Building the Future of Volunteerism
in Minnesota
Together, we can build the partnership, tools, and infrastructure that help
every community harness the power of volunteers.
Minnesota has one of the strongest traditions of volunteerism in the country. But the systems that support it are being tested like never before.
Minnesota's nonprofits, schools, businesses, and communities all rely on volunteers. Yet the systems that support volunteerism haven't kept pace with today's realities. Together, we can build a stronger statewide volunteer infrastructure so every organization, every community, and every person who wants to serve has the tools, partnerships, and support they need to make an impact.
Statewide Convenings
In August 2026, approximately 140 people from across Minnesota participated in two virtual convenings focused on building the future of volunteerism in our state. Together, participants explored what’s working, where gaps exist, and where stronger statewide connection and shared action could make a difference. Read What We Heard: Minnesota’s Volunteer Ecosystem for a recap of the key themes, priorities, and ideas that emerged. What we heard will help set the stage for the November convening, where we’ll build on these conversations, identify shared priorities, and begin moving from ideas to action.
November 10, 2026 - Statewide In-Person Convening
Join HandsOn Twin Cities and statewide partners for an in-person convening to identify shared priorities and build a stronger, more connected future for volunteerism across Minnesota.
Tuesday, November 10 | 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
The Park Event Center | Waite Park, MN
Light breakfast and lunch provided. No cost to attend; mileage reimbursement available.
Volunteerism Is Essential Infrastructure
Volunteerism is often described as generosity in action. But for thousands of organizations, volunteers are also a vital part of the workforce and the foundation of how services reach communities.
Volunteers make up about 1/3 of the nonprofit workforce.
Volunteers contribute essential time, knowledge, relationships, and capacity to organizations working throughout Minnesota.
75% of nonprofits say volunteers are important to their operations.
When organizations cannot effectively recruit, engage, and support volunteers, their ability to serve their communities is affected. *Independent Sector
Many nonprofits are powered almost entirely by volunteers.
43% of nonprofits are all-volunteer organizations. Volunteer infrastructure is their workforce infrastructure. *Independent Sector
Volunteerism does not happen by accident.
It requires investment in the people, partnerships, technology, training, and systems that make meaningful service possible.
Why This Matters Now
Volunteerism powers nearly every community in Minnesota. It helps food shelves feed families, supports disaster response, strengthens schools, connects older adults, protects our parks and natural lands, and expands access to health and human services.
The desire to help remains strong, but the ways people serve and the needs of the organizations engaging them are changing.
Volunteer engagement professionals are being asked to manage increasingly complex responsibilities with limited time and resources. 63% on nonprofits expect their demand for services to increase in the next year.
Businesses are looking for more meaningful, flexible, and skills-based ways for employees to make a difference.
Technology is transforming how people discover and engage in volunteer opportunities. Used thoughtfully, it can strengthen connections and expand access.
Nonprofits need equitable access to volunteer recruitment tools, technology, training, and peer support, no matter where they are located in Minnesota.
Communities are navigating demographic shifts, evolving volunteer expectations, and increasing demand for services.
Minnesota is experiencing more natural disasters and community crises. Strong statewide partnerships and coordinated volunteer systems help communities respond more quickly, share resources, and support one another when they are needed most.
The challenge isn't simply finding more volunteers.
It's building the infrastructure that helps people serve, helps organizations engage volunteers effectively, and helps communities respond together when Minnesota needs them most.
Imagine a Minnesota Where…
Every nonprofit has access to volunteers, partnerships, and practical tools.
Volunteer engagement professionals feel connected, supported, and equipped.
Technology makes volunteering easier for everyone.
Every community can tap into statewide resources and expertise.
Businesses and nonprofits build stronger, more meaningful partnerships.
Communities can quickly mobilize volunteers during disasters and times of need.
How We’ll Get There
Statewide Connections
Bringing together organizations that support volunteerism to strengthen relationships, share ideas, and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Innovation
Exploring new approaches to volunteer engagement, including skills-based volunteering, technology, and shared solutions.
Learning & Resources
Developing practical tools, training, and resources that help nonprofits recruit, engage, and retain volunteers more effectively.
Shared Impact
Building a coordinated statewide approach that strengthens volunteer engagement for communities across Minnesota.
Who should participate?
✔ Volunteer managers
✔ Executive directors and nonprofit leaders
✔ Community organizations
✔ Foundations
✔ Service coordinators at schools/colleges/universities
✔ Corporate social impact leaders
✔ Government partners
✔ Volunteer centers
✔ Regional networks
✔ National service leaders
We're not gathering to admire the challenges. We're gathering to build solutions together.
This initiative is being advanced collaboratively by organizations across Minnesota that believe stronger volunteer infrastructure benefits every community.
Statewide Leadership Partners
