Relationships are the key. It's not programs. It's meaningful relationships. - Bill Milliken, founder of Communities In Schools

Baby Boomers have long served as the backbone of formal volunteering in the United States. As they age into their late 70s and beyond, their capacity for sustained, structured volunteerism is diminishing. The generation positioned to replace them, Generation X, faces a retirement crisis of historic proportions, one that will keep millions of Gen Xers in the workforce far longer than previous generations.

There's something that happens when you walk into a room full of people who care about the same things you do. The exhaustion of the day-to-day lifts a little. You remember why you started. You leave with more than you came with.

When disaster strikes a community, the instinct to help is immediate and powerful. People show up. But without structure to channel that energy, well-intentioned volunteers can become a "disaster within the disaster", overwhelming responders, creating liability issues, and ultimately slowing recovery efforts.

Curated research every grantor, nonprofit leader, and civic changemaker should have in their toolkit right now.

In a landmark proclamation, the City of Wilmington has formally recognized 2026 as the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development aligning our community with a global movement that elevates the role of volunteerism in building resilient, inclusive, and sustainable societies.

Civic pride looks like residents volunteering with local nonprofits and schools. Neighbors picking up trash on a walk instead of stepping around it. Community members advocating for safer streets, stronger greenways, or more inclusive housing; not just by complaining, but by organizing, collaborating, and staying engaged.

Why is volunteer recruitment such a persistent problem? The research points to two major systemic issues: Dedicated Funding + Staffing

The holidays bring a surge of volunteers. With intentional follow-up, great communication, and a clear path to stay involved, you can turn one-time helpers into dedicated, year-round ambassadors.

Volunteerism has the power to bridge social, cultural, and political divides by bringing people together around shared purpose and service. This article explores how volunteer engagement strengthens connections across communities, fosters understanding, and supports democratic values. Learn practical ways organizations and communities can leverage volunteer efforts to build unity, trust, and lasting impact.

Today’s young people are passionate about justice, deeply connected to technology, and motivated by authenticity and creativity. They are the future of civic life and nonprofit leadership. Engaging them meaningfully in service starts by understanding their values, barriers to service, and needs.

Retaining top talent and maintaining high employee engagement can be a real challenge. But there’s good news: research consistently shows that employees are happiest—and most productive—when they feel aligned with their company’s values, have opportunities for personal growth, and know they’re contributing to something bigger than themselves.

Many nonprofits overlook the strategic value of investing in volunteer programs. This article explores how rethinking charitable funding to support volunteer infrastructure leads to greater community impact, stronger organizational capacity, and more sustainable engagement. Learn why funders and nonprofits should prioritize volunteer programs as essential drivers of mission success.