Celebrating Volunteers and Their Impact: New Data Highlights the Power of Giving Time
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week (April 20–26, 2025), NAVPLG joins organizations across the country in honoring the countless individuals who give their time, talents, and heart to make our communities stronger.
In perfect alignment with this celebration, Independent Sector has released its latest research: the 2025 Value of Volunteer Time report. This year, the national estimated value of a volunteer hour is $34.79, a 3.9% increase from 2023. This new figure highlights just how much volunteer contributions mean, not only emotionally, but also economically, to our society.
Why does this value matter? The Value of Volunteer Time estimate helps nonprofits, government agencies, and civic organizations:
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Quantify the impact of volunteer contributions.
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Tell compelling stories about the return on investment in volunteer engagement.
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Strengthen grant applications and funding proposals by showing measurable economic impact.
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Support advocacy efforts by providing concrete data on the power of volunteerism.
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Celebrate and recognize volunteers in meaningful, quantifiable ways.
While no dollar amount could truly capture the spirit, dedication, and community impact of volunteers, these numbers help shine a light on the often unseen value they bring. Agencies across the country use these figures to strengthen their case for support, inspire community pride, and invest further in volunteer engagement infrastructure.
Want to know your state's value of volunteer time? You can download the state-by-state data here: 2025 Volunteer Value by State (PDF).
Every state’s volunteer hour value is unique, reflecting local economic conditions.
Curious about how the number is calculated? Independent Sector explains its methodology here. The figure includes factors such as average non-managerial wage rates and fringe benefits to provide a more accurate economic picture.
Learn more:
Visit the full report at Independent Sector: Value of Volunteer Time.
This National Volunteer Week, NAVPLG encourages our members not only to thank their volunteers but also to highlight the incredible economic and social impact they have. Volunteers aren’t just nice to have; they are essential to thriving, resilient communities. Let's celebrate them with pride and data to match!