Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to your community, gain new skills, and connect with like-minded individuals. Whether you’re looking to make a difference in someone’s life or simply want to explore new interests, there are countless options available. Here are 19 ways to find the volunteer opportunity that resonates with you.
1. Done in a Day
If you have a busy schedule, the "Done in a Day" filter on VolunteerMatch is an excellent way to fit meaningful service into your life. One-time projects allow you to make a positive impact without a long-term commitment. Examples of DID activities include park clean-ups, food drives, and assisting at local shelters, all of which can be completed in just a few hours.
2. Virtual Volunteering
During the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual volunteering opportunities on VolunteerMatch doubled, and the trend is here to stay! Virtual volunteering is flexible, accessible, and ideal for anyone looking to help from the comfort of their home. Virtual volunteering can mean tutoring students online, managing social media for nonprofits, providing administrative support, and so much more.
3. Cause Areas
Focusing on specific cause areas allows you to align your passions with your volunteer work. VolunteerMatch has 29 different cause areas serving people who need support, from people with disabilities to immigrants and refugees. Start with your heart and the right volunteer opportunity will follow.
Bonus: Check out our curated feeds for select causes including Basic Needs, Veterans, Animals, and the Environment.
4. Volunteer as a Group
Volunteering with friends, family, or teammates can be a great bonding experience. Sign up for group events like community clean-ups or fundraising runs. You won’t forget the memories you make while volunteering together!
5. Intergenerational Volunteering
Intergenerational programs pair youth with older adults for activities like tutoring, sharing technology skills, or simply spending time together.
Bonus: If you’re 55+ and looking to volunteer with young children, consider tutoring through the AARP Foundation.
6. Corporate Volunteering
Many companies encourage employees to engage in corporate volunteering, often through nonprofit partnerships. This can include team-building exercises, skills-based volunteering, or company-sponsored events. If you’re a Corporate Social Responsibility professional looking for opportunities that inspire your team, consider sharing our eBook, Amplifying Voices: A Guide for Businesses.
7. Skills-Based Volunteering
On VolunteerMatch, you can filter opportunities by over 300 skills! Be it graphic design, coding, or legal expertise—skills-based volunteering allows you to use your professional knowledge to help organizations in need. This type of volunteering not only provides valuable assistance to nonprofits but also enhances your resume and expands your professional network.
Bonus: Read one volunteer’s journey from skills-based volunteering to full-time employment
8. Pro Bono Work
Similar to skills-based volunteering, pro bono volunteering is offering your professional services to a nonprofit. For professionals, pro bono work is a powerful way to give back. Many fields, especially law, marketing, and consulting, offer opportunities to provide services at no cost to nonprofit organizations. LinkedIn can also be a great place to find pro bono volunteer opportunities.
9. Events
Volunteering at events like festivals, marathons, or conferences can be an exciting way to get involved. These short-term commitments often involve tasks like registration, setup, or logistics, allowing you to experience a large-scale event from behind the scenes while supporting a cause you care about.
10. Volunteer with your Alumni Community
Volunteering alongside alumni and current students from your high school or college offers a valuable opportunity for networking-- fostering both personal and professional connections. Consider reaching out to your school to explore group opportunities for involvement.
11. Research Projects
For those with a passion for discovery, volunteering for research projects can be a fulfilling option. Many organizations seek volunteers to help with data collection, surveys, or analysis in various fields. This method not only contributes to important work but also enhances your understanding of specific issues. At VolunteerMatch, we had a volunteer who conducted research on our search algorithm, which led to an all-new way our results are organized.
12. Fundraising
Fundraising is a critical component of nonprofit work, and volunteers play an essential role. Whether you’re organizing events, running campaigns, or seeking donations, your efforts can significantly impact an organization’s ability to achieve its mission. If you love an organization but don’t have the capacity to volunteer, consider donating funds instead.
13. Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. According to our research, 30% of our audience volunteers primarily by helping someone directly, not through an organization. Whether it’s writing letters to seniors, leaving uplifting notes in public spaces, or helping a neighbor, small gestures can brighten someone’s day and inspire others to pay it forward. This informal volunteering can be easily integrated into your daily life.
14. Long-Term Commitments
For those who want to make a sustained impact, long-term commitments are the way to go. According to our research, over 70% of volunteers give their time on a regular basis. This could involve regular volunteering at a local shelter, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, or joining a board of directors. Long-term involvement allows you to build relationships, deepen your understanding of issues, and see the direct impact of your contributions over time.
15. Advocacy and Awareness Campaigns
Volunteering in advocacy allows you to raise awareness about social issues, legislation, or community needs. This could include organizing campaigns, writing articles, or speaking at events.
16. Disaster Relief Volunteering
In times of crisis, disaster relief volunteering can be crucial. Many organizations mobilize volunteers to assist in recovery efforts after natural disasters, providing support in areas like food distribution, shelter setup, and rebuilding efforts. This type of volunteering requires quick action and adaptability, making it a rewarding way to help communities in need during their most vulnerable moments. Learn more about how you can help in times of crisis.
17. Volunteer In a Service Group
Volunteering in a service group, such as Habitat for Humanity, Big Brothers Big Sisters, or American Red Cross offers individuals the chance to work alongside others who share a commitment to helping those in need. These groups foster teamwork and collaboration, enhancing both personal growth and community connections.
18. Share Your Story
If you have volunteered recently, consider going the extra mile by sharing your story with the organization or with us by tagging us @VolunteerMatch on social media! Your unique experiences highlight the impact the cause had on you and inspire others to follow in your footsteps.
19. Sign Up for our Newsletter for Regular Inspiration
You may not be ready to volunteer today—and that's okay! Stay connected and inspired by signing up for our volunteer newsletter. Each month, you'll receive updates on a variety of meaningful volunteering opportunities that might spark your interest.