How do you find volunteers in today’s busy world? In the past, the de Kap Foundation relied on local newspaper ads and word of mouth to recruit volunteers who were willing to offer help or care to others. Now, in collaboration with Jobilla, they’ve embraced online campaigns — with success.

Helping others in Apeldoorn

Eric Kremer is the volunteer coordinator at the de Kap Foundation. He shares with enthusiasm what the organization does in Apeldoorn: “We connect people who need help or care — but who often lack a support network or financial means — with locals in Apeldoorn who want to make a difference.

This help might be practical, like providing transportation to the hospital, accompanying someone to a medical appointment, or running errands. It could also be social — going for a walk, sharing a coffee, or playing a game. In addition, we support people in Apeldoorn and nearby villages who care long-term for a family member or friend.”

How many volunteers are involved?

How do you recruit volunteers?

“We use a mix of methods: traditional newspaper ads, local volunteer fairs, and word of mouth,” Eric says. “But now, we also use digital channels. Since 2023, Jobilla’s campaigns have helped us reach new people. The internet is incredibly important — even for a volunteer organization like ours.

For a long time, we didn’t believe we’d find new volunteers through social media. But the world is changing — and so is our approach and our target group. We’re now looking for a different type of volunteer. That’s when Jobilla came into the picture, and we began planning online recruitment together.”

What has your experience with Jobilla's campaigns been like?

Eric and his colleagues initially assumed an online campaign would attract a younger audience. But to their surprise, they received responses from both younger and older volunteers via Facebook and Instagram.

“These were people we wouldn’t have reached through traditional channels.” Eric continues enthusiastically: “In our latest campaign, we sharpened the messaging to better target the audience we want to reach. We emphasized that you don’t have to wait until retirement to start volunteering — you can do it while working, in a way that suits your lifestyle.

It’s a very accessible campaign that makes it clear: you decide how much time you want to give — whether that’s one hour a month or up to eight hours a week. You control your level of commitment.

Jobilla’s approach works well — they use engaging hooks like ‘Want to make a difference? Take a short quiz to find out what fits you best.’”

And what else happens thanks to your online presence?

How is the collaboration with Jobilla?

“Very pleasant,” Eric confirms. “We’re neighbors, so the contact is extra easy.” He shares that the first campaign produced 15 candidates, 8 of whom are now actively volunteering. The new campaign launched in 2024 is still ongoing: “We’re halfway through and have already received 17 responses. One of them is now confirmed, and I still need to call back a few others.

What’s funny is that ever since we started working with Jobilla, I see their recruitment ads for other companies in my feed — everything from forklift operators to account managers. That lets me help others in my network who are looking for work. It’s a great side effect!”

Curious if Jobilla could help your care organization too?