volunteer opportunities in maryland

Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism

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Governor's Office

Volunteering in Maryland

The spirit of volunteerism and community and national service is alive and well during this time of need. The State of Maryland and its community partners are working to help Marylanders, and are proud to support Marylanders serving Marylanders.

Your support of front-line organizations caring for vulnerable populations is urgently needed now, while donations are also needed in the long-term to all social impact organizations to weather the long-term consequences of this crisis and our collective recovery.

Please consider donating to critical needs at Maryland Unites or learning more at Marylanders Serving Marylanders: Resources During Coronavirus .

Use the AmeriCorps Volunteer Search , powered by VolunteerMatch, to find an opportunity near you through one of these organizations: AmeriCorps, Idealist, Catholic Volunteer Network, JustServe, MENTOR, Volunteer.gov (National Park Service), and VolunteerMatch.

Volunteer safely using your local volunteer connector:

Please adhere to all safety protocols for each organization. Donations are the best way to serve Marylanders safely. Consider donating to the most critical volunteer and donation needs on Marylanders Serving Marylanders, here .

Maryland has been leading through service and volunteerism, as part of a rich tradition, reaching as far back as 1633 when the Maryland Charter established its first militia and in 1993 when Maryland piloted some of the first AmeriCorps programs when President Bill Clinton signed the National and Community Service Trust Act that created AmeriCorps.

From those points in history, Maryland citizens and AmeriCorps members have continued to dedicate their time and skills to environmental stewardship, education, mentorship, community development, and countless other services to communities, local nonprofits, and national service

Today, Maryland citizens continue to dedicate themselves to creating a stronger Maryland. According to a report on volunteering in the United States released by the Corporation for National and Community Service,

Volunteering in Maryland Map

Want to serve your community? The Maryland Volunteer Centers operate around Maryland and act as matchmakers for citizens who want to serve and nonprofits and communities who need help.

Find your local Volunteer Center

Disaster Volunteering

For those looking to support people in need after a disaster the Govenor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism provides a list of private and nonprofit agenices active in disaster relief.

Review the list of Disaster Relief agencies

Volunteer Management

The Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism aims to connect new Volunteer Managers with training tools and resources to support their efforts.

Access the tools and training resources

Customer Service Promise

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100 Community Place Crownsville, Maryland 21032

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More Information

Click here to complete a three question customer experience survey

Click here to view our FY19 Customer Service Annual Report .

100 Community Place, Crownsville, MD 21032

(410) 697-9258

Sponsorship Opportunities

Home of the Standards for Excellence Institute

IN MARYLAND:

Of nonprofits run by volunteers (2016), value per volunteer hour (2017), hours of volunteer service per year (2015).

Volunteers are a critical resource for nonprofit organizations and are depended on to run programming, raise funds, and serve clients. Board members who serve on nonprofit organization’s board of directors are almost always volunteering their time. Check out the resources below to find a volunteer opportunity in your area that suits your interests and expertise.

FIND A VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

All for Good

Volunteering in Baltimore County

Environmental Volunteer Opportunities

Governor’s Office on Service and Volunteerism

Montgomery County Volunteer Center

United Ways in Maryland

Volunteer Cecil

Business Volunteers Maryland

Worcester County Volunteer Connection

Volunteer Harford

Volunteer Match

Support Nonprofits

My Business Offers Services to Nonprofits

Related Resources

Volunteer Policies Educational Resource Packet

Sample Volunteer Agreement

A-Z resource on nonprofit best practices

Advocating for the interests of families and youth

Unifying efforts across Maryland to support all Latino and immigrant populations.

Promoting a thriving and effective nonprofit sector

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United Way of Central Maryland Mobile Site Banner

Volunteer Opportunities

You Are Essential

As demand for food continues to swell during this pandemic, we need your help more than ever. We’re committed to being here for those whose lives have been disrupted and you can help meet the increased need by volunteering.

Volunteers Under the Age of 18

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old. The minor and chaperone must registered individually to volunteer.

Small Groups

We welcome groups to come volunteer with us. Currently, our online volunteer system is limited to groups of 10 volunteers per shift in warehouse or kitchen. If you are looking for opportunities to bring more than 10 volunteers to an event, please contact the volunteer program directly so that we can assist you.

Cancellations

These are uncertain times. Food deliveries are delayed, employees call out sick, and stringent social distancing rules mean that we must sometimes cancel a volunteer shift. Please know that we value your time and support. If your shift is canceled, it will only be after we have exhausted all available alternatives.

Documentation of Service

Maryland Food Bank can provide official documentation of hours for law enforcement required service that may require verification. In order for us to accommodate such official documentation requests, you must contact the volunteer program prior to your first volunteer shift.

Can You Help?

Volunteer as an individual.

Organize a small group.

Organize a Group

Volunteer at our Salisbury facility.

Call (410) 742-0050

COVID-19 Update

We are always adapting our policies and set-up to protect the health and well-being of our volunteers. be sure to check the following regularly:.

That being said, please DO NOT volunteer if any of the following apply to you:

Volunteer at Baltimore Branch

three volunteers sorting food on conveyor belt

Baltimore Warehouse

Sort and check the expiration dates of donated food on our conveyor belt, pack boxes, and create meal kits. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, able to lift 25 pounds, and stand for three hours. You can volunteer as an individual or a group (5-10 volunteers).

Individual Group

Charles T. Bauer Community Kitchen

Help prepare ingredients and package meals for distribution across the state. Volunteers must be at least 13 years old, able to lift 25 pounds, and able to stand for three hours. You can volunteer as an individual or a group (5-10 volunteers).

Baltimore Office

Build your resume and use your office skills to help with filing, data entry, and special projects like donor mailings in Baltimore.

Contact Baltimore

Volunteer at Salisbury Branch

Salisbury Warehouse

Sort and check the expiration dates of donated food on our conveyor belt, pack boxes, and create meal kits. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a chaperone. All volunteers must be able to lift 25 pounds and stand for three hours. You can volunteer as an individual or a group (5-20 volunteers).

Contact Salisbury

Salisbury Office

Build your resume and use your office skills to help with filing, data entry, and special projects like donor mailings.

Volunteer at Farms Across Maryland

Farm to Food Bank

This Maryland Food Bank program helps get more local produce to more Marylanders. Pick fresh fruits & vegetables at partner farms across the state. There are no age or physical restrictions to participate. Volunteer as an individual or organize a group (5-20 volunteers). Learn more about the program, including locations.

Volunteer at HEART Markets Across Maryland

HEART Markets

Our Healthy Eats Are Really Tasty (HEART) Market program combines fresh produce and staple groceries with music, education, and demonstrations at schools across the state. Volunteers help set up the market, distribute food, and clean up after the event. You must be at least 14 years old, be able to lift 40 pounds. and stand for 3 hours. Volunteer as an individual or group (5-10 volunteers). Learn more about scheduled events and locations.

Volunteer Guidelines

Have a Question?

We’re always happy to help get volunteers the info they need.

Frequently Asked Questions About Volunteering

Faqs about group reservations, how can i see which of my group members have signed up.

As a group leader, you can see which group members have registered by following these steps:

Why does the system say there are only X number of slots available in my shift when I reserved more than X?

This message refers to spots available to volunteers without a reservation. Your spots are reserved.

How do I reserve additional spots?

Email [email protected] with any requests to change your reservation and we will make every effort to accommodate your request. Be sure to include your group name, the date/time/location of your visit, and details of the desired change.

How do I cancel my group’s reservation?

To cancel a group reservation, email [email protected] . Be sure to include your group name and the date/time/location of your visit. Absent extenuating circumstances, canceling a group reservation with less than one-week notice will jeopardize your group’s ability to volunteer with us in the future.

How do I cancel my personal reservation?

Canceling your personal reservation will have no effect on your group’s reservation. Group reservations can only be canceled by contacting our offices. If you sign up to join your group and you need to cancel your personal reservation, follow these steps:

FAQs About Volunteer Requirements

A member of our group is recovering from an injury. can they still volunteer.

For their safety, we require that each volunteer be able to stand for three hours, lift 25 pounds, read labels, and take direction from staff. While we appreciate their desire to support our mission, we cannot accommodate volunteers who do not meet these requirements. Please email [email protected] if any members of your group have special needs.

Can a group member’s child volunteer with us?

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone who agrees to supervise the youth volunteers. Chaperones must be at least 21 years old. Each chaperone may supervise up to five youth volunteers. Youth that do not have enough chaperones will not be allowed to participate. In Baltimore, youth ages 13 and older may volunteer in our kitchen and our warehouse. In Hagerstown, youth ages 16 and older may volunteer in the warehouse. Our Farm to Food Bank program does not have a minimum age to volunteer.

Youth Volunteer Waiver

A member of my group needs to arrive late. Can they still participate?

While we appreciate their desire to help, we cannot accommodate volunteers who arrive more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time.

I need official documentation of my volunteer hours. How do I ensure my hours are verified?

Volunteers who are seeking law enforcement mandated community service for any reason MUST email the Volunteer Program prior to their first shift. Please note that the volunteer program of Maryland Food Bank cannot guarantee hours to volunteers seeking mandated community service hours and will not account for hours completed prior to approval of the volunteer program.

FAQs About the Day of Your Visit

Can my group have lunch at the food bank before/after our shift.

Groups volunteering at our Baltimore location can reserve our boardroom, subject to availability, from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Please send a room request to [email protected] . Past groups recommend Seasons Pizza or sandwiches from The Lunch Box Lady . We also offer a full catering menu through our FoodWorks program .

What happens if there is bad weather?

You will receive an email notification if there is a closing or delayed opening. You can also visit mdfoodbank.org or tune in to WBAL TV or check wbaltv.com for updates.

What should my volunteers wear?

For safety reasons, all volunteers must wear closed toes shoes. In addition, the temperature in our facility fluctuates so we suggest they bring a light jacket or sweatshirt.

When should we arrive?

Please plan on arriving at least 15 minutes before the start time of your shift. Our staff and other volunteers will be waiting for you, so please be courteous and considerate of their time and safety. Be sure to account for traffic and weather. Due to safety concerns, we cannot accommodate volunteers who arrive 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.

Do you have free parking?

Yes, we have ample free parking.

2200 Halethorpe Farms Rd

Baltimore , MD 21227

(410) 737-8282

Eastern Shore Branch

28500 Owens Branch Rd

Salisbury , MD 21801

(410) 742-0050

Western Branch

220 McRand Court

Hagerstown , MD 21740

Food Safety

COVID-19 Updates

Vaccine and Booster Information

Reopening Guidelines

Response to COVID-19 Coronavirus

Help with: Food Insecurity | Vaccination | Donations | More on Volunteer Response

Emergency Response Opportunities | Virtual Volunteer | Donate | More on Volunteer Response | For Agencies

Find a volunteer opportunity

Or, search by: Calendar | Organizations | MCPS SSL | All Opportunities

Holiday Giving

Six people standing behind three stacks of wrapped gifts

With the winter holidays approaching, a network of agencies is collecting holiday meals and gifts for more than 10,000 area families in need through the Montgomery County Holiday Giving Project .

Make a family’s holiday brighter by donating to one of the project's partner organizations .

See the Montgomery County Volunteer Center's online list of holiday-related opportunities . Please check back regularly as additional opportunities are added throughout November and December. Thank you for all you do to support our community!

AARP Tax-Aide

Free tax assistance for those who need it most

AARP Tax-Aide has in-person free tax preparation appointments available now for those in need with special attention to age 60+.

Learn more about the Tax-Aide Program .

Student Service Learning (SSL)

Two youth volunteers with sign saying Donate, Thank You.

The Volunteer Center partners with Montgomery County Public Schools to post SSL-approved volunteer opportunities.

Learn more about Student Service Learning .

Nominate Volunteers 2023

Nominate Extraordinary Volunteers in Montogomery County for our County's highest honor for volunteerism. Click here to learn more and to nominate a volunteer.

AmeriCorps Seniors/ AARP Tax-Aide

Free tax preparation services are available for anyone who lives in Montgomery County. Schedule your appointment by phone today! Click here to learn more and to schedule an appointment.

50+ Volunteer Network

Through personal consultations (now via Zoom), the program effectively matches skilled volunteers ages 50+ seeking purposeful opportunities with agencies needing specific assistance.

Learn more about the 50+ Volunteer Network

Montgomery County Volunteer Center · 12900 Middlebrook Road, Suite 1600, Germantown, MD 20874 Main Phone: 240-777-2600 · Fax: 240-777-2601 · [email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities

Get started.

A father and his young children plant a tree at Holly Beach Farm.

Nikki Davis

Pick vegetables at Clagett Farm, learn how to be a champion for the Bay in our VoiCeS program, or plant some trees. Check out all the ways you can get involved!

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is very fortunate to have the help and support of thousands of residents who volunteer their time and who have demonstrated their commitment to a cleaner, healthier, Chesapeake Bay. Every year, volunteers donate more than 25,000 hours to CBF programs that advance the Bay's health. The immediate results of their work are impressive. But the value of their undertaking for future generations is priceless. We salute our volunteers for their contribution to a better community and a restored Bay.

Following are just a sampling of the many ways that you, too, can get involved.

If you would like to become involved and have not volunteered before or would like more information , please complete our Volunteer Information Form . If you are already a CBF volunteer and would like more information about current or specific opportunities, contact our office at 410-268-8816 or send an e-mail to [email protected] .

In the Field

Father and children plant a tree at Holly Beach Farm.

Stream and Shoreline Restoration

Planting native trees and shrubs along the banks of waterways is one of the most effective ways to keep polluted runoff out of streams. Creating living shorelines with native wetland plants and grasses helps restore habitat for wildlife, preventerosion, capture sediment, and filter pollution.

Check our calendar for current opportunities

Clagett Farm

During the growing season, scores of CBF volunteers give their time to tend crops, take in the harvest, and prepare delivery of fresh produce. Volunteers also assist in Clagett Farm's tree nursery, potting thousands of trees for CBF restoration projects.

Find out more about Clagett Farm

Oyster Restoration

Before their dramatic decline, the Chesapeake's native oysters were a powerful natural force in the Bay ecosystem, filtering contaminants from the water and providing habitat for crabs and fish. To bring back this key species, CBF's oyster restoration programs grow native oysters and transplant them to sanctuary reefs.

Find out more about oyster restoration

In Your Community

CBF volunteer advocates speak for the Bay and its rivers and streams. They are the infantry in our fight for clean water, making their voices heard on public policy, legislation, development, and other issues that affect our waterways. Advocacy volunteers contribute at many levels. They show up at rallies, send e-mails, make phone calls, gather signatures for petitions, and remind citizens and public officials of the need to restore the Bay and its rivers and streams.

Join CBF's Action Network

Clean Water Captains

Clean Water Captains are ambassadors for clean water in their communities. CBF staff can't be in all 92 localities that drain to the Bay, so we rely on captains to help be the eyes, ears, and voice for the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint. Clean Water Captains take action in support of clean water by sharing information with their neighbors, congregations, community, and elected officials to help raise awareness and help realize practical, effective, local solutions. Captains help find solutions that work to restore clean water in their communities.

Find out more about being a Clean Water Captain

Fairs and Festivals

By staffing CBF displays at boat shows, riverfront festivals, oyster roasts, community celebrations, and more, CBF volunteers publicly share their support for the Bay. They represent CBF at the local level, explaining the issues and the actions that are needed to protect and restore the Chesapeake. Volunteers supply information, answer questions, and connect residents to CBF activities and advocacy issues in their own neighborhoods.

Check our calendar for upcoming events

CBF's Volunteers as Chesapeake Stewards (VoiCeS) program is an adult education and volunteer training course designed to create a deeper understanding of the Chesapeake Bay and its issues. When the program is over, graduates commit to completing 40 service hours in their area of the watershed. VoiCeS graduates share their skills and knowledge by assisting Riverkeeper organizations and watershed restoration groups and participating in restoration efforts.

Learn more about CBF's VoiCeS Program

In Our Office

Administrative assistance.

At CBF's office in Annapolis, volunteers take on a host of administrative duties, from data entry to conducting tours of our "green" building. They also contribute to communications projects, educational programs, and outreach activities.

Internships

CBF's Annapolis and D.C. offices offer a limited number of internships for undergraduate and graduate students. Interns have the opportunity to work with a wide variety of environmental professionals on a host of water-quality related issues. Interested students should check our Internship Opportunities web page.

Pro Bono Assistance

Volunteering as a CBF pro bono volunteer is a great way to build professional skills while putting your talents to use to better your community and save the Bay. Whatever your talents—law, communications, finance, fund raising, to name just a few—please consider putting them to use for the Bay.

If you would like to become involved and haven't volunteered before or would like more information , please complete the Volunteer Information Form below. If you are already an active volunteer , please contact our office at 410-268-8816.

Stay up to date about the Bay! Sign Up

The Bay Needs You

The State of the Bay Report makes it clear that the Bay needs our support now more than ever. Your donation helps the Chesapeake Bay Foundation maintain our momentum toward a restored Bay, rivers, and streams for today and generations to come.

Do you enjoy working with others to help clean the Chesapeake Bay? Do you have a few hours to spare? Whether growing oysters, planting trees, or advocating for a clean Bay, there are plenty of ways you can contribute.

Volunteer Activities

You have special talents; why not share them! Volunteer to coach a sports team or teach a dance class. Be a special guest in a youth program or share your passion for your career field. Join Togetherhood, our member-led, project based service program. Help make our annual Turkey Trot Charity 5K a success on Thanksgiving morning.

Help us build community. Get involved. It’s a twofer: Volunteering makes your life more purposeful and rewarding while helping others.

Togetherhood

Togetherhood invites Y members to lead and participate in volunteer service projects that benefit their immediate community. The program runs through individual Y centers as a partnership between a committee of members and a Y associate advisor. It is designed to be a simple, fun and rewarding way for members to identify ways they can give back and support their neighbors through their own ideas, skills, energy, and the network of the Y.

To make a hands-on difference in your community please volunteer with Togetherhood today.

Special Events

The Y has special events taking place every month and we need your help making them a success! We hold monthly events at our Y Centers like movie nights, and national events like Y Healthy Kids Day. We’re always in need of a helping hand, fresh idea, activity leader, and more!

Our premier fundraising event is our Annual Y Turkey Trot Charity 5K held on Thanksgiving morning in multiple locations across central Maryland. This requires hundreds of volunteers, from children to seniors, to help us pull it off without a hitch.

Community Leadership Boards

The communities we serve are supported by volunteer boards called Community Leadership Boards (CLB). CLB members' primary responsibility is to help engage the community in the Y's charitable mission to support children and families in need so they may benefit from quality Y experiences they otherwise could not afford such as Y camp, preschool, before & after school enrichment, and membership.

If you would like to get involved on a Community Leadership Board, please contact Suzanne Green at [email protected] .

Corporate Volunteers

Employee well-being and satisfaction is enhanced by opportunities to volunteer with co-workers and make a difference in the community. Corporate volunteer activities facilitated by the Y are tailored to meet the interests of your organization. Prior activities include specific service projects such as camp clean-up days, community restoration days, reading days, and painting projects. We provide opportunities directly in Y programs as well as engagement with youth and our community partners. Please contact [email protected]

Civic Groups

The larger Y community is rich with groups who help us further our cause in a variety of ways. We partner with Rotary, Boy and Girl Scouts, University Civic Engagement clubs, and fraternities to name a few. Socializing, doing good in the community, and reinforcing the commitment in service is something we have in common. Civic groups have helped host events and more. Please contact [email protected]

Service Learning

The Y is pleased to provide youth with volunteering and service-learning opportunities. These opportunities help young people discover new interests and the skills and passions they can share with the world. More than volunteering, service-learning is a deliberate process through which young people establish learning objectives based on a volunteer activity, perform meaningful community service and reflect upon the experience with their school.

Service learning opportunities are available at many Y locations.

Volunteer Opportunities

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Volunteer to coach a sports team or teach a dance class. Be a special guest in a youth program or share your passion for your career field. Join Togetherhood