You know what's frustrating? Scrolling through volunteer listings that don't match your skills. Or finding opportunities that feel more like busywork than real impact.

Here's a better approach: reach out directly to a local nonprofit and design something together.

Why This Works

Most nonprofits are small. They're run by people who are already stretched thin. They don't have time to post every single need on volunteer websites. But they definitely have needs.

The magic happens when you show up with specific skills and genuine interest. You're not asking "what can I do?" You're proposing "here's what I could build for you."

What This Actually Looks Like

Maybe you're good at video editing. A local animal shelter probably needs help with their social media but hasn't thought to ask for it.

Maybe you code. A youth mentorship program might need a better way to track student progress.

Maybe you're just really organized. An environmental nonprofit could use help planning their annual fundraiser.

The point is simple: you have something valuable to offer. They have real needs. Connect those dots yourself instead of waiting for someone else to do it. Here are a few examples from teens who crafted their own service projects. And for some more inspiration, check out what your local Eagle Scouts are doing (more info here).

Short Term or Long Term—Your Call

This doesn't have to be a massive commitment. You can propose:

• A two-week intensive project

• Monthly check-ins over a semester

• One Saturday of hands-on work

• An ongoing weekly thing

Design it around your actual schedule and capacity. Be honest about what you can deliver.

How to Find These Organizations

This is where most people get stuck. The big national organizations? They don't usually struggle to recruit volunteers.

You want local nonprofits that are actually doing work in your community, but may not have the budget or infrastructure to manage volunteers as well as they wish they could.

We built Samaritan Scout's Organizations section exactly for this: samaritanscout.org/locations

Here's how it works:

1. Pick your state

2. Drill down to your region

3. Use keyword search to find organizations that match your interests

4. Browse their missions and contact info

We're the most comprehensive database of volunteer-friendly nonprofits out there.

Quick note: We currently have the best coverage in about a dozen states—New York, New Jersey, Utah, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Maryland, Virginia, North Dakota, South Dakota, Washington DC, and a few others. We're working on funding to expand everywhere else, but if you're in one of these states, you're in luck.

What to Say When You Reach Out

Keep it simple. Email or call them directly.

"Hi, I'm [name]. I saw your organization works on [their mission]. I have skills in [your thing] and I'm wondering if there's a project I could help with. I'm thinking something like [brief idea]. Would you be open to a quick conversation about this?"

That's it. No formal application. No waiting weeks for a response. Just direct, human communication.

Why This Matters

When you create your own volunteer opportunity, a few things happen:

You actually use your strengths instead of doing generic tasks. The nonprofit gets help they desperately need but didn't know how to ask for. You build real skills and references. The work feels meaningful because you designed it.

Most importantly, you get to have a real impact while working in partnership with caring people in your community.

Get Started Today

Seriously. Right now:

1. Think about what you're actually good at

2. Go to samaritanscout.org/locations

3. Find three local nonprofits that interest you

4. Draft a quick email

5. Send it

6. Follow up with a phone call

7. Go visit them in-person!

The worst that happens? They say no or don't respond. The best that happens? You create something that actually matters.

Stop scrolling through listings that don't fit. Stop waiting for the perfect opportunity to appear.

Go make it happen.