Child Sponsorship
Thinking about child sponsorship? Learn how these programs work, how funds are used, and what questions to ask before committing to a donation.
Wise Giving Wednesday: Make Time to Make a Difference in 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, we invite you to start the new year with purpose—by exploring how giving your time can be one of the most powerful commitments you make in 2026.
Volunteering in 2026: A Resolution Worth Keeping
On New Year’s Eve, many of us think about resolutions. According to the Pew Charitable Center, most of us set goals to improve our health, exercise, or diet. But one of the most rewarding commitments we can make in 2026 is to volunteer our time. Beyond supporting meaningful causes, volunteering offers personal fulfillment and strengthens the community we live in. It is great way to grow, give, and live with intention in the year ahead.
The Real Value of Your Time: $34.79 and Rising
Moreover, according to a report by Independent Sector and the Do Good Institute at the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy, the estimated value of a volunteer hour in 2024 was $34.79, a 3.9% increase from 2023. This average, which includes all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, highlights the growing economic significance of volunteer contributions.
Thinking About Volunteering in 2026? Here’s How to Begin
As we look forward to a new year, it’s a great time to set meaningful intentions and get involved. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Reflect on What Matters to You. If you’re a nature lover, ask around about environmental organizations in your area. If you’d love to help animals, most communities will have shelters in need of volunteers.
- Ask What is Needed. Find out what charities need most and let them know your professional skills for the best fit. Avoiding duplication of efforts is another factor charities must consider when accepting new volunteers.
- Set Specific and Realistic Goals. Instead of “volunteer more,” think about a specific amount of time that fits with your life and schedule. Starting small can be a big step and will let you see if the volunteer opportunity you’ve chosen is a good fit. You don’t want to commit to more hours than you can handle or waste the precious time of charity staff members trying to train, coordinate and meet program demands.
- Keep an Open Mind. Remember that a charity might not ask you to do exactly what you want to do. Don’t hesitate to share your preferences, but remain adaptable and considerate, as your responsibilities may shift with increased experience.
- Match with a Trustworthy Charity. Visit give.org and verify if the charity you’re considering meets the 20 BBB Standards for Charity Accountability.
Recent Reports
We are always working with charities to publish or update reports for donors. Visit Give.org or local BBBs to check out any charity before giving. Our recently evaluated charities include:
Finally, remember to let us know by going to give.org/charity-inquiry if you are interested in seeing a report on a charity not on the list and we will do our best to produce one.
