How to Write a Volunteer Reference Letter [5+ Templates to Download]

Character references are an integral part of the professional world. And in this short guide, we will help you craft reference letters for people who have rendered volunteer services for you or your organization in the past. We have also included free and premium volunteer reference letter templates that you can use below.

5 Steps To Make a Volunteer Reference Letter

A volunteer reference letter is just like any kind of reference or recommendation letter. Its main difference lies from the fact that this letter may only be written or filled out by individuals who have supervised the requester during his/her volunteer service period.

The short guide below is for institution managers, school counselors, managers, teachers, etc. who want to have an easier and more efficient time in writing volunteer reference letters. Read and study these steps well.

Step 1: Know all the individual’s details.

Before you could write an accurate and truthful reference letter, you must know or, at least, recall the person requesting for the recommendation letter. Most institutions and organizations keep a record of volunteers that you can check from. In some cases, you may also ask for the individual’s latest resume or curriculum vitae. This way, you can include accurate information about the person’s background in your reference letter.

Step 2: Determine the appropriate length of the reference letter.

Next, you need to know how long your reference letter should be. Typically, most reference letters are written on a single page. However, some employers or institutions may require applicants to submit comprehensive volunteer reference letters. Write your letters based on the requester’s needs.

Step 3: Choose a letter format.

After that, it’s time to choose a letter format. Most reference letters follow the full block form layout. Other business letter formats like the indented form, block form, and simplified style format may also be used.

Step 4: Use an editable volunteer reference letter template.

For an even easier reference letter-writing time, you may download a printable volunteer reference letter template. A few downloadable examples are included in the latter portion of this article. These pre-formatted templates will already include all the font files, header styles, letter wording, and other design elements you will need in crafting a solid volunteer reference letter.

Step 5: Proofread and print the template on high-quality paper.

Before you print out your reference letter template file, make sure that you check it for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. There’s nothing more off-putting to a potential employer or hiring manager than a mispelled word.

Now that you know how to write volunteer reference letters, we hope that you will have an easier time crafting all the other requested reference letters from your students, former employees, or colleagues. Use all this knowledge in helping other people achieve their goals.

5+ Volunteer Reference Letter Templates

Shown below are multiple volunteer reference letter templates in MS Word, Google Docs, Apple Pages, and PDF file formats. Choose a template file format that best suits your needs.

1. Volunteer Reference Letter For Student

Choose the Volunteer Reference Letter For Student (shown above) if you are teacher, guidance counselor, or club president who works with youngsters in completing their volunteer work. This simple letter template follows a full block letter format and is best used if you wish to create a sense of professionalism when the letter is read.

2. Church Volunteer Reference Letter

As its name implies, the Church Volunteer Reference Letter (pictured above) is best used by anyone in the clergy who are requested to write a reference letter. This template also follows the full block letter layout. And to add more credibility to the reference letter, you may add your church letterhead or logo design into the letter template prior to printing it.

3. Charity Volunteer Reference Letter

Try out the Charity Volunteer Reference Letter (embedded above) if you are writing a recommendation letter for someone who has worked with your charitable institution. This letter template includes subtle header and footer design elements that can easily be customized to match your organization’s branding identity. For example, you may add your organization’s logo design or legal letterhead design to make the document look more professional and authentic.

4. Volunteer Reference Letter Template

If you need a simple and easy-to-edit letter template, then try out the Volunteer Reference Letter Template embedded above. This template design may be used by any kind of organization, business establishment, government agency, or private individual who wish to craft a comprehensive volunteer reference letter. When editing this template, make sure that you add your organization’s logo or letterhead design.

5. Community Volunteer Reference Letter

Community-organized projects are great opportunities for students and other individuals to share their skills to benefit others. So if you are a community organizer, you may want to use the Community Volunteer Reference Letter (pictured above). This volunteer reference letter template may help you write heartfelt and accurate reference letters for those who have helped your community projects.

6. Volunteer Coach Reference Letter

As we have mentioned earlier, volunteer opportunities abound those who are willing to share their skills whether in the academe or in the field of sports. So if you are a local sports club manager or president, you may want to have the Volunteer Coach Reference Letter (featured above) at ready as more of your volunteer coaches may ask you for a reference. You may use the sample template above to make your life easier when it comes to crafting volunteer reference letters and forms.

Use any of the free and premium templates above to help make writing reference letters a breeze. And if you wish to learn more about writing other kinds of reference and business letters, check out the rest of our website.

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