Technology has enabled countless virtual volunteering roles. Here’s how you can contribute your skills.

Nonprofits across the globe always appreciate financial donations, but after two years of upheaval from the pandemic and widespread layoffs, many understand that not everyone can give money at this moment.

If you’re eager to help but lack funds, numerous organizations are seeking your time and skills. Thankfully, various online platforms are designed to connect you to suitable volunteer roles. The shift to remote work has expanded volunteer options significantly. Here’s what you need to know.

Discovering New Volunteer Roles

Catchafire, established in 2009, pairs volunteers with nonprofits for remote assignments tailored to their expertise. Think of it as a matchmaker for altruists: Marketing professional seeks 8 hours a week with a health-focused nonprofit to create a fundraising strategy.

Jamie Badia, VP of Marketing at Catchafire, notes that the site often features hundreds of volunteer positions across various skill sets. “We do volunteering differently,” Badia emphasizes, recognizing that many wish to lend their talents to nonprofits that may not have the budget for specialized staff, such as writers or accountants. You can contribute just an hour of your time if that’s all you can manage, or dive into long-term projects.

Each opportunity specifies its time commitment and complexity, allowing you to choose what fits your capabilities. Just be certain you can fulfill your commitments; nonprofits rely on your support, so avoid overcommitting. (We all have enough stress without adding more while volunteering!)

Choosing the Best Fit for You

Your primary goal when volunteering should be to assist others. The fulfillment that comes from giving back is unmatched. However, volunteering also offers a chance to gain experience in a different field, helping you enhance your resume, expand your network, and explore new career paths. “We’ve heard countless stories of volunteers who start with one project and transition into others,” Badia shares. “It’s common for them to later join a board.”

In-Person vs. Online Volunteering

If you’re eager to return to in-person volunteer opportunities after a long stretch of online engagements, check out platforms like The Trevor Project or Volunteer Match, which can connect you with local community opportunities. You can filter by distance or the number of hours you can dedicate each week or month.

Don’t forget that local organizations may not always be listed online. If you're interested in supporting a food bank, homeless shelter, or local school, Badia suggests reaching out directly. You can visit their websites, call, or stop by if you’re nearby.

For more online options, Badia points to Be My Eyes and Crisis Text Line. The Crisis Text Line offers free mental health support via texting, staffed by trained volunteers. Meanwhile, Be My Eyes connects blind or visually impaired individuals with sighted volunteers through live video calls for assistance with various tasks.

Boosting Your Confidence

If your experience has been solely in-person volunteering, consider trying online options. Remote roles can provide comfort in different ways. For instance, if you specialize in graphic design, you might feel more at ease creating promotional materials for a nonprofit than physically building a home.

“We offer over 150 project types,” Badia explains, facilitating over 80,000 potential matches across fields like marketing, finance, and professional development. We cover nearly every department found in corporate settings.

Catchafire was founded by Rachel Chong, who aimed to leverage her finance skills to assist nonprofits strategically. Many smaller organizations lack the resources for such expertise. Over the years, this concept has evolved as nonprofits increasingly depend on grant funding, which often requires proof of strategic planning and legal compliance—areas where skilled volunteers can make a significant impact.