Frequently Asked Questions 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 officially became one platform: the place to find great opportunities and people.
Should you have any questions about how this transition affects you, please refer to this list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) below.
For Volunteers
Our tech team migrated account information from VolunteerMatch to the new platform. Specifically, we brought over users who logged into volunteermatch.org in 2022 or later, or anyone with an active opportunity alert.
If you fit this criteria, we likely migrated your name, email, location, opportunity alerts, and any recent connections you’ve made with nonprofits.
If you haven't yet logged in, you’ll be able to use the same email you’ve used on VolunteerMatch, select a new password, and voila! Easy as that.
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.
For Leaders of Volunteers
On September 8, we migrated account information to the new shared platform on Idealist. Specifically, we moved 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.
If your organization posted an opportunity in 2017 or later, we moved your VolunteerMatch account information to the new shared platform on Idealist. When you log in, 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.
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.
Our tech team moved a ton of data so that it would be ready for you on the new platform—information about your nonprofit, volunteer opportunities your organization posted, logos, images, videos, and information about applicants.
We didn't move listing page views, but everything else is ready for you!
- Ability to link directly to your website or form
- Ability to track applicants, including uploading external applicants as needed
- Streamline outreach to applicants by emailing them directly from Idealist
- Ability to easily repost opportunities
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’ve 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!
Good news! The Learning Center has a new home on Idealist. You can access all of those great webinars, blog articles, and other resources.
For Pro Members
If you had an active Pro Membership on VolunteerMatch, you automatically received an Idealist Membership when the platforms merged. There’s nothing you need to do; your new membership will carry over with the same expiration/renewal date as your current Pro Membership.
If your monthly Pro Membership was active on the merger date, it converted 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.
The Idealist Membership comes with several benefits to help you get the most out using Idealist to recruit:
- 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.
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.
No action needed. Your Pro Membership converted to an Idealist Membership when the sites merged in September 2025.
