Recently, we brought nonprofit leaders together through a forum, small group conversations, one-to-one discussions, and surveys to better understand what they need most right now.

What we heard was clear. Our more than 100 nonprofit partners are deeply rooted in our communities. They are serving neighbors every day, often the first to respond to growing needs and the closest to the challenges families, older adults, and students face.

But they are doing this while navigating reduced resources and increasing demand. Leaders shared they need stronger community visibility and fundraising support, including help with grant writing, relationship building, communications, and social media, so more people understand and invest in their work. They need volunteers on the ground to stock, sort, organize spaces, serve meals, and more.

They all shared something critical. Volunteers are not just helpful. They are essential.

Volunteers bring more than extra hands. They bring skills, ideas, professional experience, creativity, and compassion that help nonprofits build capacity and expand what is possible.

That is why, as your Volunteer Center, we are focused on connecting passionate, caring, and talented people with nonprofits that need their help. We are taking action to strengthen these connections so that nonprofits have the people and resources they need to serve our communities.

When volunteers and nonprofits come together, it builds stronger organizations, stronger connections, and stronger communities. We are grateful every day for our volunteers who step forward and for the nonprofit leaders who recognize the value and talent they bring.

Support Older Adult Programs with your Data Skills (Arlington Heights)

Help Your Neighbors by Assisting in Coordinating the Annual Community Paint-a-Thon (Remote)

Show Seniors You Care (Weekly/Monthly) through a Special Meal Service (Wheeling)

Join Seniors for Monday Activities (Palatine)

Be an Activity Assistant for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (Riverwoods)

HandsOn Suburban Chicago mobilizes volunteers to fuel civic engagement, solve community challenges, and build capacity for nonprofits and schools across 44 suburban communities. We connect people to purposeful action, supporting students, older adults, and families through over 100 trusted partnerships.