Guilford Foundation Launches Free Website To Connect Residents With Volunteer Opportunities

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Foundation has launched GuilfordVolunteers.org, a free online platform that connects residents seeking volunteer opportunities with local nonprofit organizations.

Residents can search for opportunities based on their interests, skills and availability, including ongoing commitments, one-time events or opportunities requiring a few hours.

The site is free for volunteers and participating organizations, with no advertising or listing fees.

The foundation developed the platform after hearing recurring concerns about finding volunteers from nonprofits it works with through grantmaking and other initiatives.

"Our role has always been about connecting people who care with causes that matter, and GuilfordVolunteers.org brings that idea to life in a very practical way," said The Guilford Foundation Executive Director Liza Janssen Petra in a news release. "We know there are so many people in Guilford who want to get involved, but they may not know where they are needed or how to begin. At the same time, our nonprofits rely on volunteers to carry out their missions. We saw an opportunity to make that connection much easier."

The platform follows the model of BranfordVolunteers.org, which the Branford Community Foundation launched in 2024. That site began with 38 organizations and has grown to nearly 60, generating approximately 700 volunteer connections in its first year.

The Guilford Foundation said it worked with its Branford counterpart and the developers of the original platform to adapt the concept for Guilford.

Foundation staff and student interns are working with nonprofit partners to create profiles, post volunteer roles and add upcoming opportunities.

Residents do not need to create an account or register to use GuilfordVolunteers.org. They can browse organizations, search by keyword or category, explore ongoing volunteer roles and view upcoming events. Residents then contact the nonprofit directly about opportunities that interest them.

Volunteer opportunities can include helping at community events or food pantries, mentoring students, working outdoors, sharing professional expertise or serving on nonprofit boards. Searchable categories include food insecurity, education, family services, the environment, seniors, health and wellness, children and youth, and arts and culture.

"You don't necessarily have to make a year-long commitment," Petra added. "Maybe you have a Saturday morning available. Maybe you have professional skills a nonprofit could really use. Or maybe you are retired and looking for a meaningful way to become more involved in the community. We want GuilfordVolunteers.org to be the place you think to look."

First Selectman Matt Hoey said the platform builds on Guilford’s tradition of residents volunteering their time and talents.

"So much of what makes Guilford special is driven by people who are willing to get involved, from our nonprofit organizations and community events to the many programs that serve our residents," Hoey said in a news release. "GuilfordVolunteers.org gives people a simple way to see where help is needed and find an opportunity that works for them. I think it will be a tremendous resource for both our residents and the organizations that do so much for our town."

The site also gives nonprofits a central place to publicize volunteer needs beyond their existing networks.

Christi Burton, executive director of Guilford Interfaith Volunteers, said the platform will help broaden awareness of local opportunities. The organization operates Charlie’s Closet, Meals on Wheels, Friendly Visiting, Chloe’s Closet and Guilford Food Bank.

"One of the biggest challenges for nonprofits is reaching people beyond those who already know us. There are people in the community who genuinely want to help, but they aren't necessarily following our emails or social media," Burton said in a news release. "Having one place where someone can go specifically because they are looking for a volunteer opportunity gives us another way to reach them. We're excited that Guilford residents will now have that same resource."

The platform launched with a growing roster of organizations and opportunities, with more being added daily. Residents can begin searching immediately, and nonprofit organizations serving Guilford that use volunteers can apply to participate.

"Ultimately, we want this to become a habit," Petra added. "When someone says, 'I'd like to get more involved in Guilford,' we want the answer to be, 'Go to GuilfordVolunteers.org.' And when a nonprofit needs volunteers, we want them to know there is a community of people ready to help."

More information is available at GuilfordVolunteers.org and guilfordfoundation.org.