Opportunities From: United Way of Dane County

Volunteer: Virtual Opportunity: Boost Your Community's Volunteer Engagement!

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Nonprofit: Inspiring Service

Make a Difference in Your Community—Right from Home!

Are you passionate about your local community and want to help others discover how to give back? We're seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help us update and enrich local pages on Ways to Connect, our national directory of volunteer sites.

Ways to Connect is a crowdsourced platform designed to boost traffic and engagement to local volunteer websites—like this one! With just a bit of online research and your enthusiasm, you can help neighbors easily find volunteer opportunity platforms, service clubs, mutual aid groups, and more—making it simpler than ever for everyone to make an impact locally.

What You'll Do:

Conduct quick, simple online research to identify active service clubs, mutual aid groups, and upcoming volunteer events in your community.

Enhance your community's page on Ways to Connect by ensuring the information is current, accurate, and inviting for potential volunteers.

Optional: Promote your community’s page on social media to help friends and family find a path to service.

Why Volunteer with Inspiring Service?

Easy and flexible: Volunteer remotely at your convenience.

Immediate community impact: Help your neighbors discover meaningful ways to contribute.

Small commitment: Volunteer for as little as 2 hours, or as much as you'd like.

Growth opportunities: Volunteers can explore deeper involvement through our Ambassador program.

Ready to help your community thrive? Join us today and make volunteering more accessible for everyone.

Nonprofit: Inspiring Service

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Runs Until Dec 31, 2025

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Front Office Assistant

We need help in our front office! You'll be answering phone calls, doing basic organizing tasks, directing guests, and assisting with our diaper bank. Sometimes there's downtime so feel free to bring a book or homework. 

Nonprofit: East Madison Community Center

We need help in our front office! You'll be answering phone calls, doing basic organizing tasks, directing guests, and assisting with our diaper bank. Sometimes there's downtime so feel free to bring a book or homework. 

Nonprofit: East Madison Community Center

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53704

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Help Write About Actual or Wanted Transit in the Madison Area

You can write about transit in Madison in various ways. Maybe you ride the bus. Maybe you do not. You can explain why, why not or something else. Do you walk, bike and/or drive a car? Why or why not? You can write about actual or anticipated experiences. Does weather matter? Does time of year matter? What is your ideal way  to get around? You could write a nonproprietary column or blog for our website (www.busadvocates.org/blog.html). Or you could pitch an opinion or article somewhere else. Letters to the Editor, columns, blogs and articles are all important. Write your own composition or help draft one with others.

Your work could help fulfill a classroom assignment or a requirement for community service.

Nonprofit: Madison Area Bus Advocates

You can write about transit in Madison in various ways. Maybe you ride the bus. Maybe you do not. You can explain why, why not or something else. Do you walk, bike and/or drive a car? Why or why not? You can write about actual or anticipated experiences. Does weather matter? Does time of year matter? What is your ideal way  to get around? You could write a nonproprietary column or blog for our website (www.busadvocates.org/blog.html). Or you could pitch an opinion or article somewhere else. Letters to the Editor, columns, blogs and articles are all important. Write your own composition or help draft one with others.

Your work could help fulfill a classroom assignment or a requirement for community service.

Nonprofit: Madison Area Bus Advocates

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53726

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Grassroots photography

Show the transit situation in Madison with pictures. By themselves or in conjunction with text that discusses a transit situation in more depth. You might want to show one or another feature of our new Bus Rapid Transit stations, electric re-charging in action, one of our new 'wiggle wagons,' a red bus-only lane, an electronic announcement board, new and old methods of wheelchair securement, people boarding a bus, someone crossing the street to/from a bus stop on the side of the road to a bus station in the middle of the road, or something else.

Consider brief videos in addition to stills. We attribute the photographer when posting a photograph on our website.

Your contribution might help fulfill a course or community service requirement.

 

Nonprofit: Madison Area Bus Advocates

Show the transit situation in Madison with pictures. By themselves or in conjunction with text that discusses a transit situation in more depth. You might want to show one or another feature of our new Bus Rapid Transit stations, electric re-charging in action, one of our new 'wiggle wagons,' a red bus-only lane, an electronic announcement board, new and old methods of wheelchair securement, people boarding a bus, someone crossing the street to/from a bus stop on the side of the road to a bus station in the middle of the road, or something else.

Consider brief videos in addition to stills. We attribute the photographer when posting a photograph on our website.

Your contribution might help fulfill a course or community service requirement.

 

Nonprofit: Madison Area Bus Advocates

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Nonprofit Requirement: >13 years old

Zip Code: 53726

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Process Donations at Habitat ReStore - Individuals & Groups Welcome!

Want to have a fun time while supporting an important cause? Volunteer with the Habitat ReStore!

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. Our ReStores have diverted 12,000 tons of building materials from Dane County’s landfills, and we need help processing all of the donations.

Volunteers are needed to:

Assist in unloading donations from the donation truck Clean, measure and prep donated materials as needed Process small hardware items Organize the sales floor

Position Requirements:

Ability to stand & walk for 4-hour shift (with periodic breaks, snacks provided!)

Shifts are available 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Individuals can visit https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com to register and sign-up.

Groups can contact volunteer@habitatdane.org to reserve a shift.

Nonprofit: Habitat For Humanity Dane County

Want to have a fun time while supporting an important cause? Volunteer with the Habitat ReStore!

Habitat ReStores are nonprofit home improvement stores and donation centers that sell new and gently used furniture, building materials and appliances at a fraction of the retail price. Our ReStores have diverted 12,000 tons of building materials from Dane County’s landfills, and we need help processing all of the donations.

Volunteers are needed to:

Assist in unloading donations from the donation truck Clean, measure and prep donated materials as needed Process small hardware items Organize the sales floor

Position Requirements:

Ability to stand & walk for 4-hour shift (with periodic breaks, snacks provided!)

Shifts are available 9am-1pm and 1pm-5pm, Tuesdays-Saturdays.

Individuals can visit https://habitatdane.volunteerhub.com to register and sign-up.

Groups can contact volunteer@habitatdane.org to reserve a shift.

Nonprofit: Habitat For Humanity Dane County

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Nonprofit Requirement: >16 years old

Zip Code: 53719

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Spanish Assistance

We are in constant need of assistance with Spanish speakers. We have many clients who only speak Spanish, so we need someone to help with translation during open hours. 

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:


Tuesdays: 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, and 4:30pm -7:00pm

Wednesdays: 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays: 10:30am -1:00pm

Saturdays: 8:30am -12:00 pm

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc 

Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

We are in constant need of assistance with Spanish speakers. We have many clients who only speak Spanish, so we need someone to help with translation during open hours. 

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:


Tuesdays: 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, and 4:30pm -7:00pm

Wednesdays: 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays: 10:30am -1:00pm

Saturdays: 8:30am -12:00 pm

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc 

Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53716

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Donation Center Sorters

Help sort baby items for our Sharing Center! Items include baby and maternity clothes, toys and equipment. 

  Duties include sorting donations, hanging clothes, replenishing bins, equipment, organizing etc. 

Come individually or with a group!  We have lots of open space to spread out.

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm

View our website and schedule to get started! 

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc

We can accommodate groups larger than 12, reach out for more information.

Email volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started.

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

Help sort baby items for our Sharing Center! Items include baby and maternity clothes, toys and equipment. 

  Duties include sorting donations, hanging clothes, replenishing bins, equipment, organizing etc. 

Come individually or with a group!  We have lots of open space to spread out.

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm

View our website and schedule to get started! 

Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc

We can accommodate groups larger than 12, reach out for more information.

Email volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started.

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53716

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Diaper Bundling

Help our team by repackaging donated diapers into smaller bundles for us to distribute to clients and partner agencies!

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm


 Other days and times available to accommodate groups, as well!  

Register here: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc


Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

Help our team by repackaging donated diapers into smaller bundles for us to distribute to clients and partner agencies!

 

Volunteers are needed during Open Hours:

Mondays 12:00pm-3:00pm

Tuesdays 12:30pm-2:30pm, 2:30pm-4:30pm, 4:30 -7:00pm

Wednesdays 8:30am-12:00pm

Thursdays 9:00am-10:30am, 10:30am -1:00pm, 1:00pm-3:00pm

Saturdays 8:30am -12:00 pm


 Other days and times available to accommodate groups, as well!  

Register here: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc


Email: volunteer@babiesandbeyondwi.org for more information and to get started

Nonprofit: Babies & Beyond of WI, Inc.

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53716

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Pantry Session Assistant

The River is the largest and busiest food pantry in Dane County, serving over 2,000 individuals each week through our combined programs.

We are distributing groceries via curbside pickup outside of our facility.  We need volunteers to help fill orders for clients as they drive through our curbside pantry and carry the groceries out to the clients.  (Mondays would be sorting and packing boxes only - no distribution.)

Volunteers are needed:

 

Monday

9:00 am–11:00 am

11:00 am–1:00 pm  

 

Tuesday and Thursday  

9:15 am–11:45 am

11:30 am–1:30 pm

1:15pm–3:15pm

 

Wednesday

11:00 pm–2:00 pm

1:45 pm–4:00 pm

3:45pm–6:15pm

 

Friday 

9:45 am–11:45 am

11:30 am–1:30 pm

1:15pm–3:15pm

 
We are looking for healthy volunteers over the age of 16.  Court ordered community service volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

For more information, visit our website.  

To get started as a volunteer, fill out a volunteer application.

Click here to fill out an application for court ordered community service.

Nonprofit: The River Food Pantry

The River is the largest and busiest food pantry in Dane County, serving over 2,000 individuals each week through our combined programs.

We are distributing groceries via curbside pickup outside of our facility.  We need volunteers to help fill orders for clients as they drive through our curbside pantry and carry the groceries out to the clients.  (Mondays would be sorting and packing boxes only - no distribution.)

Volunteers are needed:

 

Monday

9:00 am–11:00 am

11:00 am–1:00 pm  

 

Tuesday and Thursday  

9:15 am–11:45 am

11:30 am–1:30 pm

1:15pm–3:15pm

 

Wednesday

11:00 pm–2:00 pm

1:45 pm–4:00 pm

3:45pm–6:15pm

 

Friday 

9:45 am–11:45 am

11:30 am–1:30 pm

1:15pm–3:15pm

 
We are looking for healthy volunteers over the age of 16.  Court ordered community service volunteers must be at least 18 years old.

For more information, visit our website.  

To get started as a volunteer, fill out a volunteer application.

Click here to fill out an application for court ordered community service.

Nonprofit: The River Food Pantry

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Nonprofit Requirement: >16 years old

Zip Code: 53704

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: The Beacon (Day Shelter) Volunteers Needed

The Beacon is a homeless day resource center that is open 365 days a year (8am-5pm) that serves approximately 200 guests per day. We are able to offer our guests both breakfast and lunch meals, shower services, and laundry services, all of which are 100% volunteer ran! We need about 14-20 volunteers per day to help us keep the basic services we offer open. Take a look below for the exciting opportunities that you can assist with, and we'd love you to join our volunteer family!   Kitchen Meal Server: Volunteers serve a morning breakfast and a healthy lunch to guests at The Beacon every day. Kitchen Meal Servers help make sure it all runs smoothly by being a friendly, welcoming presence in the kitchen; making coffee; doing light food prep; serving food; and doing the dishes. 8:00AM-10:30AM or 11:15AM-2:00PM Laundry: Volunteers wash, dry and lightly fold clothes for our guests so that they can be ready for their jobs, feel prepared for interviews, and feel fresher as they navigate their day. 8:15AM-12:00PM or 12:00PM-3:30PM Showers: Volunteers provide an opportunity for our guests who are experiencing homelessness to get clean and feel good again. We have five private showers that can be used for 30 minutes per individual. Shower volunteers check guests in for access to a private shower that includes use of necessary toiletries. 8:15AM-11:00AM or 1:00PM-3:30PM  

 

NEXT STEPS: If you would like to volunteer at The Beacon, please complete a volunteer application. 

 Once you complete a volunteer application, our Volunteer Coordinator, Alisha Henning, will reach out to you to schedule a volunteer orientation and building/station tour. Training for the volunteer roles are done on-the-job with our veteran volunteers. 

 

 

Nonprofit: The Beacon Homeless Day Resource Center - Catholic Charities

The Beacon is a homeless day resource center that is open 365 days a year (8am-5pm) that serves approximately 200 guests per day. We are able to offer our guests both breakfast and lunch meals, shower services, and laundry services, all of which are 100% volunteer ran! We need about 14-20 volunteers per day to help us keep the basic services we offer open. Take a look below for the exciting opportunities that you can assist with, and we'd love you to join our volunteer family!   Kitchen Meal Server: Volunteers serve a morning breakfast and a healthy lunch to guests at The Beacon every day. Kitchen Meal Servers help make sure it all runs smoothly by being a friendly, welcoming presence in the kitchen; making coffee; doing light food prep; serving food; and doing the dishes. 8:00AM-10:30AM or 11:15AM-2:00PM Laundry: Volunteers wash, dry and lightly fold clothes for our guests so that they can be ready for their jobs, feel prepared for interviews, and feel fresher as they navigate their day. 8:15AM-12:00PM or 12:00PM-3:30PM Showers: Volunteers provide an opportunity for our guests who are experiencing homelessness to get clean and feel good again. We have five private showers that can be used for 30 minutes per individual. Shower volunteers check guests in for access to a private shower that includes use of necessary toiletries. 8:15AM-11:00AM or 1:00PM-3:30PM  

 

NEXT STEPS: If you would like to volunteer at The Beacon, please complete a volunteer application. 

 Once you complete a volunteer application, our Volunteer Coordinator, Alisha Henning, will reach out to you to schedule a volunteer orientation and building/station tour. Training for the volunteer roles are done on-the-job with our veteran volunteers. 

 

 

Nonprofit: The Beacon Homeless Day Resource Center - Catholic Charities

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53703

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Community Event Support

Volunteers will support the following EOTO programs;

BYAYA! (Black Youth & Young Adults) provides support to self-identifying Black/BIPOC youth and young adults between 10 - 26 through innovative programs, peer-led outreach, and free employment skills and professional development training. We are dedicated to helping our future leaders discover their purpose and path to wellness.

 

UJAMAA Business Network is a community of entrepreneurs empowered by the practice of cooperative economics to combine knowledge, skills, resources, and purchasing power to support and grow business in communities of color throughout Wisconsin, with a specific focus on Black-owned businesses.

 

Volunteer Role Tasks/Duties: 

Community outreach & event promotion Event set up/clean up (outdoor and indoor events) Event Activity Station support Welcome/Registration table attendant

Minimum Skills/Abilities: 

 

Pleasant & Professional Communication Skills (written and verbal) Understanding of and marginalized/ disenfranchised communities (or willingness to learn) Basic Computer Skills (Google, Social Media, Document Creation)

 

Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Experience engaging youth, young adults, and families 

 

Average Time Commitment:  5 - 10 hours per event (during peak event seasons Summer & Winter Holidays)

 

Nonprofit: EOTO Culturally Rooted

Volunteers will support the following EOTO programs;

BYAYA! (Black Youth & Young Adults) provides support to self-identifying Black/BIPOC youth and young adults between 10 - 26 through innovative programs, peer-led outreach, and free employment skills and professional development training. We are dedicated to helping our future leaders discover their purpose and path to wellness.

 

UJAMAA Business Network is a community of entrepreneurs empowered by the practice of cooperative economics to combine knowledge, skills, resources, and purchasing power to support and grow business in communities of color throughout Wisconsin, with a specific focus on Black-owned businesses.

 

Volunteer Role Tasks/Duties: 

Community outreach & event promotion Event set up/clean up (outdoor and indoor events) Event Activity Station support Welcome/Registration table attendant

Minimum Skills/Abilities: 

 

Pleasant & Professional Communication Skills (written and verbal) Understanding of and marginalized/ disenfranchised communities (or willingness to learn) Basic Computer Skills (Google, Social Media, Document Creation)

 

Ability to stand for prolonged periods of time Ability to lift up to 10 lbs. Experience engaging youth, young adults, and families 

 

Average Time Commitment:  5 - 10 hours per event (during peak event seasons Summer & Winter Holidays)

 

Nonprofit: EOTO Culturally Rooted

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53704

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Food Pantry Volunteers Needed

We need help unloading and organizing our food donations from Second Harvest Monday mornings  8:00-9:30 a.m., and Monday night we need help setting  up and staff the food pantry, 4:00-6:30 p.m..

COVID- 19 UPDATE:

Due to COVID our hours have changed food pantry hours are now 8:30 - 11:30 am

Our only requirement is that you must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

URL: www.khcommunitycenter.org

Nonprofit: Kennedy Heights Community Center

We need help unloading and organizing our food donations from Second Harvest Monday mornings  8:00-9:30 a.m., and Monday night we need help setting  up and staff the food pantry, 4:00-6:30 p.m..

COVID- 19 UPDATE:

Due to COVID our hours have changed food pantry hours are now 8:30 - 11:30 am

Our only requirement is that you must be able to lift and carry up to 30 pounds.

URL: www.khcommunitycenter.org

Nonprofit: Kennedy Heights Community Center

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Nonprofit Requirement: >16 years old

Zip Code: 53704

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Administrative support roles at Agrace

Agrace general administrative volunteers provide support to Agrace HospiceCare staff through a variety of administrative job duties.

Examples of these job duties are: filing, data-entry, copying and record-keeping. This role is available Monday through Friday 8-5 p.m.

The requirements for this volunteer position include the following: Complete a volunteer application and an orientation session. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and will require a 2-step TB test and yearly TB screening, paid for by Agrace.

Nonprofit: Agrace

Agrace general administrative volunteers provide support to Agrace HospiceCare staff through a variety of administrative job duties.

Examples of these job duties are: filing, data-entry, copying and record-keeping. This role is available Monday through Friday 8-5 p.m.

The requirements for this volunteer position include the following: Complete a volunteer application and an orientation session. Volunteers must be at least 14 years of age and will require a 2-step TB test and yearly TB screening, paid for by Agrace.

Nonprofit: Agrace

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Nonprofit Requirement: >14 years old

Zip Code: 53711

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Senior Center Activities - the possibilities are endless...

Do you have special interests or skills that you would like to share?  Whether you would like to lead a yoga class, teach a knitting class, or read a book, our residents are an eager audience.   If you would like to simply lend a hand at our weekly Friday Fling event or one of our other various activities, we would love to have you. 

Volunteer activities here at Oak Park Place are determined only by your imagination!  Let me know what you would like to do, and I will figure out the rest.

*background check and TB test required

Nonprofit: Oak Park Place-Nakoma

Do you have special interests or skills that you would like to share?  Whether you would like to lead a yoga class, teach a knitting class, or read a book, our residents are an eager audience.   If you would like to simply lend a hand at our weekly Friday Fling event or one of our other various activities, we would love to have you. 

Volunteer activities here at Oak Park Place are determined only by your imagination!  Let me know what you would like to do, and I will figure out the rest.

*background check and TB test required

Nonprofit: Oak Park Place-Nakoma

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Is Ongoing

Zip Code: 53711

Allow Groups: Yes