Finding volunteer opportunities in your local community shouldn’t be difficult, but many Americans struggle to discover meaningful ways to give back. Whether you’re searching for ‘volunteer opportunities near me’ or trying to connect with local nonprofits, the challenge isn’t a lack of opportunities, it’s knowing where to find them.
It’s hard to know where to start
We’ve all done it. A news headline hits your feed and you want to find a way to support those in need. Or maybe you’ve moved to a new city and don’t know how to start meeting people, and volunteering feels like a natural way to connect. Regardless of the motivation, the same question comes up again and again: “I want to volunteer, but where do I start?”
Word of mouth can work if you know the right people to ask. A quick Google search of “volunteer near me” might bring up a handful of nonprofits large enough to make the front page, but it can seem like there are only a few options and they don’t quite fit what you’re looking for.
The truth is, thousands of volunteer opportunities are currently available on hundreds of local volunteer platforms (think of them as the local versions of Indeed for volunteering). The challenge? Most people don’t know these platforms exist. But volunteer platforms are only part of the picture. Mutual aid groups are packing lunches for neighbors in need, service clubs are organizing community projects, and your local United Way may be hosting a Day of Action later this month. These groups might rely on word of mouth, community networks, or social media posts to find more volunteers. They’re all opportunities that never quite reach your feed.
So where do you start to find all of these community service opportunities?
Ways to Connect can help
In 2025, finding connection with others feels more vital than ever. And volunteering is one of the most proven ways to build those ties. But sometimes it feels more difficult than ever to find the right opportunities to volunteer. That is why Inspiring Service built Ways to Connect: to create paths to the volunteer platforms and resources that are already out there, so you can discover opportunities and start building relationships in your community today.
With the help of local contributors, we are building a national directory of volunteer resources across the United States. It is the first and only comprehensive, crowdsourced guide of pathways to service in the country. For example, in Pittsburgh, one local contributor has added 3 volunteer recruitment sites, seven service clubs, and five mutual aid projects – creating a clearer picture of how to get involved in his community.
For every community, Ways to Connect can link you to:
- Local volunteer platforms
- Service clubs
- Annual volunteer days
- Mutual aid groups
- Grassroots organizations
Ways to Connect was created to make volunteering easier for everyone, not just volunteers but also the nonprofits and community groups who need support to carry out their missions.
How it works
1. Search your community
Start by visiting our Explore page and entering your city or state.
2. Explore local pathways to service
Each community page brings together the best local volunteer resources in one place. From volunteer matching platforms and mutual aid groups to service clubs and annual Days of Service, you will see the many ways people in your community are already organizing to make a difference.
3. Take your next step
Click through to the resource that feels right for you. Whether it’s signing up for a local volunteer platform, joining a service club, or showing up at a community event, Ways to Connect points you to the platforms and groups already posting opportunities, making them easier for you to find and join.
Why this matters
Finding the right volunteer opportunity can feel impossible, almost like searching for a needle in a haystack. But community service should not be this hard to access. Our vision is simple: everyone deserves an easy path to service and a chance to connect with their community. Ways to Connect was created by Inspiring Service to make that vision real. Start by exploring your community page today and discover the many ways to serve right where you are.
Ready to discover volunteer opportunities in your area? Explore Ways to Connect today.
Find Your Path. Make an Impact.
About Inspiring Service
Inspiring Service is a national 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to building stronger communities through innovative, technology-driven solutions that support volunteerism. Through tools like Ways to Connect, our work is rooted in one goal: making it easier for people and organizations to come together for good.
Ways to Connect represents our latest innovation in making community engagement more accessible to everyone, building on our mission to create stronger, more connected communities through service.
A version of this post originally appeared on the Ways to Connect Insights blog.