Volunteer Opportunities
Make a difference. Find purpose.
Why volunteer?
- Sense of purpose in retirement.
- Stay socially connected.
- Use lifetime of skills.
- Help your community.
- Reduces depression risk.
- Many programs even pay small stipend.
AmeriCorps Seniors (RSVP)
- Federal program — Retired + Senior Volunteer Program.
- For seniors 55+.
- Match with local nonprofit needs.
- Volunteer 20–40 hours/week or less.
- Some receive stipend (income-eligible).
- Find at AmericorpsSeniors.gov.
Foster Grandparents
- Mentor at-risk children.
- 15–40 hours/week in schools or daycare.
- Income-qualified — small tax-free stipend.
- Health insurance possible if eligible.
- Background check required.
- Profoundly meaningful work.
Senior Companion Program
- Help homebound elderly adults.
- Companionship + transportation + errands.
- 15–40 hours/week.
- Stipend for income-qualified volunteers.
- Mileage reimbursement.
- Other low-income seniors served.
VolunteerMatch + Idealist
- Search by zip code + interest.
- Filter for seniors-only opportunities.
- One-time or ongoing commitments.
- Both completely free to use.
- Includes virtual volunteering options.
- Most comprehensive databases.
Specific opportunities
- SCORE — mentor small business owners.
- Hospital volunteering — info desk, escorts.
- Library volunteer — reading programs.
- Meals on Wheels driver.
- National parks volunteer host.
- Habitat for Humanity build sites.
Foster Grandparents = life-changing
Of all volunteer programs, Foster Grandparents may be the most rewarding for seniors who love children. You spend hours each week being a stable, loving presence for at-risk kids. Many seniors describe it as the most meaningful work of their lives. The small stipend covers transportation. Visit AmericorpsSeniors.gov to find a local Foster Grandparents program near you.