National Volunteer Month
April 1 - April 30
About National Volunteer Month
National Volunteer Month is observed throughout April in the United States, celebrating the contributions of volunteers and encouraging more people to give their time to causes they care about. Established by presidential proclamation in 1991, the month-long observance recognises that volunteers are the backbone of communities across the country, providing billions of hours of service each year across every sector from healthcare and education to disaster relief and environmental conservation.
What is National Volunteer Month?
National Volunteer Month is an annual campaign that honours the impact of volunteers at every level — local, state, and national. The observance is supported by organisations including Points of Light, AmeriCorps, and countless nonprofits, charities, and community groups. Within the month, National Volunteer Week (19–25 April 2026) provides an intensified period of recognition and service activities. The month also encompasses Global Volunteer Month, extending the spirit of service beyond US borders.
When is National Volunteer Month?
National Volunteer Month runs from 1 April to 30 April every year. In 2026, it begins on Wednesday, 1 April and ends on Thursday, 30 April. National Volunteer Week falls within the month from Sunday, 19 April to Saturday, 25 April 2026.
Why National Volunteer Month Matters
The scale of volunteering in the United States is remarkable. More than 75.7 million Americans — 28.3% of the population — formally volunteered through an organisation in 2023, contributing over 4.99 billion hours of service valued at $167.2 billion. The formal volunteering rate surged by 5.1 percentage points between 2022 and 2023, the largest expansion ever recorded by the Census Bureau and AmeriCorps. Beyond formal volunteering, more than 137.5 million Americans helped their neighbours informally during the same period. National Volunteer Month matters because it sustains this momentum, reminding communities that every hour of service counts and inspiring those who have not yet volunteered to take the first step.
How to Get Involved in National Volunteer Month
There is a volunteering opportunity for every skill set, schedule, and interest. Here are ways to get started:
- Find a local volunteer opportunity — Visit volunteer.gov, VolunteerMatch, or your local United Way to search for opportunities near you. Options range from one-time events to ongoing commitments, so you can choose what fits your availability.
- Volunteer with your workplace — Many employers offer paid volunteer days or organise group service projects during April. If your company does not have a programme, propose one — corporate volunteer programmes benefit both communities and employee morale.
- Support a food bank or soup kitchen — Food insecurity affects millions of Americans, and food banks rely heavily on volunteer labour to sort, pack, and distribute donations. Even a few hours can make a tangible difference.
- Mentor a young person — Organisations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, Junior Achievement, and local youth programmes are always seeking mentors. Sharing your experience and time with a young person can have a lasting impact on their trajectory.
- Try virtual volunteering — If time or mobility is a constraint, consider online volunteering. You can tutor students remotely, assist nonprofits with administrative tasks, translate documents, or provide professional consultation — all from your home.
- Organise a community cleanup — Gather neighbours, friends, or colleagues and spend a morning cleaning up a local park, beach, or street. It is a visible, immediate way to improve your community.
- Donate blood — Blood banks face chronic shortages, and a single donation can save up to three lives. Schedule a donation through the American Red Cross or a local blood centre during April.
History of National Volunteer Month
The roots of National Volunteer Month reach back to President Richard Nixon, who established National Volunteer Week in 1974 through Presidential Proclamation 4288. The week was designed to recognise the contributions of volunteers and encourage civic participation at a time when the US was grappling with social upheaval and declining trust in institutions.
The expansion from a week to a full month came in 1991, when President George H.W. Bush proclaimed April as National Volunteer Month. This was part of his broader “Thousand Points of Light” initiative, launched in his 1989 inaugural address, which celebrated volunteer organisations as “a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand points of light in a broad and peaceful sky.” By the end of his administration, Bush had recognised 1,020 Daily Points of Light across all fifty states.
The Points of Light Foundation was established in 1990 to carry forward this mission, and it merged with Hands On Network in 2007 to form the modern Points of Light organisation. Today, Points of Light is one of the world’s largest organisations dedicated to volunteer service, operating in 250+ cities and mobilising millions of people every year. The International Microvolunteering Day, observed on 15 April, complements the month by highlighting small, accessible acts of service that anyone can perform.
Noteworthy Facts About National Volunteer Month
- More than 75.7 million Americans formally volunteered through organisations in 2023, contributing 4.99 billion hours of service worth $167.2 billion.
- The estimated value of a volunteer hour in 2024 was $34.79, a 3.9% increase from the previous year.
- The 5.1 percentage point increase in the formal volunteering rate between 2022 and 2023 was the largest expansion ever recorded since tracking began in 2002.
- 18% of formal volunteers in 2023 performed their service entirely online, reflecting the growth of virtual volunteering opportunities.
- On average, American volunteers contribute approximately 52 hours per year to their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is National Volunteer Month?
National Volunteer Month is an annual April observance in the United States that celebrates volunteers, recognises their impact, and encourages more people to contribute their time and skills to community service.
When is National Volunteer Month in 2026?
National Volunteer Month runs from Wednesday, 1 April to Thursday, 30 April 2026. National Volunteer Week takes place from 19 to 25 April.
Who started National Volunteer Month?
President George H.W. Bush proclaimed April as National Volunteer Month in 1991 as part of his “Thousand Points of Light” initiative. National Volunteer Week, which falls within the month, was first established by President Richard Nixon in 1974.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing National Volunteer Month with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NationalVolunteerMonth and #VolunteerMonth2026 on social media. The more people who volunteer, the stronger our communities become.
Related Awareness Days
- National Volunteer Week — The centrepiece of Volunteer Month, this week (19–25 April 2026) provides an intensified period of recognition and service activities.
- International Microvolunteering Day — Observed on 15 April, this day highlights small, accessible acts of service that anyone can perform regardless of their schedule.
- Administrative Professionals Day — Celebrated on 22 April 2026, this day recognises the contributions of support staff, many of whom volunteer their time beyond their regular duties.
Links
- Points of Light — National Volunteer Week
- Volunteer.gov — Find Volunteer Opportunities
- Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com
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