Questionnaire study on the motivation of volunteers in social organizations in the federal state of Salzburg (SUF edition)

Full edition for scientific use. The dataset comprises fully completed questionnaire data from 566 participants residing in the federal state of Salzburg (Austria). Two main subgroups are of particular interest: currently not voluntarily engaged individuals (n = 238) and formally volunteering individuals (n = 160). In addition, honorary volunteers (n = 187) and informally volunteering individuals (n = 80) are represented, with 81 participants reporting multiple types of engagement. Group assignment was based on clearly defined engagement categories. Formally volunteering individuals are on average older (M = 51 years; SD = 15.8) than those currently not engaged (M = 40 years; SD = 15.1). Participants range in age from 18 to 80 years, with no significant gender differences in age distribution.
In addition to engagement status, the dataset includes demographic and structural characteristics such as gender, age, place of residence, nationality, migration experience, employment status, education level, and number of children. The data were collected as part of a study analyzing motivational factors and recognition needs of formally volunteering and non-volunteering individuals. The questionnaire was developed based on established theoretical frameworks: Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000), the Challenge/Threat Appraisal Model (Drach-Zahavy & Erez, 2002), and resilience research (Rosendahl, 2024).
The dataset aims to provide evidence-based insights for enhancing need-oriented conditions and strengthening participatory, digital, and educational structures in the volunteer sector.