GITNUXREPORT 2025

Volunteerism Statistics

Volunteerism boosts community, health, and personal growth across America.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

Approximately 30% of Americans Volunteer annually

Statistic 2

25% of Americans have volunteered in the past year

Statistic 3

Youth volunteers (ages 16-24) account for approximately 16% of total volunteers

Statistic 4

Women are more likely to volunteer than men, with 27% of women volunteering compared to 20% of men

Statistic 5

Over 60% of volunteers are age 45 and older

Statistic 6

Volunteering rates are higher among college graduates, with 40% volunteering, versus 20% among those with only a high school diploma

Statistic 7

The average volunteer age in the U.S. is 40 years old

Statistic 8

International volunteers make up about 2 million of the global volunteer workforce

Statistic 9

Approximately 9 million children in the U.S. benefit from volunteering programs designed for youth

Statistic 10

In rural areas, about 23% of residents volunteer, compared to 27% in urban areas

Statistic 11

College students volunteer at a rate of 15%, significantly lower than the general adult rate

Statistic 12

Adults aged 65 and older volunteer more hours annually, averaging about 52 hours per year

Statistic 13

Individuals with higher income are more likely to volunteer, with those earning over $75,000 volunteering at a rate of 36%, compared to 20% for those earning less than $25,000

Statistic 14

Female volunteers are more likely to volunteer for children and youth programs, approximately 45%, versus 35% of male volunteers

Statistic 15

The number of volunteers in the U.S. has increased by 4 million since 2010, despite fluctuations

Statistic 16

Average age of first volunteer experience for Americans is 11 years old

Statistic 17

Nearly 80% of young adults (ages 18-24) have volunteered at some point in their lives

Statistic 18

The typical volunteer donates about 52 hours annually, peak for early adulthood, with a decline after age 65

Statistic 19

In total, minority groups participate in voluntary activities at a rate of approximately 25%, compared to 28% among the majority population

Statistic 20

About 20 million Americans volunteer through religious organizations annually, the largest sector for volunteer work

Statistic 21

Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly participating in virtual volunteering activities, with a growth rate of 40%

Statistic 22

The most common reason for volunteering is to help others, cited by over 50% of volunteers

Statistic 23

55% of volunteers say they experience improved mental health

Statistic 24

Approximately 70% of volunteers say they are satisfied with their volunteering experience

Statistic 25

In 2022, 77% of volunteers reported that volunteering increased their sense of community belonging

Statistic 26

People who volunteer are more likely to donate money to charities, with about 75% of volunteers also donating

Statistic 27

The percentage of volunteers reporting that volunteering is a core part of their identity is 40%

Statistic 28

Volunteering reduces the risk of depression in older adults by about 21%

Statistic 29

70% of Americans agree that volunteering can help them learn new skills

Statistic 30

The most common reason for not volunteering is lack of time, cited by about 40% of non-volunteers

Statistic 31

The majority of volunteers (over 60%) report volunteering makes them happier

Statistic 32

55% of volunteers report that volunteering helps improve their physical health, such as increased activity levels

Statistic 33

60% of volunteers report gaining a sense of purpose, with a higher percentage among older volunteers

Statistic 34

Educational programs for volunteers improve skill levels in communication, leadership, and teamwork by approximately 35%

Statistic 35

Volunteerism is linked to lower mortality rates; older adults who volunteer regularly have a 44% reduced risk of mortality

Statistic 36

About 65% of volunteers are motivated by a sense of civic duty, followed by personal growth and social connection

Statistic 37

Volunteers provide over 8.8 billion hours of service annually in the U.S., worth about $251 billion

Statistic 38

The top three volunteer activities are donating to charity, fundraising, and helping neighbors

Statistic 39

About 80% of volunteers participate in organized activities through nonprofits or community organizations

Statistic 40

The most popular volunteer sectors are education, health, and community service

Statistic 41

Volunteering during the holidays increases by roughly 20% compared to other times of the year

Statistic 42

35% of volunteers participate in religious organizations, the highest sector for volunteer engagement

Statistic 43

About 45% of total volunteer hours are dedicated to health-related causes, including hospitals and health agencies

Statistic 44

The sector with the highest growth in volunteer engagement over the past five years is environmental conservation, with a 30% increase

Statistic 45

Approximately 1.5 million volunteers serve in disaster response organizations nationwide

Statistic 46

Community service projects conducted by volunteers have increased emergency preparedness by 15%

Statistic 47

Nearly 45% of volunteers contribute to local community development projects, including neighborhood cleanups and youth programs

Statistic 48

Women volunteers are more likely than men to participate in healthcare and social assistance causes, at about 50%, compared to 40% of men

Statistic 49

90% of nonprofits report difficulty in recruiting volunteers, indicating ongoing challenges in volunteer engagement

Statistic 50

Volunteer retention rate (those volunteering for more than 5 years) is approximately 50%

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Corporate volunteer programs have increased by 25% over the last decade

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Virtual volunteering surged by over 65% during the COVID-19 pandemic

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Corporate volunteer programs that include paid volunteer time see a 50% higher participation rate

Statistic 54

Volunteer programs abroad are prevalent in about 150 countries, involving roughly 3 million international volunteers annually

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Key Highlights

  • Approximately 30% of Americans Volunteer annually
  • Volunteers provide over 8.8 billion hours of service annually in the U.S., worth about $251 billion
  • 25% of Americans have volunteered in the past year
  • Youth volunteers (ages 16-24) account for approximately 16% of total volunteers
  • The top three volunteer activities are donating to charity, fundraising, and helping neighbors
  • Women are more likely to volunteer than men, with 27% of women volunteering compared to 20% of men
  • Over 60% of volunteers are age 45 and older
  • Volunteering rates are higher among college graduates, with 40% volunteering, versus 20% among those with only a high school diploma
  • The most common reason for volunteering is to help others, cited by over 50% of volunteers
  • The average volunteer age in the U.S. is 40 years old
  • About 80% of volunteers participate in organized activities through nonprofits or community organizations
  • 55% of volunteers say they experience improved mental health
  • International volunteers make up about 2 million of the global volunteer workforce

Did you know that nearly 30% of Americans volunteer each year, contributing over 8.8 billion hours worth a staggering $251 billion, illuminating the remarkable impact and evolving landscape of volunteerism across the nation?

Demographics and Volunteer Participation Patterns

  • Approximately 30% of Americans Volunteer annually
  • 25% of Americans have volunteered in the past year
  • Youth volunteers (ages 16-24) account for approximately 16% of total volunteers
  • Women are more likely to volunteer than men, with 27% of women volunteering compared to 20% of men
  • Over 60% of volunteers are age 45 and older
  • Volunteering rates are higher among college graduates, with 40% volunteering, versus 20% among those with only a high school diploma
  • The average volunteer age in the U.S. is 40 years old
  • International volunteers make up about 2 million of the global volunteer workforce
  • Approximately 9 million children in the U.S. benefit from volunteering programs designed for youth
  • In rural areas, about 23% of residents volunteer, compared to 27% in urban areas
  • College students volunteer at a rate of 15%, significantly lower than the general adult rate
  • Adults aged 65 and older volunteer more hours annually, averaging about 52 hours per year
  • Individuals with higher income are more likely to volunteer, with those earning over $75,000 volunteering at a rate of 36%, compared to 20% for those earning less than $25,000
  • Female volunteers are more likely to volunteer for children and youth programs, approximately 45%, versus 35% of male volunteers
  • The number of volunteers in the U.S. has increased by 4 million since 2010, despite fluctuations
  • Average age of first volunteer experience for Americans is 11 years old
  • Nearly 80% of young adults (ages 18-24) have volunteered at some point in their lives
  • The typical volunteer donates about 52 hours annually, peak for early adulthood, with a decline after age 65
  • In total, minority groups participate in voluntary activities at a rate of approximately 25%, compared to 28% among the majority population
  • About 20 million Americans volunteer through religious organizations annually, the largest sector for volunteer work
  • Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly participating in virtual volunteering activities, with a growth rate of 40%

Demographics and Volunteer Participation Patterns Interpretation

While approximately one-third of Americans volunteer each year—highlighting a commendable tradition of giving back—it's noteworthy that volunteer hours skew older, women exhibit a higher propensity than men, and digital platforms are increasingly mobilizing youth, revealing that when it comes to volunteerism, age, gender, and innovation are all shaping a nation eager to serve, even as participation disparities and evolving engagement channels suggest there's still room for everyone to find their next cause.

Motivations, Benefits, and Impact of Volunteering

  • The most common reason for volunteering is to help others, cited by over 50% of volunteers
  • 55% of volunteers say they experience improved mental health
  • Approximately 70% of volunteers say they are satisfied with their volunteering experience
  • In 2022, 77% of volunteers reported that volunteering increased their sense of community belonging
  • People who volunteer are more likely to donate money to charities, with about 75% of volunteers also donating
  • The percentage of volunteers reporting that volunteering is a core part of their identity is 40%
  • Volunteering reduces the risk of depression in older adults by about 21%
  • 70% of Americans agree that volunteering can help them learn new skills
  • The most common reason for not volunteering is lack of time, cited by about 40% of non-volunteers
  • The majority of volunteers (over 60%) report volunteering makes them happier
  • 55% of volunteers report that volunteering helps improve their physical health, such as increased activity levels
  • 60% of volunteers report gaining a sense of purpose, with a higher percentage among older volunteers
  • Educational programs for volunteers improve skill levels in communication, leadership, and teamwork by approximately 35%
  • Volunteerism is linked to lower mortality rates; older adults who volunteer regularly have a 44% reduced risk of mortality
  • About 65% of volunteers are motivated by a sense of civic duty, followed by personal growth and social connection

Motivations, Benefits, and Impact of Volunteering Interpretation

With over half volunteering to help others and experiencing boosts in mental health and community belonging, it's clear that giving back isn't just good for society but also a proven recipe for personal happiness and health—proving once again that the true secret to well-being is a little time well spent.

Volunteer Activities and Sector Engagements

  • Volunteers provide over 8.8 billion hours of service annually in the U.S., worth about $251 billion
  • The top three volunteer activities are donating to charity, fundraising, and helping neighbors
  • About 80% of volunteers participate in organized activities through nonprofits or community organizations
  • The most popular volunteer sectors are education, health, and community service
  • Volunteering during the holidays increases by roughly 20% compared to other times of the year
  • 35% of volunteers participate in religious organizations, the highest sector for volunteer engagement
  • About 45% of total volunteer hours are dedicated to health-related causes, including hospitals and health agencies
  • The sector with the highest growth in volunteer engagement over the past five years is environmental conservation, with a 30% increase
  • Approximately 1.5 million volunteers serve in disaster response organizations nationwide
  • Community service projects conducted by volunteers have increased emergency preparedness by 15%
  • Nearly 45% of volunteers contribute to local community development projects, including neighborhood cleanups and youth programs
  • Women volunteers are more likely than men to participate in healthcare and social assistance causes, at about 50%, compared to 40% of men
  • 90% of nonprofits report difficulty in recruiting volunteers, indicating ongoing challenges in volunteer engagement

Volunteer Activities and Sector Engagements Interpretation

While volunteers contribute over 8.8 billion hours—equivalent to $251 billion—in service annually across sectors like health, education, and environment, their crucial involvement remains hindered by recruitment challenges, highlighting both the immense social value and the urgent need for better engagement strategies in the nonprofit world.

Volunteer Participation Patterns

  • Volunteer retention rate (those volunteering for more than 5 years) is approximately 50%

Volunteer Participation Patterns Interpretation

With only about half of long-term volunteers sticking around beyond five years, organizations might need to rethink how they inspire lasting commitment rather than just fleeting participation.

Volunteer Program Trends and Growth

  • Corporate volunteer programs have increased by 25% over the last decade
  • Virtual volunteering surged by over 65% during the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Corporate volunteer programs that include paid volunteer time see a 50% higher participation rate
  • Volunteer programs abroad are prevalent in about 150 countries, involving roughly 3 million international volunteers annually

Volunteer Program Trends and Growth Interpretation

These statistics reveal that corporate volunteerism is not just booming—it's becoming a global movement that values paid participation and virtual flexibility, all while engaging millions across continents in meaningful service.

Sources & References