How can I get involved in nonprofit volunteer opportunities from home?

If you want to help an organization, there’s no need to leave the comfort of your house—depending on what your skills and interests are, you’ll find a large number of ways to get involved in volunteering with a philanthropic group over the Internet.

One unique way to volunteer online is to become a mentor to a child in another city, or even another country. A group called Infinite Family offers people above the age of 21 the opportunity to become a mentor to a child in South Africa, participating in half-hour video chats once a week to discuss the child’s dreams and goals. Raise money for this nonprofit and other nonprofits.

If you are good with crafts, you may be able to assist an organization by creating toys, clothing, or other goods. The Silverado Foundation in Simi Valley, California, requests homemade blankets and afghans to give to their end-of-life hospice patients, helping the patients to see that people care about them. The organization is even willing to reimburse for the cost of materials.

There are also many professional opportunities to volunteer online. If you’re a web designer, a public relations executive, or a grantwriter, your skills are in high demand, no matter where you live. Volunteering your professional skills for an established and reputable nonprofit group can also be a wonderful way to network and build more professional contacts, or to expand into a new area of work related to your main job.

To find the best virtual volunteering opportunity for you, visit volunteermatch.org or idealist.org and search through the “virtual” opportunities with the keyword or category that best fits what you’re looking for. Or, if you’re interested in volunteering with a particular nonprofit group, simply email them and ask what opportunities might be available—even if they haven’t listed something that sounds like a fit, they’ll probably be happy to use your services however they can.