This study explores the motivations of young Dutch volunteers, of whom there is a current deficit in the Netherlands, to start and continue volunteering with people with disabilities. A qualitative approach through interviewing was taken, and data was analysed using multiple coding strategies.

Results showed that personality traits and exposure to volunteering influenced the following motivations: values relating to altruistic/humanitarian concerns, personal gains, social influences, career development, and uncertain motivations. Based on any barriers and possible benefits, participants chose to start/continue volunteering. Findings support parts of social learning theory, volunteer function inventory, attachment theory, rational choice model, and octagon model. In addition to past research’s conclusions, uncertain volunteer motivations were found, which paves the way for future research.

Researching the motivations of young volunteers may encourage the development of revised recruitment strategies; for volunteering organisations to reduce the current Dutch volunteer deficit.