The State of Volunteering

The State of Volunteering in 2025: Why Your Community Needs You—Now More Than Ever

In recent years, the landscape of volunteering in the United States has experienced a dramatic shift. Following a significant downturn during the COVID-19 pandemic, formal volunteering is now on the rebound. From September 2022 to September 2023, more than 75.7 million Americans volunteered through organizations, contributing nearly 5 billion hours of service. This marks a 5-percentage-point increase over the previous year—the largest single-year gain ever recorded.

Yet while the number of formal volunteers is growing, the average number of hours served per person has declined. In 2017, the average was 96.5 hours annually. By 2023, that figure had dropped to 70 hours. This shift suggests a growing preference for episodic, short-term volunteering, reflecting a broader change in how people are engaging with their communities.

While national volunteering levels are rising, many rural communities continue to face a quiet struggle—finding volunteers who not only show up but stay. The need is real, but the bench is shallow, and without sustained commitment, critical local support efforts risk falling short when they're needed most.

At the same time, informal helping—the kind that doesn’t involve official organizations—is quietly surging. Over 137.5 million people reported assisting neighbors with errands, childcare, or household tasks. That’s more than half of all Americans, and the rate continues to rise. These informal efforts are especially vital during moments of crisis.

When Disaster Strikes—Volunteers Step In

Disasters don’t always arrive with sirens or headlines. Sometimes it’s a flood from a backed-up creek, a sudden house fire, or a severe storm that knocks out power for days. In these moments, the first to respond are often not uniformed emergency personnel—they're neighbors, volunteers, and everyday citizens stepping forward to help.

From organizing supply drives to clearing debris or checking on a vulnerable resident, volunteers are a cornerstone of any community’s resilience. However, when large numbers of well-meaning but untrained volunteers converge during a crisis, it can slow response and recovery operations. Without clear roles, safety awareness, or coordination, their efforts—while compassionate—can create logistical challenges and strain already limited resources. The key is not just willingness, but readiness. Trained and prepared volunteers make the greatest difference between communities that merely react and those that recover efficiently and safely.

Virtual Volunteering: Expanding Access

Another trend reshaping the volunteer landscape is the growth of virtual and hybrid volunteering. While these options surged during the pandemic, they have proven to be more than temporary solutions. Nearly one in five formal volunteers now engage remotely. These individuals tend to volunteer more hours on average than in-person-only volunteers and include a higher proportion of people with disabilities and older adults. Virtual service opens doors for those who want to help but face logistical, physical, or time-related barriers.

Ohio’s Volunteer Spirit

Masters of Disaster, SITREP Foundation, American Regulators USA Disaster Relief, Code 3 Search, and Rescue Aerial Recovery on the ground for recovery operations in response to the Texas flooding event.

Here in Ohio, the numbers reflect a strong commitment to service. Over 2.8 million residents formally volunteered through organizations last year, contributing more than 182 million hours valued at approximately $5.7 billion. Nearly 58 percent of Ohioans engage in informal helping, and more than 30 percent participate in formal volunteering. Additionally, 27.2 percent belong to a community organization, and more than half donated to charitable causes.

The value of an hour of volunteer time in Ohio was estimated at $32.42 in 2024—highlighting the critical economic contribution that volunteers make across the state. But beyond economics, research shows that volunteering improves personal health and well-being, including reduced depression and increased life satisfaction.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

Despite positive trends, nonprofit organizations continue to face real challenges in recruitment and retention. Rising living costs, overextended schedules, and competition for attention make it harder to attract and keep volunteers. Building community among virtual volunteers and keeping roles clearly defined are ongoing struggles. Yet the need for service—particularly in times of crisis—is only growing.

This moment presents an opportunity. New engagement models, better use of technology, and more flexible scheduling can all help bridge the gap between people who want to serve and the organizations that need them.

How You Can Help—Today

You don’t need to wait for a disaster to lend a hand. Whether you have ten hours a week or ten minutes a day, there’s a way to help. Consider signing up through platforms like VolunteerMatch, or reach out to ServeOhio to find local opportunities. Support your local fire department, join a neighborhood support team, or connect with a nonprofit aligned with your values.

If formal commitments don’t fit your life, look to informal ways to contribute. Offer to mow a neighbor’s lawn. Bring in groceries for someone recovering from surgery. Or check in on a senior during extreme weather. These small acts of kindness build community resilience in ways that matter most when times are tough.

Conclusion

Whether it’s a formal role with an organization or an informal act of neighborly kindness, volunteering matters. It strengthens our communities, uplifts those in need, and gives us purpose. Especially in the face of disasters—big or small—your willingness to help can make all the difference.

The time to act is now. Find your role. Be the one who shows up!