Volunteer Match Apps
Volunteering keeps you healthier, longer.
VolunteerMatch.org
FREEBiggest volunteer database. Search by zip + interest + cause + remote/in-person.
Best overall.
AARP Create the Good
FREESenior-focused. From "5-minute" tasks to ongoing roles.
Best for 50+.
AmeriCorps Seniors
FREE (small stipend possible)Federal program. Foster Grandparents, Senior Companion, RSVP. Some pay $4-5/hr stipend.
Best official + stipend.
JustServe.org
FREERun by Church of LDS but open to everyone. Many local opportunities.
Best community.
Idealist.org
FREESkilled volunteer + nonprofit jobs.
Best for skilled work.
Be My Eyes
FREEVolunteer 5 minutes from home — help blind/low-vision callers via video.
Best from-home volunteering.
Senior-perfect roles
- Foster Grandparent — read to kids at school. $4/hr stipend (not taxed).
- Senior Companion — visit homebound elders. $4/hr.
- RSVP — flexible, your skills, your schedule.
- Tax-Aide — AARP volunteers prep free taxes for seniors. CPA experience helpful but not required (training provided).
- SCORE — mentor small business owners with your career experience.
- Library / museum docent.
- Habitat for Humanity — building experience optional.
- Hospital volunteers — gift shop, info desk, patient transport.
- Park ranger volunteers — federal free pass benefit.
From-home volunteering
- Be My Eyes — answer video calls helping blind users (5 min each).
- Crisis Text Line — train to text people in crisis.
- Smithsonian Transcription — type old documents into searchable text.
- Project Gutenberg — proofread classic books.
- FamilySearch indexing — read old census, marriage records.
- Tutoring online via Learn To Be (under-served kids).
Health benefits
Studies show volunteers live 2-4 years longer, with lower depression and dementia rates. 2 hours/week is the sweet spot. Best is something that gets you out of the house and into community. Your local Area Agency on Aging knows what's near you.