As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: giving back is on the rise (and it’s taking many forms). Over the past year, we’ve seen continued growth in formal, skills-based, and organization-led volunteer experiences, alongside an increase in everyday acts of kindness and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Together, these efforts are strengthening communities in meaningful and measurable ways.
Based on volunteering trends we observed throughout 2025, people are looking for flexible, accessible ways to make an impact, whether that means signing up for a structured volunteer shift through an organization, committing to a longer-term opportunity, or simply showing up for someone nearby. From volunteering at food banks and mentoring youth to helping a neighbor shovel snow or carry groceries, impact happens at every level.
This list of 26 ways to give back in ’26 reflects that full spectrum of generosity. Each idea connects back to real needs we’re seeing across communities and highlights how formal volunteer opportunities (powered by platforms like GivePulse) work alongside spontaneous acts of kindness to create lasting change.
No matter how you choose to give back this season, your time, skills, and compassion all play a role in building stronger, more connected communities in 2026.
The Food Stars: Fighting Hunger Together
- Become a Pantry Pro: Food banks see their highest demand during the holidays and winter months. Now is an impactful time to support your local food banks/pantries/distribution centers. Explore opportunities on GivePulse where you can sort cans, pack boxes, or help with intake.
- Deliver a Smile (and a Meal): Homebound neighbors rely on meal delivery services to stay healthy and connected, but they can’t do it without volunteers. Signing up for a shift to drive a route is a great way to see your city while doing good!
- Garden for Good: Community gardens often need help prepping beds for spring or harvesting winter crops for local pantries.
- Donate to Your Local Free Pantry: Communities and neighborhoods often have a local free pantry to drop off non-perishable food items. Go through your cabinets or bring a box of homemade cookies to donate to neighbors in need.
- Rescue Surplus Food: Cities around the country have organizations dedicated to saving food from landfills and delivering it to those who need it. Join a food rescue network to pick up leftovers from grocery stores and restaurants and deliver them to neighbors.
Our Furry Friends: Animal Shelter Support
- The "Dog-Gone" Best Walk: Did you know animal shelters' busiest time of year is following the holidays? With an uptick in rescues and surrenders, animal shelters need all the support they can get… and pups need their exercise! Spending an hour walking a dog, playing fetch, and cuddling helps pets stay happy and adoptable.
- Feline Socialite: Not a runner? Spend time socializing with shelter cats to help them get used to human interaction. It’s basically "purr-fect" stress relief for you, too!
- Holiday Fostering: Submit a foster application to your local shelter (or an adoption application) to help shelters know there are people in the community ready to support their animals, free up space at the shelter, and give them a cozy place to sleep.
- Shelter Spruce-Up: Animal centers have a number of volunteer opportunities, from walking dogs, playing with cats, and helping to keep animals’ environments clean. Get a few people together to volunteer for a few hours to wash dishes, clean kennels, and support day-to-day tasks.
- Wishlist Warrior: Check out your local shelter’s wishlist for specific needs. Collecting old blankets, unopened food, or chew toys is an easy way to make a huge difference.
Neighbor-to-Neighbor: Strengthening Your Block
- The Snow Shovel Squad: Be the hero of your street by clearing the driveway of an elderly neighbor or someone with limited mobility. It’s a great way to build community (and get a workout!).
- Tech Support Sidekick: Come to the rescue with your tech support skills and help a neighbor navigate their new device or set up a video call with their family (a little patience goes a long way in bridging the digital divide.
- Tool Sharing Hero: Do you have a ladder or a snowblower not in use? Start a "Library of Things" or simply offer to help a neighbor with a quick project.
- Little Library Librarian: If you have a "Little Free Library" or "Little Free Pantry" nearby, spend the season keeping it stocked with books or non-perishable goods.
- The "Check-In" Call: Sometimes the best gift is a conversation. Reach out to a neighbor living alone just to say hello. Community starts with a simple "How are you?"
Community & Beyond: Spreading the Joy
- Mentor a Rising Star: Share your skills with a young person looking for guidance. Whether it’s career advice or homework help, your time is an investment in the future. Organizations across the country offer opportunities to connect with the next generation. Search for mentorship opportunities on GivePulse!
- Give the Gift of Life: Only around 3% of donors give blood each year. Help raise this number during the most critical time of year. Take 10 minutes out of your day to save lives (and get a snack!)
- Pen Pal Power: Write letters to seniors in assisted living or service members stationed overseas. A handwritten note is a tangible reminder that someone is thinking of them.
- Skill-Based "Pro-Bono" Giving: Are you a marketing whiz or a coding pro? Offer your professional skills to a nonprofit that needs a boost via the GivePulse "Skills" filter.
- Neighborhood Clean-Up Crew: Grab a trash bag and spend 30 minutes cleaning up your local park. It’s a simple act that makes the world a little brighter for everyone.
- Crisis Line Support: If you’re a great listener, consider training for a crisis text line or hotline. You can provide a vital safety net from the comfort of your own home.
- Shop Small & Local: Support the businesses that support your community! Making a conscious effort to shop at local "mom and pop" shops keeps your neighborhood vibrant.
- Start a Giving Circle: Gather a group of friends on GivePulse, pool your donations, and vote on a local cause to support together. Collective giving multiplies your impact!
- Disaster Prep Volunteer: Train with a local organization to be a "ready responder." When emergencies happen, you’ll have the skills needed to help your community bounce back.
- Arts & Culture Advocate: Volunteer as an usher at a local theater or a docent at a museum. Helping the arts thrive keeps the "soul" of your city alive.
- Verified Impact Tracking: Whatever you choose to do, make sure to track your hours on GivePulse! Seeing your 2026 impact grow is the best motivation to keep the "giving" spirit alive all year long.
Ready to Give Back in 2026?
Whether you have five minutes or five hours, there’s a way to make a difference. Download the GivePulse app, explore volunteer opportunities near you, and take the first step toward a more connected, compassionate 2026.
About GivePulse
GivePulse's mission is to enable everyone in the world to participate and engage in lifting their community to new heights. We do so by providing a platform to list, find, organize, and measure the impact of service-learning, community engagement, philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, and volunteerism.
Founded in 2012 in Austin, Texas, GivePulse works with 650,000+ groups, including colleges and universities, nonprofits, businesses, K-12/school districts, and cities and municipalities. Together, we connect millions of people in an effort to create positive social change.
Start making a difference today by visiting www.givepulse.com. Or schedule a call with our team.