Why Researchers Choose Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations for High-Impact Publications
Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations stands as a cornerstone in the study of the voluntary and nonprofit sectors. Established in 1990, this quarterly journal provides a global platform for scholars to explore the dynamics of civil society, philanthropy, and organizational behavior in nonprofit contexts. With a focus on interdisciplinary research, it attracts contributions from fields like sociology, public policy, and management, emphasizing empirical and theoretical advancements in voluntary action.
The journal's prestige is underscored by its rigorous peer-review process and commitment to publishing innovative work that influences policy and practice worldwide. Researchers value Voluntas for its ability to bridge academic inquiry with real-world applications, particularly in areas such as fundraising strategies, nonprofit governance, and social impact measurement. Its international scope ensures diverse perspectives, making it a vital resource for understanding global nonprofit trends.
Key to its appeal is the journal's impact factor of 2.9 (2022 Clarivate JCR), reflecting its influence in the social sciences. Submissions are encouraged on topics ranging from volunteer engagement to the economics of philanthropy. The editorial team prioritizes manuscripts that offer novel insights into the challenges facing nonprofit organizations in an evolving societal landscape.
For those in development and fundraising, Voluntas provides unparalleled visibility. Publishing here can enhance career trajectories by associating with a respected outlet indexed in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science. Whether examining cross-cultural nonprofit models or evaluating fundraising efficacy, the journal fosters dialogue that advances the field.
To explore opportunities in academic publishing, consider browsing nonprofit management positions or checking the academic calendar for upcoming deadlines. Submitting to Voluntas could be your next step toward impactful scholarship.
Overview & History
Founded in 1990 by the International Society for Third-Sector Research (ISTR), Voluntas has evolved into a flagship publication for nonprofit and voluntary sector studies. Initially launched to fill a gap in international scholarship on civil society, it has grown to publish four issues annually, featuring original articles, book reviews, and special issues on timely topics like digital philanthropy and sustainable development goals.
Under Springer's stewardship since 2007, the journal has expanded its reach, maintaining a balance between theoretical depth and practical relevance. Its history reflects the sector's maturation, from early focuses on volunteerism to contemporary analyses of nonprofit resilience amid global crises. This evolution positions Voluntas as an essential archive for researchers tracking the nonprofit world's transformations.
Scope and Disciplines Covered
Voluntas encompasses a broad yet focused scope, prioritizing research on the third sector's structures, functions, and impacts. It welcomes studies on nonprofit organizations, voluntary associations, philanthropy, and social enterprises, with an emphasis on international comparisons and policy implications.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Development Studies | Explores nonprofit roles in economic and social development, including aid distribution and community building. |
| Fundraising and Philanthropy | Analyzes donor behavior, campaign strategies, and ethical fundraising practices. |
| Nonprofit Management | Covers governance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness in voluntary entities. |
| Social Policy | Investigates policy frameworks affecting civil society and welfare provision. |
| Sociology of Volunteering | Studies motivations, participation, and societal contributions of volunteers. |
Interdisciplinary approaches are encouraged, particularly those integrating economics, psychology, and law into nonprofit inquiries.
Key Journal Metrics
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor (2022) | 2.9 | Clarivate JCR |
| 5-Year Impact Factor | 3.2 | Clarivate JCR |
| CiteScore | 4.8 | Scopus |
| h-Index | 52 | Scopus |
| Acceptance Rate | 20-25% | Publisher data |
| Average Review Time | 3-4 months | Publisher data |
These metrics highlight Voluntas's growing influence, with steady increases in citations reflecting its relevance to contemporary nonprofit challenges.
Indexing and Abstracting
Voluntas is widely indexed, ensuring broad discoverability. It appears in Clarivate Web of Science (Social Sciences Citation Index), Scopus, EBSCO, ProQuest, and JSTOR. This coverage facilitates access for researchers globally, enhancing citation potential. The journal is also listed in the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for select open access content, promoting equitable knowledge dissemination.
Publication Model and Fees
Voluntas operates a hybrid model, offering both subscription-based and open access options. Authors can publish under a traditional subscription or choose Gold Open Access with an Article Processing Charge (APC) of €2,390 (USD 2,750). No fees apply for subscription articles. Springer supports waivers for authors from low-income countries via Research4Life initiatives. Self-archiving is permitted per Sherpa/RoMEO green policy, allowing preprint deposits and accepted manuscript sharing after embargo.
Submission Process and Guidelines
Manuscripts are submitted via Springer's Editorial Manager system at the official submission portal. Guidelines require original, unpublished work in English, formatted per APA style, with abstracts under 200 words. Figures and tables must be high-resolution. Ethical standards follow COPE guidelines, mandating disclosure of conflicts and data availability. Initial screening checks for fit, followed by double-blind peer review by 2-3 experts.
Editorial Board Highlights
The editorial board comprises distinguished scholars from leading institutions. Editor-in-Chief Susan D. Phillips (Carleton University, Canada) brings expertise in nonprofit policy. Associate Editors include Victor A. Pestoff (Sweden) for civil society governance and Chao Guo (University of Pennsylvania, USA) for philanthropy studies. International members from Europe, Asia, and Africa ensure diverse oversight, fostering inclusive scholarship.
Why Publish in Voluntas: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations?
Publishing in Voluntas elevates researchers' profiles through association with a high-impact venue in nonprofit studies. Its rigorous review ensures quality, while global readership amplifies influence. For development and fundraising experts, it offers targeted exposure to peers shaping sector practices. Career benefits include enhanced CVs for tenure and grants. Explore related resources like Rate My Professor for academic insights or philanthropy roles to apply knowledge professionally.
Comparison with Similar Journals
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntas | 2.9 | International nonprofit and voluntary sectors | Springer |
| Nonprofit and Voluntary Sector Quarterly | 3.5 | US-centric nonprofit management | SAGE |
| Philanthropy & Education | 1.8 | Philanthropy in education contexts | Indiana University Press |
| Journal of Civil Society | 2.1 | Civil society and democracy | Taylor & Francis |
| Voluntary Sector Review | 1.5 | UK and European voluntary action | Policy Press |
Voluntas distinguishes itself with its truly international lens, broader disciplinary integration, and higher citation rates in global contexts compared to more regionally focused peers.
Researcher Tips for Successful Submission
To succeed with Voluntas submissions, align your work closely with the journal's scope, emphasizing empirical rigor and theoretical contributions. Use clear, concise language and robust methodologies. Engage with recent issues for contextualization. Pre-submission, seek feedback from colleagues and ensure compliance with guidelines. Patience is key during review; revisions often strengthen manuscripts. For career support, visit academic calendar events or research positions. Networking via ISTR conferences can also boost visibility.