According to the 2025 National Association of REALTORS® Member Profile, 68% of REALTORS® volunteer in their communities—twice the rate of the typical American.

REALTORS® clearly have a strong desire to give back but sometimes knowing where to plug in—or finding a cause you can stick with long term—can be a bit more difficult.

With countless organizations and causes looking for volunteers, it can be tempting to sign up for the first opportunity that comes along. But the best fit isn't necessarily the one that's most convenient or most visible. Here are a few things to consider as you look for a volunteer opportunity that's right for you.

The best place to begin is with the causes you genuinely care about. 

Think about the issues you are passionate about or those that have affected you, your family and friends, or your community. For instance, if you have a soft spot for animals, connect with a local animal shelter or rescue agency. If you understand what it is like to go through a difficult season, consider working with organizations that serve families in need, seniors, or people experiencing homelessness. If you or someone close to you has been impacted by a health condition, look for opportunities to serve with a foundation or organization that supports that cause. 

No matter what it is, choose something that means something to you. When you feel personally connected to the mission, volunteering is more likely to be a rewarding experience rather than just another obligation on your calendar.

Volunteering isn't always about showing up and doing whatever job needs to be done. Your professional and personal skills could be particularly valuable to an organization.

As a REALTOR®, you may have experience with marketing, social media, event planning, fundraising, public speaking, etc. Beyond your real estate skills, maybe you're a talented photographer, a hobby gardener, handy with tools, great with children, a good cook, or an excellent painter.

Think about what you're good at and what you like to do. When you find an opportunity that uses those skills, everyone benefits: you get to contribute in a way you enjoy, and the organization gets someone with skills that can make a real difference.

This is important because REALTORS® have busy schedules, and most of us genuinely want to help wherever we can. But the reality is that a volunteer commitment needs to work with your schedule if you're going to be able to follow through.

So, when choosing the right organization or opportunity be realistic about how much time you can give. Would you prefer a regular commitment, such as volunteering a few hours every month? Or would occasional events or one-time projects work better for your schedule? Perhaps you have more flexibility during certain seasons or times of the week.

Remember, there's no “right” amount of time to volunteer. A smaller commitment you can consistently keep is often more valuable than an ambitious commitment you can't maintain.

Consider finding a volunteer opportunity you can share with friends, family members, or coworkers. Serving alongside people you know can make the experience more enjoyable and give you a little extra encouragement to stay involved and keep coming back. 

For instance, start a family tradition by signing up for a quarterly neighborhood cleanup day or making a monthly trip to restock supplies at your local food pantry. Research has found that people who live with others who volunteer are more likely to volunteer themselves, suggesting that volunteering can become a shared household habit.

Or consider getting your coworkers involved. Spend a Saturday morning helping at a 5K fundraiser or animal adoption event, volunteer at a community festival, or organize your team’s own food drive or neighborhood improvement project. You may even find that one of these causes is especially meaningful to the whole team and turn it into a regular event. 

Once you've identified a cause that matters to you, uses your strengths, fits your schedule, and allows you to bring along friends or family, you're more likely to stick with it. And that's important because volunteer organizations are counting on people to show up and be consistent.  

So, remember, you don't have to take on everything to make a difference. Just find something that feels meaningful and allows you to serve consistently. Start small, find a good fit, and see where it takes you!