About National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week takes place from 19 to 25 April 2026 across the United States, recognising the impact of volunteer service and celebrating the millions of people who give their time to support communities and causes. Coordinated by Points of Light, the nation’s largest organisation dedicated to volunteer service, the week has been an annual tradition since 1974.

What is National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is an annual observance that honours the contributions of volunteers and encourages civic engagement across the United States. Coordinated by Points of Light — a nonpartisan organisation whose mission is “to inspire, equip, and mobilize people to take actions that change the world” — the week brings together individuals, businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies to celebrate the power of volunteerism. The observance falls during April, which is also designated as Global Volunteer Month, providing an extended period for communities to organise service projects and recognition events.

When is National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs from Sunday, 19 April to Saturday, 25 April. The week is typically observed during the third full week of April each year.

Why National Volunteer Week Matters

Volunteering is a cornerstone of American civic life. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, around 60 million Americans volunteer their time each year, contributing billions of hours of service to communities across the country. The economic value of volunteer service is estimated at nearly $200 billion annually. Beyond the economic impact, volunteering strengthens communities, builds social connections, and improves the physical and mental health of those who participate. Research consistently shows that volunteers experience lower rates of depression, higher life satisfaction, and even increased longevity compared to non-volunteers.

National Volunteer Week provides a dedicated period to recognise these contributions and inspire new people to get involved. For those who enjoy giving back, International Microvolunteering Day on 15 April offers ideas for smaller acts of service that fit into busy schedules.

How to Get Involved in National Volunteer Week

Here are practical ways to participate:

• Volunteer with a local organisation — Find a cause you care about and offer your time. Food banks, animal shelters, environmental groups, and mentoring programmes are always in need of volunteers.
• Organise a workplace volunteer day — Coordinate with your employer to set aside time during the week for a team volunteer activity. Many companies offer paid volunteer days for employees.
• Thank a volunteer — Take time to recognise the volunteers in your life — whether they serve at school, in a place of worship, at a hospital, or in the community. A handwritten note or public acknowledgment goes a long way.
• Try microvolunteering — If time is limited, explore microvolunteering opportunities that take just minutes. Translate a document, review a resume for a job seeker, or answer questions online through skill-sharing platforms.
• Share stories on social media — Use #NVW2026 and #VolunteerWeek to share your own volunteering experiences or highlight volunteers who inspire you.
• Donate to support volunteer infrastructure — Organisations like Points of Light, VolunteerMatch, and local volunteer centres rely on funding to connect volunteers with opportunities. Consider making a donation.
• Start a new volunteer habit — Use the week as a starting point for ongoing service. Commit to a regular volunteer schedule, even if it is just a few hours per month.

History of National Volunteer Week

National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 by President Richard Nixon as a way to recognise and celebrate the efforts of volunteers. The observance was created in response to the growing recognition that volunteers play an indispensable role in addressing social challenges and strengthening communities.

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush’s inaugural address famously invoked the vision of “a thousand points of light,” spotlighting the vital role of the volunteer community. This vision led to the creation of the Points of Light Foundation in 1990, which became the primary organiser of National Volunteer Week and the broader volunteer movement in the United States.

Over the decades, the week has grown from a modest recognition event into a major national observance supported by thousands of organisations, corporations, and government agencies. Points of Light has since affiliated with the HandsOn Network, creating the world’s largest volunteer network and extending the reach and impact of National Volunteer Week.

Noteworthy Facts About Volunteering

• Approximately 60 million Americans volunteer their time each year, contributing billions of hours to communities nationwide.
• The estimated economic value of volunteer service in the United States is nearly $200 billion annually.
• National Volunteer Week has been observed annually since 1974, making 2026 the 52nd year of the celebration.
• Research shows that volunteers experience lower rates of depression and higher life satisfaction compared to non-volunteers.
• Points of Light, the organiser of National Volunteer Week, is the world’s largest organisation dedicated to volunteer service, with a global network spanning 37 countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is an annual observance in the United States that recognises the contributions of volunteers and encourages civic engagement. It is coordinated by Points of Light and takes place during the third week of April each year.

When is National Volunteer Week in 2026?

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs from Sunday, 19 April to Saturday, 25 April.

Who organises National Volunteer Week?

National Volunteer Week is coordinated by Points of Light, a nonpartisan organisation founded in 1990 and inspired by President George H.W. Bush’s vision of “a thousand points of light.” Points of Light is the world’s largest organisation dedicated to volunteer service.

Spread the Word

Help raise awareness by sharing National Volunteer Week with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #NVW2026 and #VolunteerWeek on social media. Whether you volunteer for an hour or a day, your contribution makes a real difference in your community.

Related Awareness Days

• International Microvolunteering Day — Observed on 15 April, promoting small acts of service that anyone can fit into a busy schedule.
• International Workers’ Memorial Day — Marked on 28 April, recognising those who have lost their lives, been injured, or made ill through their work.
• The London Marathon — Held on 26 April, bringing together thousands of runners and volunteers in support of charitable causes.

Links

• Visit the official National Volunteer Week page
• Points of Light
• Explore more awareness days at AwarenessDays.com

Upcoming Awareness Days

2 AprPassover (Pesach) 2026

2 AprNational Burrito Day

2 AprWorld Autism Acceptance Week 2026

2 AprWorld Autism Awareness Day 2026

2 AprNational Peanut Butter and Jelly Day 2026

2 AprInternational Children’s Book Day 2026