National Volunteer Organizations

Guide Note

There are numerous opportunities to find volunteer work in the United States. Several organizations specialize in specific charitable fields such as saving the environment, fighting hunger, or helping children or animals. Some web sites also provide searchable directory-style listings of volunteer groups.

Fast Facts

1. Volunteer experience has been linked to living a longer and healthier life¹
2. There are over 61 million volunteers in the United States¹
3. Habitat for Humanity has built homes for over one million people worldwide²
4. The American Red Cross helps with over 70,000 emergencies each year³
5. Greenpeace originated in 1971 with a protest against nuclear testing off the coast of Alaska⁴
6. The United Way is a network of organizations that focus on improving education, income, and health for Americans
7. The Make a Wish Foundation grants wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses and medical conditions