Abstract
This dissertation in practice (DIP) proposal examines volunteer retention at two CASA programs located in the Midwest. Both CASA programs are nonprofit organizations whose mission is to provide a voice for abused and neglected children so they can thrive in safe, permanent homes. Using a qualitative comparative case study, I seek to identify the reasons that long-term volunteers continue to serve at these CASA programs to develop recommendations aimed at improving the rate of volunteer retention at the agencies. In this dissertation, I explore the argument that a volunteer’s motivations may influence the decision to stay or leave the organization using an approach structured by Ostrom’s Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework. The literature review focuses on the themes of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as well as organizational factors and how they influence volunteer retention. The methodology section describes how I conducted this study through the use of semi-structured interviews as well as the coding and theming process. The findings indicate volunteers are largely intrinsically motivated and benefit from strong organizational support. I recommend that both CASA Programs can bolster their retention efforts by taking a personal interest in their volunteers and leveraging the volunteers’ skills to benefit the organization.
Keywords: nonprofit, motivation, IAD framework, volunteer retention, organizational support