: ______
  1. How much time to do you have for training?Training can take anywhere from an hour to several hours each week for a few weeks as you delve into more complicated set-up with complex VMS and need more training.
  1. How much time do you have for setting up the VMS? Free trials will help you decide how much time you’ll need to set aside for set-up (and training others if there’s more than one admin.)
  1. Will your online Volunteer Application need customizable fields? (yes/no)

Volunteer Management Software review site:

PLANNING FOR YOUR FREE TRIAL OF VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Before you sign up for a free trial:

  • Decide which Volunteer Management Software options you want test, and which features you will be testing
  • Create a sample stand-alone event/opportunity with various shifts/positions
  • Create a sample recurring flexible event/opportunity with various shifts/positions
  • Create a sample recurring fixed schedule event/opportunity with various shifts/positions
  • Create a sample Volunteer Application
  • Find 5 remote friends to test your registration/sign-up/Application forms once you have your trials set up. When you send them your event/site links to test, ask them to email you afterward with the following info:
  1. Device you used (mobile browser, pc browser, mac browser, or mobile app)
  2. Easy to navigate and complete form?
  3. If you had an event or sign-up you needed people to fill out a form for, would you use this form? Why or why not?

Primary things you want to learn from your free trial:

  1. How long it takes to set up events/forms
  2. How easy it is for volunteers to sign up
  3. If the software is right for your organization AND easy to use for volunteers

SAMPLE ONE TIME EVENT:

Job Fair for Cats, Sunday April 22

Shifts: 8-10am or 10am-12

Help unemployed cats gain skills necessary to find jobs in today’s workforce. Volunteers will help cats learn to follow instructions, practice appropriate public hygiene, and how to stay awake during their work shifts. Volunteers are encouraged to dress comfortably and bring a lint roller.

SAMPLE RECURRING FLEXIBLE OPPORTUNITY:

Read to a Tree,April 19-May 3

Shifts: any day/time

Recent literacy studies have discovered the reason behind trees not talking to us: they are lacking language skills due to low literacy. Our Read to a Tree group meets in Olin Park every Thursday morning, and volunteers spend an hour reading aloud to the trees so that they may build their confidence and vocabulary. Books are provided; volunteers should dress appropriate for weather and be able to read above a 5th grade level. Great volunteer opportunity for families!