All Quadrant Model for Volunteerism

The All Quadrant Model is a useful tool for understanding volunteerism at many levels, particularly since it takes place at the intersection of volunteers and organizations. It is influenced by the history and dynamics of the broader volunteer engagement field as well.  Therefore, it is helpful to consider the All Quadrant approach at different levels: the volunteer, the organization, and the professional field.

For organizations, in particular, the All Quadrant Model can be a helpful assessment tool for identifying what helps or hinders its success with volunteer engagement. The model applies to big-budget institutions with scores of volunteers and all-volunteer grassroots organizations with no paid staff and low budgets.  Ultimately, the All Quadrant model brings us one step closer to a more holistic understanding of and approach to volunteering.