Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the VolunteerMatch-Idealist Merger 

In January 2025, Idealist and VolunteerMatch merged to become the biggest online hub for volunteering. In the past few months, we’ve integrated our work to function as one nonprofit, and on September 8, we’ll take another step and officially become one platform: the place to find great opportunities and people.

VOLUNTEERS

I have an account with VolunteerMatch. How will this affect me?

Our tech team is hard at work migrating account information from VolunteerMatch to the new platform. Specifically, we’re bringing over users who logged into volunteermatch.org in 2022 or later, or anyone with an active opportunity alert.

If you fit this criteria, we’ll migrate your name, email, location, opportunity alerts, and any recent connections you’ve made with nonprofits.

On September 8, when the migration is complete, you’ll be able to log in with the same email you’ve used on VolunteerMatch, select a new password, and voila! Easy as that. 

I use VolunteerMatch but don't log in to do so. How will this affect me?

It shouldn’t affect you too much. You can simply enter idealist.org into your browser, but even if you type volunteermatch.org you’ll still end up in the right place.

But, for the best experience possible, we suggest creating an account and logging in. When you do, you’ll have access to tools that make finding opportunities even easier.

Should I create an account on Idealist before September 8?

No need! We’ll move your information to the new platform that day. All you’ll need to do is create a new password on Idealist and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t currently have a VolunteerMatch account, you’re welcome to create an account on Idealist whenever you’d like.

What happens if I don’t take any action? (I’m kind of busy.)

No worries! We’ll move your information to the new platform that day. All you’ll need to do is create a new password on Idealist and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t currently have a VolunteerMatch account, you’re welcome to create an account on Idealist whenever you’d like.

LEADERS OF VOLUNTEERS

I only have an account with VolunteerMatch. What does this mean for me?

On September 8, we will migrate account information to the new shared platform on Idealist. Specifically, we’ll be moving over organizations who posted in 2017 or later.

If you fit that criteria, when you log in, you’ll select a new password, then will have access to your listings, connections, and more. But don’t worry; we’ll take care of everything for you.

From there, you’ll be able to recruit volunteers as you always have, through a new posting flow that brings together the best of both sites. You’ll also benefit from features like a free applicant tracking system, the ability to link directly from your listing to an external application, and the ability to easily repost a listing.

I recruit volunteers through Idealist and VolunteerMatch. What does this mean for me?

If your organization posted an opportunity in 2017 or later, we’ll move your VolunteerMatch account information to the new shared platform on Idealist. When you log in on September 8, you’ll be able to merge these accounts with the help of our fabulous support team, keep your accounts separate, or delete one. Totally up to you.

From there, you’ll be able to recruit volunteers as you always have, through a new posting flow that brings together the best of both sites.

Should I create an account on Idealist before September 8?

No need! We’ll move your information to the new platform that day. All you’ll need to do is create a new password on Idealist and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t currently have a VolunteerMatch account, you’re welcome to create an account on Idealist whenever you’d like.

What happens if I don’t take any action? (I’m really busy.)

No worries! If your organization posted an opportunity in 2017 or later, we’ll move your information to the new platform that day. All you’ll need to do is create a new password on Idealist and we’ll take care of the rest.

If you don’t currently have a VolunteerMatch account, you’re welcome to create an account on Idealist whenever you’d like.

My nonprofit has an Idealist account for job posting. What should we do?

Many nonprofits make specific, individual decisions. Some like having all of their organization’s opportunities in one place. Others prefer to keep their employment and volunteer opportunities separate. Whatever you choose, it’s worth noting that potential volunteers and employees alike will have an easier time navigating your opportunities if everything is posted from one account.

What information will I have access to on the new platform?

Our tech team is busy moving a ton of data so that it’s ready for you on the new platform––information about your nonprofit, volunteer opportunities your organization posted, logos, images, videos, and information about applicants.

What information won’t be migrated to the new platform?

As of now, we’re not moving listing page views, but everything else will be ready for you on the Idealist platform on September 8.

What features will be available on the new platform?

• Ability to link directly to your website or form
• Ability to track applicants, including uploading external applicants as needed
• Access to volunteer opportunity listing analytics
• Ability to easily repost opportunities

The thing I care about most is connecting with volunteers. Can you tell me more about how this new platform will help me do this?

The new shared platform on Idealist brings together an average of 1.3 million visits per month, which doubles the traffic that could be found on either site individually. We’ll also make it easier for applicants to apply to listings, and for you to connect with them.

Plus, we’ll continue to publish resources and host workshops that get at the heart of recruitment and retention of volunteers.

We’re continually improving our platform and excited to enhance our volunteer offerings. Stay tuned!

What will happen to The Learning Center and all the professional development resources that VolunteerMatch developed?

Good news! The Learning Center will have a new home on Idealist. You’ll be able to access all of those great webinars, blog articles, and other resources.

PRO MEMBERS

I have a current Pro membership. What does this mean for me?

If you have an active Pro Membership on VolunteerMatch, you’ll automatically receive an Idealist Membership when our platforms merge in September 2025. There’s nothing you need to do; your new membership will carry over with the same expiration/renewal date as your current Pro Membership.

What if my organization has a monthly Pro Membership?

If your monthly Pro Membership is active on the merger date, it will convert to an Idealist Membership that runs through your next monthly renewal date. After that, you’ll have the option to continue with the annual option on Idealist.

What is the Idealist Membership?

• Priority support from our Community Support Team
• Discounted rates to promote volunteer listings more widely - including nationwide.
• A Donate button on your organization's profile to help drive support
• Job posting credit (if your organization had an active Pro Membership prior to the integration; credit expires on the same day as your original Pro Membership)

While we’re starting here, this isn’t where we’re ending. As we revamp the program, you can expect more benefits along the way.

Will my membership auto-renew on Idealist?

No. Your converted Idealist Membership will not auto-renew. When your expiration date is approaching, we’ll send you a reminder email with information on how to renew.

My Pro membership is set to renew soon. Should I take any action?

No action needed. Your Pro Membership will convert to an Idealist Membership when the sites merge in September 2025.

Have a question not covered here? Please reach out to the support team.