When companies come together to serve their communities, the ripple effects are powerful. Corporate volunteering connects people with purpose, creates stronger teams and makes a lasting impact on those who need it most. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to expand an existing program, here’s everything you need to know to get started and how to partner with local nonprofits like PathForward to create meaningful change!

What Is Corporate Volunteering?

Corporate volunteering is when companies encourage and support their employees to give back to the community during work hours or on their own time. It can take many forms:

• Volunteer days where employees participate in hands-on service like preparing meals or sorting donations
• Skills-based projects that use employees’ professional talents to help a nonprofit (like graphic design, IT support, or financial planning)
• Team-led initiatives where employees plan and execute volunteer efforts together

It’s important to note that employee volunteering is different from employee giving. While donations are valuable, volunteering allows staff to connect directly with causes they care about and often builds stronger, longer-lasting relationships between businesses and their communities.

Why Corporate Volunteering Matters

Volunteering is more than a feel-good initiative; it’s a powerful way for businesses to live out their values, strengthen their teams and make a real difference in the communities they serve.

When businesses invest in their communities, everyone wins:

Social impact

Your company’s time and talent can support underserved communities and the nonprofits working tirelessly on the frontlines.

Business benefits

Volunteering strengthens employee engagement, builds teamwork and boosts company morale. It also benefits your brand’s reputation and connection to the local community.

Employee well-being and retention

Volunteering improves mental health, promotes a sense of purpose and helps retain employees who want to be part of something bigger.
When companies create space for their employees to give back, they’re not just donating time, they’re investing in a culture of empathy, collaboration and social responsibility.

How to Start a Corporate Volunteering Program

You don’t need a huge budget, a large team or a full-time volunteer coordinator to start your corporate volunteering program. Whether you’re a small business or a growing company, you can launch a meaningful program that fits your capacity and still creates real impact in your community. Here’s how to get started:

1. Get leadership buy-in

Share the business case for volunteering, highlighting the impact on employee satisfaction and company culture.

2. Survey employee interests

Find out what causes matter most to your team: this will help tailor opportunities that feel personal and relevant.

3. Identify local nonprofit partners

Look for organizations that align with your values and offer opportunities to make a tangible difference.

4. Choose volunteering formats

Whether in-person, virtual, one-time or recurring, try to offer flexibility so more employees can participate.

5. Set clear goals and metrics

Track participation, hours served and stories shared. These numbers help measure success and tell your impact story.

Ideas for Corporate Volunteering Activities

Whether you’re looking for something hands-on, skills-based or something that can be done right from your office, there are countless opportunities to make a meaningful impact. The key is to choose activities that not only support local nonprofits, but also energize your employees and bring your company’s values to life.

Here are a few ways your company can make a difference:

Direct service

Prepare and serve meals, organize supply drives, assist with events or help with shelter clean-up

Skills-based support

Offer marketing expertise, tech support, HR consulting or legal guidance to nonprofits

Pro bono projects or mentorship

Help small nonprofits or clients of social service agencies build resumes, practice interviews or launch small businesses

Host on-site events

Organize a hygiene kit assembly day, host a coat drive or set up a lunch-and-learn with a local nonprofit leader

Tips for Impactful Engagement

Successful corporate volunteering programs go beyond participation numbers: They create moments of connection, foster a sense of purpose and leave both employees and nonprofit partners feeling valued and supported. If you want your corporate volunteering program to create real impact, keep these tips in mind.

• Match volunteer work to employee skills and passions
• Build in reflection and storytelling to deepen the experience
• Recognize and reward participation through shoutouts, awards or even volunteer PTO
• Align with company values and goals to reinforce what your business stands for

Corporate Volunteering with PathForward in Arlington, VA

At PathForward, we believe that everyone deserves a safe place to call home – and that it takes all of us to make that a reality.

We partner with businesses across Arlington, VA and the greater Washington, D.C. region to provide volunteer opportunities that are meaningful, well-organized and truly impactful. Whether your team wants to serve meals, assemble welcome kits, host a donation drive or offer professional expertise, we’re here to help you make it happen! Contact us to learn more about our corporate volunteering opportunities.