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Help Support Food Assistance in Iowa
With the end of SNAP benefits starting November 1, food banks and pantries across Iowa are seeing a sharp rise in need. Volunteer Iowa is asking service organizations to help spread the word: volunteers are urgently needed to sort donations, pack food boxes, assist with deliveries, and support local food assistance efforts.
Even if you already volunteer elsewhere, please consider helping your local food pantry during this critical time. Your time can make a real difference for children, families, and seniors in your community.
Find volunteer opportunities near you by visiting: Get Connected volunteer opportunities portal and search by zip code.
Locate your local food pantry by using this map or visiting your regional food bank’s website.
If you can’t volunteer, donations of non-perishable food, hygiene items, or funds are also greatly appreciated.
Questions? Contact Volunteer Iowa at info@volunteeriowa.org or 800-308-5987.
Thank you for helping ensure all Iowans have access to food.
  Announcing Funding Opportunities for Nonprofits and Cities
Applications are now open for three “Training + Implementation Funding” programs to empower change through volunteer engagement, culminating in a 9/11 Day of Service. Ten organizations will be selected for each opportunity. At the heart of this initiative lies the belief that volunteering is a cornerstone of strong, vibrant communities. When nonprofits and cities harness the power of volunteers effectively, they can achieve extraordinary results.
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Service Enterprise Program: Funding of up to $4,000 and access to a national, research-based organizational accreditation program in volunteer engagement designed to empower nonprofits to extend their mission and budget through strategic volunteer engagement. Application deadline is December 5, 2025. An informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, November 12 at 10:00 am. Register for the webinar here. Contact Jana Daisy with any questions.
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Youth Service Board Development: Each awarded organization will receive $3,000 to develop a youth service board at their organization. This youth board will collaborate and plan a September 11th Day of Service for 9/11/2026 that inspires other youth in the community to volunteer and launch others into service beyond that day. Application deadline is December 19, 2025. Contact Kamryn Ryan with questions.
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Family Volunteer Initiative: Participating organizations will receive $3,000 to support the development of a family volunteer program that will specifically target engaging children and their legal guardian(s) in service opportunities that will culminate in launching a Day of Service for 9/11/2026 that engages a minimum of 50 family volunteers and community members in service by September 30th, 2026. Application deadline is December 19, 2025. Contact Kamryn Ryan with questions.
Each program includes comprehensive training and capacity building, implementation funding, and individualized coaching. Participants will implement what they learn and host a 9/11 Day of Service in their community.
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AmeriCorps State & National Program Launch
AmeriCorps program staff from across the state gathered in-person the week of October 20 for the annual Program Launch. The AmeriCorps State team at Volunteer Iowa facilitated presenters, presentations, and discussions for AmeriCorps program staff to inform and enhance the role and impact AmeriCorps has in our communities. The launch always begins with a message from Volunteer Iowa leadership on the landscape of national service federally and statewide. Next, programs share highlights from their program during a “roll call.” Thank you to the external presenters who participated this year. Andrea Dencklau from ACES360 provided training on traumatic stress in the workplace and strategies for staying engaged and healthy in our work. Nicki Ross from Table to Table shared about the tremendous impact AmeriCorps has had on her organization and highlighting ways program staff can engage organizations new to hosting AmeriCorps members. Volunteer Iowa staff lead sessions on program development, engaging members and host site in orientation, compliance, and more. It was wonderful to have all of Iowa’s AmeriCorps State program staff together in-person to continue to strengthen national service in Iowa.
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Iowa Mentoring Summit
Iowa MENTOR celebrated its 20th anniversary at the Iowa Mentoring Summit on October 23-24, 2025. This year’s summit brought together 35 mentoring program partners from across the state, representing 25 certified mentoring programs. Iowa HHS, Volunteer Iowa, and Iowa MENTOR program staff lead the summit to reflect on decades of progress and our shared practices. Time was taken to collaborate, discuss, and craft a bold future for the mentoring movement to help strengthen the lives of young people in Iowa.
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 Volunteer Engagement Training Program
Join the Volunteer Centers of Iowa for a skill building six-session virtual training program beginning January 27! This dynamic series will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the core aspects of volunteer engagement, equipping you with valuable strategies to recruit, retain, and recognize volunteers effectively.
This interactive training will offer practical tools and insights to create impactful volunteer experiences, with each session designed to support your growth as a leader in volunteer engagement. Plus, upon completion, you'll earn a Certificate in Volunteer Engagement, boosting your professional toolkit.
Throughout the program, you’ll explore key topics such as:
- Establishing the Framework for Success
- Planning for Effective Volunteer Engagement
- Outreach Strategies and Creating Opportunities
- Streamlined Intake and Onboarding Processes
- Supportive Supervision Techniques
- Evaluation and Continuous Improvement
Whether you’re brand new to volunteer management or looking to deepen your expertise, this program will provide you with the skills and confidence to make a lasting impact. Don’t miss this opportunity to advance your knowledge and earn a Certificate in Volunteer Engagement!
Dates: January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24, and March 3. All sessions run 10:00am – noon. Cost to participate is $125. To register, follow this link.
Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley Volunteer Engagement Report
What role does volunteer engagement play in building stronger communities? That’s exactly what the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley explored in their latest report, The Connection Point: How Strategic Volunteer Engagement Builds Stronger Communities. This report highlights how local nonprofits and communities are reimagining volunteer engagement by treating volunteers not just as helpers, but as vital partners in their mission.
You’ll find inspiring case studies showing what’s possible when creativity, commitment, and community come together. These stories are meant to spark fresh ideas and fuel new approaches in your own work.
Congratulations to all the organizations involved, including Independent Sector, the Leighty Foundation, Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, the Iowa Council on Foundations, PACE, University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy and Environmental Education, Peoples Clinic, City of Waterloo, City of Cedar Falls, Experience Waterloo, and Friends of the Family.
Join our team!
Volunteer Iowa is seeking a Volunteer Engagement & Capacity Building Intern to join our team! Join us in advancing statewide volunteer engagement efforts. This internship will provide hands-on experience in capacity building, technological solutions, and outreach strategies aimed at improving community-based volunteer networks. Intern will assist in integrating Volunteer Iowa’s Get Connected platform with Iowa HHS initiatives and non-profit programs across the state, ensuring effective volunteer coordination and community engagement. The role may also involve supporting emerging volunteer management systems, refining outreach materials, and developing best practices for sustained engagement. This internship is ideal for Social Work students interested in policy, technology, and program development. Apply today!
Volunteerism in the News
Current Volunteer Iowa Opportunities
Important Dates
Looking for a way to give back? Visit Get Connected today to find volunteer opportunities.
Organizations can post volunteer opportunities on Get Connected as well at no cost.
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