Making Purpose Possible
A Bold Commitment to Double Volunteering by 2035
A Bold Commitment to Double Volunteering by 2035
Our Opportunity to Create a Society of Meaning and Connection
At a time when our country faces a loneliness epidemic, declining trust and deepening division, people are searching for more than headlines—they’re searching for meaning. Volunteering is one of the most accessible, human ways to bridge divides, reduce isolation and foster connection and belonging.
At Points of Light, we believe that purpose is a powerful force for change. And we know it doesn’t just happen. It must be made possible.
Making Purpose Possible is our bold, movement-building strategy to double volunteer participation by 2035 and reignite civic life across the country and around the world.
Join the Movement
Our Strategy
A Phased Approach to Systems-Level Change
Making Purpose Possible is built on six core initiatives, deployed across three strategic phases, with one cross-cutting commitment that sustains them all.
Laying the Foundation
1. Build coalitions across sectors to shape a national volunteer strategy
2. Modernize the volunteer experience through technology and innovation
Learning and Testing What Works
3. Pilot and scale community-driven innovations
4. Strengthen nonprofit capacity and volunteer infrastructure
5. Elevate youth leadership to drive civic renewal
Igniting the Movement
6. Inspire a cultural shift toward inclusive civic participation
Be part of a bold movement to double volunteer participation by 2035.
Your support is essential to reigniting civic engagement around the world.
Sign up to receive:
- Strategic updates on our progress and impact
- Opportunities to collaborate and amplify your philanthropic goals
- Inspiring stories of purpose-driven change
- Exclusive invitations to events and initiatives
Together, we can make purpose possible.
Building What Works
Investing in Infrastructure for Long-Term Impact
Volunteering isn’t just nice—it’s necessary. Yet it remains severely under-resourced. We’re building the systems, tools and research needed to sustain service at scale.
📊 Develop a national Volunteer Dashboard
🔍 Generate actionable insights for nonprofits and funders
🏛️ Inform policy to remove barriers to engagement
Join Us
Light the Path Forward
We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reignite civic life and unite our nation through service.
Making Purpose Possible is more than a strategy—it’s a call to action and a commitment to the future. Together, we can build stronger communities, restore trust and help every person live a life of meaning and purpose through service.
Articles
AP News: Points of Light, founded by former President Bush, aims to double American volunteerism by 2035
Press Release
National Movement to Double Volunteering by 2035 Aims to Change Culture and Attitudes Around Volunteering Long-Term
Further Information
Making Purpose Possible Downloadable Summary
Research & Reports