Reimagining Service 2035
A National Strategy to Transform Volunteering in America
Volunteering Changes Everything
Reimagining Service 2035 is a bold effort to reinvigorate volunteering in America. Aiming to bring the benefits of volunteering—stronger connections, increased empathy and trust, and bridge building—to individuals, communities and societies, we’ll double the number of people who volunteer by the year 2035.
This initiative is about more than just numbers. It’s about creating a clear plan to make volunteering easier, more meaningful, and more accessible for everyone. That means:
- Supporting nonprofits who rely on volunteers
- Building systems that make it simple to get involved
- Strengthening connections in our communities and with one another
A National Volunteer Strategy
Phase One of Reimaging Service 2035 is a National Volunteer Strategy to create meaningful impact in a thriving ecosystem. After surveying more than 2,200 nonprofits and volunteers, data validated why this strategy is a needed investment in our sector and our country. Highlights included:
- Creating a sense of belonging matters. 45% of nonprofits agree they need to integrate community building into volunteer programs to support belonging. For volunteers, it matters too. 43% of volunteers quit volunteer roles because they felt they didn’t belong.
- Impact matters for volunteers, not just funders. 76% of volunteers said knowing they had a genuine impact made volunteering feel meaningful.
- Volunteers are critical, but volunteer engagement lacks investment. 78% nonprofits say volunteers are necessary or play a big role in meeting their mission. 54% of nonprofits say their volunteer efforts are somewhat to very underfunded.
A progress report on the building of this strategy is coming in April 2026 with the full strategy launch in June. Sign up below to be the first to read the progress report and plan for how you can implement the strategy.
Be the first to know.
Sign up for updates on this cross-sector initiative to create a National Volunteer Strategy to double volunteering across the United States by the year 2035.
Join us and receive:
- Progress updates on the development of the National Volunteer Strategy
- Invitations to public input opportunities to help shape this strategy
- Stories and data from communities shaping the future of service
- Opportunities to support or participate in the work as it evolves
What Does it Take to Create Lasting Social Change?
Let's take a moment to dream together.
The Latest Updates
National Volunteer Strategy Advisory Council Convening
- March 26, 2026
- Atlanta
- Cross-sector leaders shaping a 9-year strategy to reinvigorate volunteering in America.
Assembling an Advisory Council
Leaders across nonprofit, business, faith and government organizations united to form a cross-sector Advisory Council committed to designing the National Volunteer Strategy with input from community members around the country. These leaders will work to ensure the voices of diverse stakeholders are heard throughout strategy design and draft a roadmap to build a stronger volunteer ecosystem that is inclusive, accessible and impactful.
National Strategy Listening Session
Over 60 leaders from across sectors gathered at the annual Points of Light Conference to explore shared challenges facing America’s volunteer systems—from underinvestment and infrastructure gaps to shifting public expectations. Participants reviewed early goals of the national volunteer strategy and provided insights that will guide the next phase of stakeholder engagement and data collection.
March 2026
National Volunteer Strategy Advisory Council Convening
- March 26, 2026
- Atlanta
- Cross-sector leaders shaping a 9-year strategy to reinvigorate volunteering in America.
August 2025
Assembling an Advisory Council
Leaders across nonprofit, business, faith and government organizations united to form a cross-sector Advisory Council committed to designing the National Volunteer Strategy with input from community members around the country. These leaders will work to ensure the voices of diverse stakeholders are heard throughout strategy design and draft a roadmap to build a stronger volunteer ecosystem that is inclusive, accessible and impactful.
June 2025
National Strategy Listening Session
Over 60 leaders from across sectors gathered at the annual Points of Light Conference to explore shared challenges facing America’s volunteer systems—from underinvestment and infrastructure gaps to shifting public expectations. Participants reviewed early goals of the national volunteer strategy and provided insights that will guide the next phase of stakeholder engagement and data collection.
Join the Interest List
Stay informed as this movement grows and learn about ways to participate.