Running an ethical business isn’t just about checking boxes. It’s about finding meaningful ways to reach out to your community and making it easier for your employees to do the same. Host community service projects to create opportunities to make a difference — even if employees are short on time.
Whether your goal is to boost environmental awareness or improve community engagement, employee volunteer programs are a great place to start. Read on for project inspiration and easy community service ideas to help your employees make a positive impact.
What are community service projects?
Community service projects are initiatives that help give back to your local community. Not only do volunteer programs enable positive change, but employee volunteer statistics indicate that employees at organizations with volunteer programs are five times more engaged.
When creating a plan and gathering ideas to help the community, there are three main types of community service to consider:
- Direct community service: Recruiting volunteers to take specific action or participate in helping a cause.
- Indirect community service: Participants provide resources such as funds or supplies for a cause.
- Advocacy: Participants raise awareness and educate others about a cause.
These projects can range from hosting large fundraising events to a few hours of volunteer work. Some common community outreach projects will impact one or more needs:
- Environmental
- Community development
- Education and literacy
- Wellness
- Social justice
Community service projects can positively impact a community in multiple categories. Below, we’ll share some ideas to get you started.
Environmental community service ideas
Environmental community service has many benefits, from getting outside and appreciating nature to preserving local ecosystems. If you’re passionate about your local environment, here are some ideas for community service.
1. Plant trees
Planting trees is an easy community service idea that people of all ages can help with. This activity promotes clean air and community collaboration, and it has a beautiful outcome.
2. Clean up the beach
In coastal communities, beach clean-ups are a fun way to help protect water quality and local wildlife. Bring a speaker for music plus plenty of water, and supply everyone with bags, gloves, and trash grabbers to keep this event safe for all involved.
3. Build a community garden
Community gardens are great spaces for communities to gather, provide for others, and relax. Use the garden’s produce for local potlucks or donate to food pantries to ensure everyone benefits from this space.
4. Rake leaves
Not everyone can care for their lawns as they’d like. Take advantage of kids’ endless energy and provide free leaf raking for older adults, disabled community members, or neighbors going through a rough patch.
5. Start a composting initiative
Composting has many benefits — it can teach kids about the nitrogen cycle, keep waste out of landfills, and provide fertilizer for those who need it. Start a composting program in a central location, such as a community garden or local school, so it’s easy for everyone to participate.
6. Host a recycling drive
Recycling drives help people get rid of their junk, teach them how to properly recycle common materials, and collect potentially hazardous items like batteries.
7. Promote energy conservation
Energy conservation benefits everyone, lowering energy bills while reducing environmental impacts. Host a local workshop to teach community members about low-cost, energy-saving tips they can use to conserve energy.
8. Plant a pollinator garden
Pollinator gardens are beautiful and serve an important role in local ecosystems. Research native plants and flowers that attract bees and other pollinators to help support local flora and fauna.
9. Encourage water conservation
According to the United States Geological Survey, droughts are becoming a bigger problem in the US. Do your part and create educational pamphlets to hand out at the library and other community centers to educate the community about the importance of water conservation and actions they can take, such as shortening showers and fixing leaky faucets.
10. Advocate for green building
Become an advocate for eco-friendly construction initiatives. You can host seminars on the benefits of green building features, such as solar panels, improved insulation, and eco-friendly heating. Pitch these ideas to the local government for any new construction projects.
11. Host a neighborhood clean-up event
Choose a beloved local park, walking path, or playground and host a clean-up event for the neighborhood. This keeps beloved resources safe and clean for the community and is an opportunity to connect with neighbors.
12. Fundraise for a wildlife conservation
Fundraising events bring people together to help a common cause — they can also be a lot of fun. Host a silent auction, community garage sale, or bake sale and raise money for wildlife conservation to help preserve our ecosystem.
Fundraising and engagement solutions like Bonterra’s can help you attract more donors and facilitate long-term relationships to help protect wildlife for years.
Community development ideas
Many of us feel disconnected from our neighbors and community. Sometimes, it feels like life is happening online. Here are some of our favorite community outreach ideas to help you connect with the people around you.
13. Provide shelter aid
According to the latest homelessness statistics, hundreds of thousands of people across the country are experiencing homelessness. Take care of and get to know the homeless community in your area by volunteering at a shelter or raising funds for housing assistance to help lift community members who need it most.
14. Assist senior citizens center
Building relationships across generations is important. Volunteer at a senior citizen center to get to know the older adults in your community, provide assistance, and even make a few more friends.
15. Host a local food drive
Shelters and food pantries are always looking for supplies. Host a food drive and collect necessities such as nonperishables, clothing, and hygiene products. When in doubt, reach out to local organizations to see what supplies they need most.
16. Support local business
Local businesses are vital to boosting the local economy and building relationships between community members. Shop local when you can, host events at local businesses, or host a business crawl to explore local goods and support your neighbors.
17. Preserve historical sites
Research local historical sites in your community and contact your local government to see if they need some TLC. Whether they need funds for restoration or help keeping the site clean, this is a great way to preserve local history.
18. Support local art
Local artists help communities flourish. Explore public art projects such as murals, community art classes, or art shows to help local artists gain more publicity and get the whole community interested in the arts.
19. Build book-sharing libraries
Little free libraries are a growing trend in towns where people can drop off their finished books and pick up another to read on the honors system. Build a few in different neighborhoods to promote literacy and increase access to reading materials.
20. Usher at a community theater
Local theater provides a great outlet for community members of all ages to express themselves. Support this cause and volunteer as an usher during shows.
21. Visit a local hospital
Hospital visits are a great way to boost patients’ morale and help break up the monotony of being in a hospital. Arrange visits with the staff to play games with children and visit adults.
22. Provide transportation assistance
In rural and suburban areas, there might not be as many public transportation options for older adults and disabled community members. Offer help in your free time to help neighbors run errands or go to appointments.
23. Volunteer at a local museum or historical society
If you’re a history buff, put your knowledge to good use at a local museum or historical society. You’ll meet community members of all ages, share your interests, and help preserve local history.
Education and literacy service ideas
Community members might miss out on many opportunities if they don’t have access to educational resources. Here are some ideas for providing local educational opportunities and boosting literacy.
24. Support literacy programs
Local schools, organizations, and libraries probably have literacy programs in place. Volunteer to help people of all ages improve their reading and writing skills to help them pursue further education, career changes, or communication skills.
25. Teach STEAM education
STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) skills have become very important for kids and teens to help prepare them for higher education and future careers. Volunteer at after-school STEAM programs to find fun ways to help students of all ages build these skills.
26. Host book drives
Book drives are a great way to help educators and libraries build their collections. Encourage neighbors to bring books for people of all ages that they don’t need so these stories can be shared with the rest of the community.
27. Volunteer at the library
Local libraries might be looking for volunteers to organize collections, supervise events, log materials, and more. To make a difference with your spare time, stop by your library to see if they need any help.
28. Organize educational workshops
If you have the expertise to share, educational workshops are a great way to knowledge share and lift your community. Skills such as financial literacy, career planning, and digital literacy can positively impact people who didn’t get an opportunity to learn these skills.
29. Lead summer learning programs
Summer learning programs and camps are a great opportunity to mix learning with fun and support students while they’re on break. Volunteer your time to teach lessons or activities to help students keep growing even when they’re not in school.
30. Support summer camps
Summer camps help kids make lifelong friends, provide childcare for working parents, and teach valuable life skills. However, summer camps can be expensive. Host a fundraiser for summer camp tuition so everyone has the opportunity to participate, regardless of their financial situation.
31. Teach ESL
Teach ESL (English as a second language) to your new neighbors to get to know them and welcome them to your community. You’d be surprised how much your neighbors can learn from basic conversations that help build their vocabulary.
32. Assist after-school programs
Explore local after-school programs to see if any of them could benefit from your skills. Whether you volunteer to help with homework or play games in the gym, this goes a long way to support the community.
33. Host workshops for parents
Parent workshops are a vital resource that helps guardians understand their children’s development to support their social, emotional, and academic development. Organize a workshop or host one yourself to help parents develop their skills and foster better community relationships.
34. Tutor students
Tutoring at local schools, libraries, and after-school programs is a great way to give back to your community and help students in your neighborhood achieve more.
35. Mentor young professionals
Mentorship programs are valuable for older teens and young adults to gain hands-on experience, tailored advice, and build relationships that will set them up for success as they begin their careers.
Wellness community service ideas
If you’re wellness-obsessed, many unique community service ideas can make a lasting impact on your neighborhood. Here are some community service projects that span healthcare, nutrition, mental health, and more.
36. Assist with health screenings
Low-cost health clinics are an important way people access healthcare when they’re low on resources. Volunteer at your local clinic for administrative work to help them continue providing these services to people in need.
37. Host fitness classes
Looking for a way to get your heart rate up while also supporting others’ health? Host free fitness classes at the community center or a local gym to get moving while scoring some community service hours.
38. Teach nutritional classes
If you’re known for your skills in the kitchen, consider using that talent to teach free nutrition classes in your community. Share your favorite healthy recipes and snack ideas to help your neighbors boost their health.
39. Promote mental health awareness
If you’re looking for a community service project that makes a difference, take the opportunity to support and educate local mental health organizations. Whether you’re fundraising, creating courses, or just spreading the word about available resources, you’ll be helping to reduce the stigma around seeking help.
40. Support suicide prevention
Helping others in crisis is a noble way to help out in your community. Volunteer to answer calls on a suicide prevention hotline to lend your ear to those in crisis and make a difference.
41. Support addiction recovery
Recovery from addiction is a difficult time for patients and their families. Check out volunteer opportunities at local treatment centers or support groups to see how you can help community members navigate this time.
42. Host a blood drive
Blood drives ensure local hospitals have the supplies they need to provide life-saving treatment for patients. Set one up in a community center, and don’t worry — any squeamish team members can hand out the snacks.
43. Raise awareness for organ donation
According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, there are over 100,000 people on the national transplant waiting list, but less than 50,000 transplants are performed each year. Raise awareness in your community to educate people on why they should update their donor status and how they could potentially save lives.
44. Organize a walk-a-thon or run
Walk-a-thons and fun runs are fun events that bring the community together for a common cause. Use this opportunity to raise funds to help cover healthcare costs for a local family or partner with another nonprofit organization to make a difference.
45. Volunteer at a hospice
Provide comfort and support to patients with terminal illnesses and their families. Volunteer in hospice care to visit patients, drop off snacks for visiting families, or help with administrative work, depending on the facility’s needs.
46. Offer yoga classes
Yoga classes are great for creating positive habits for physical and mental health. Offer community yoga classes with stretching and meditation to help people with all abilities benefit from this de-stressor.
47. Organize a wellness challenge
Wellness challenges are a fun way to help keep yourself accountable to health goals while connecting with your community. Organize group walks and healthy eating challenges, and enjoy a healthy potluck at the end to mingle and celebrate reaching your goals.
Social justice and humanitarian project ideas
Between racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and other social issues, there’s a lot of room to advocate for marginalized community members. If you’re motivated by the injustice you see in the world, these social action project examples will help put that motivation to good use.
48. Volunteer at food banks
Food banks provide kitchen essentials, warm meals, and other necessities to community members in need. Volunteer to serve meals, organize the pantry, or collect supplies to help these resources reach everyone who needs them.
49. Assist refugees
Over 100,000 refugees entered the US in 2024. Create a resource network for your new neighbors and find volunteers to help refugees settle into the community with offerings such as English classes, professional development support, legal assistance, and more.
50. Advocate for human rights
Advocating for human rights and social justice issues in your community helps educate people to take action and create a safer environment for everyone. To be an ally, partner with community organizers to help raise awareness and maximize their impact.
51. Support fairtrade
Fairtrade products ensure that everyone involved in manufacturing a product receives a fair wage. Support local businesses that sell fair trade goods and encourage other businesses to choose more ethical products for their stores.
52. Advocate for affordable housing
The National Low Income Housing Coalition reports every state in the US has a housing shortage for people with very low income. Get involved with local tenant rights organizations to advocate for more affordable housing in your community.
53. Spend a day at an animal shelter
Helping out at an animal shelter is a great way to fill your cup — as long as you don’t mind getting a bit dirty. Whether you’re helping clean up, feeding the animals, or socializing rescues to get them ready for adoption, a day at the animal shelter is a fun thing to do for community service.
54. Volunteer for disaster relief assistance
When disaster hits, it takes a lot to help rebuild a community. Raise money for disaster relief organizations and organize supply drives to help those affected by natural disasters.
55. Support prison reentry programs
Formerly incarcerated individuals face a lot of barriers as they reintegrate into society. Support such as technology classes, resume workshops, and interview clothing drives can help these people start their new lives on the right foot.
56. Promote domestic violence awareness
Local domestic violence shelters are a vital resource to protect individuals of any gender from unsafe relationships. Get involved with your local shelter to run events, raise funds, and help your neighbors rebuild their lives safely.
57. Advocate for LGBTQ+ equality
With the unfortunate rise of anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment, there’s a lot you can do to make your local community feel safer for everyone. Host educational workshops where people can learn about sexuality and gender in a safe space, fundraise for LGBTQ+ charities, and volunteer at LGBTQ+ shelters to help everyone feel welcome in your community.
58. Encourage voter registration
Civic engagement is important, but misinformation about voting often prevents many people from exercising their right to vote. Host registration events and tables at community events to ensure everyone’s voice is heard in your community.
59. Support climate justice
Climate justice action can start small in your local community. Advocate for a climate council to oversee local projects, such as community education, clean-up events, and restoration projects.
60. Advocate for disability rights
Take on a community service project that helps your neighbors with disabilities engage in your community. Ask your neighbors what issues they’re facing and fundraise to make accessible changes to public buildings and remove common barriers they face in their daily lives.
61. Participate in a building development project
Take an active role in supporting affordable housing. Join a building development project or work with an organization like Habitat for Humanity to assist in building homes for those in need.
62. Donate your time at a soup kitchen
If you’re known for your talents in the kitchen, share your favorite meals with those who need them most at your local soup kitchen. Not the most handy with the stove? You can also just stop by to help serve your low-income and homeless neighbors a warm meal.
63. Collect donation items for those in need
Collect donations and host drives for necessities (and non-necessities — everyone deserves a little fun). Some collection ideas include school supplies, toy drives, meal kits, and hygiene products to help out your neighbors in need.
Get support where it’s needed most
Community service projects can do a lot of good for a local community, whether they’re used to support individuals, provide public resources, or protect historical sites. These projects boost employee engagement and help your organization be the best neighbor possible.
To get the support you need for all your initiatives, find Volunteer Management Software that helps recruit volunteers, maximize their service, and manage events so you can focus on getting out in the community.
FAQ
What is a service project?
A service project is a community task that allows individuals to contribute time or resources to a community or cause in need. It can include fundraising, creating resources for local organizations, volunteering time, and more.
What are the different types of community service?
The three different types of community service are direct community service, in-direct community service, and advocacy. Each type requires different support from participants.
Direct community service is when participants get very hands-on, such as cooking in a soup kitchen. In-direct community service is when participants gather supplies or funds that are necessary to enact change, such as collecting toys for a shelter. Advocacy is when participants spread awareness about an issue, such as through peaceful protest.
What is an example of a community service project?
An example of a common community service project is providing free tutoring at a public library. This is a form of direct community service because it provides a necessary service for free that people might not have access to otherwise.
How do I choose a community service project?
The two main factors to consider when choosing a community service are ability and realistic impact. If you over-promise your capabilities and fall short, or if your goal isn’t realistic, you won’t be able to make real change. Decide how much time and resources you can dedicate to a project, as local organizations what they need, and start from there.
