Grinnellians of all ages can get involved in the community in a variety of ways. Whether you're interested in animals, healthy living and gardens, quilting, cars or arts and culture, there is a group or organization for you!
Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the year for those interested in giving back to the community. View our list of opportunities!
Louis Sullivan Building Greeter
Posted: 2/10/2026 Organization & Contact: Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce · Nikki Armstead · 641-236-6555 · admin@getintogrinnell.com
The Chamber office is located in the Louis Sullivan Merchant's National Bank and we do our best to keep it open to visitors on the weekends but doing this takes volunteers! Would you consider volunteering with us? Our weekend docents are responsible for welcoming visitors to the Merchants National Bank building. You will be given a short training on information about the building's history/architecture and key features.
If you love Grinnell, you will be excellent at promoting our community. Visitors are often curious about good places to eat, things to do, or directions around town. This is a very low-stress opportunity and it's so much fun to meet people from all over the country. Plus, you get to spend time in our jewel of a building. It's a great time to catch up on reading or to hop on the wi-fi and get some work done.
Skills & Requirements
You may volunteer as frequently or as little as you wish, whatever your schedule allows. Shifts are Saturdays from 10 AM-1 PM, and 1-4 PM, as well as Sundays from 1-4 PM. Please help us welcome visitors to Grinnell and the jewel-box building!
Are you ready to lend a hand and bring warmth to families in need? Renewed Hope, a ministry of the Grinnell Friends Church, is on the lookout for energetic volunteers to help us turn houses into homes!
What We Do: At Renewed Hope, we believe that everyone deserves a place to call home. Our mission is to assist families by providing essential furniture and home items, ensuring they have the comforts they need. This vital work is powered by the generosity of volunteers and funded through freewill donations.
We Need Your Help! We are seeking enthusiastic individuals who can help lift and move furniture. If you have a positive attitude and a willingness to serve, we want you on our team!
When: Join us on the first and third Saturdays of each month from 8 AM to 1 PM.
Why Volunteer? Make a tangible impact throughout Grinnell. Meet new people and work alongside a dedicated team. Experience the joy of helping families create a loving home. If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference, please reach out to ashley.sorensen@volunteeriowa.org Together, we can help turn houses into homes and spread hope throughout our community.
Join the Grinnell Historical Museum Team! Volunteer Opportunities Await!
Are you passionate about history and community engagement? The Grinnell Historical Museum is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us bring the stories of Grinnell to life! Whether you love interacting with visitors, diving into research, or helping with exhibits, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities for you!
Opportunities Available:
Front Desk Assistants: Be the friendly face that welcomes visitors and provides
them with information about our exhibits and events.
Research Assistants: Help uncover Grinnell's rich history through research,
archiving, and organizing historical materials.
Exhibit Helpers: Assist in the setup and maintenance of exhibits, making sure
our displays are engaging and informative.
Special Events Coordinators: Get hands-on experience planning and executing
events that bring the community together.
Training Provided: Don’t worry if you’re new to museums! We offer training for all
volunteers, ensuring you feel confident in your role.
Flexible Options: Some volunteer tasks can be done remotely, making it easier than
ever to get involved, no matter your schedule!
Why Volunteer with Us?
Gain valuable hands-on experience in museum operations and public
engagement.
Learn about Grinnell’s history and heritage while sharing it with others.
Develop new skills and expand your professional network within the community.
If you have a knack for listening, problem-solving, and a desire to make a difference, we’d love to have you on our team! Join us in preserving the past and engaging with our vibrant community. Ready to make history? Contact ashley.sorensen@volunteeriowa.org today to learn more about how you can get involved!
Are you looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community? The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects volunteers age 55 and older with opportunities to make a difference right here in Grinnell. Whether you have a few hours a month or several hours a week, RSVP offers flexible options that fit your schedule and interests. As an RSVP volunteer, you can support local nonprofits, schools, and community programs, share your skills and experience to help others and meet new people and stay active while making a positive impact.
Skills & Requirements
• Age 55 or older (RSVP is designed for older adults). • Interest in community service and helping others. • Ability to commit to a flexible schedule (hours vary by assignment). • Complete RSVP enrollment process (includes a simple application, background check, and orientation).
Time Commitment
Flexible schedule based upon your availability
Location
Volunteer Stations throughout Grinnell
Tiger Packs Packaging
Posted: 1/15/2026 Organization & Contact: Tiger Packs - Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation · Jennifer Cogley · 641-236-5518 · jennifer@ahrensfamilyfoundation.org Location: Grinnell Christian Church
Tiger Packs addresses hunger in the Grinnell-Newburg School District by providing weekly bags of nutritious food to eligible K-8 students for weekends. Tiger Packs packaging occurs every other week on Thursdays beginning at 2:30 PM. Delivery is every Friday morning at 8:30 AM after the packaging event.
Volunteers will help with filling tiger packs with food in an assemble-line style and volunteers will help with re-packaging the items from Northeast Iowa Food Bank. Volunteers will un-box, add ties to the bags and fill tubs for distribution. Optional shifts include helping with loading and delivery of tiger packs to their corresponding schools.
Skills & Requirements
Able to stand for an estimated 60-120 minutes.
Time Commitment
1-2 hours every other week
Location
Grinnell Christian Church 1331 Hobart St. Grinnell, IA 50112
Are you passionate about inspiring the next generation of female mathematicians? Do you want to make a difference in your community? Join us as a volunteer for the S.H.E.Counts Math Club, where we support, help, and empower women and girls in our community!
About Us: At S.H.E. Counts, our mission is to uplift and empower girls in fourth and fifth grade through engaging math education and fun activities. We believe that every girl should feel confident in her math skills and have the opportunity to shine!
Volunteer Opportunity: As a volunteer, you’ll assist our lead instructor and work closely with a small group of five to six girls each week. Your role will be to encourage, guide, and make math an enjoyable experience for them. Together, we’ll explore exciting math concepts and foster a love for learning!
When & Where: Program takes place at Grinnell Middle School on Wednesdays from 2:45pm-4:45pm.
What You’ll Gain: Valuable experience in mentoring and education, the joy of making a positive impact on young girls' lives and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for empowering others.
Skills & Requirements
Who We’re Looking For: Enthusiastic, supportive, and patient individuals! No prior math expertise required—just a love for learning! Ready to inspire the next generation of female leaders? Join us in making math fun and accessible for girls in our
community!
Submit Your Opportunities
Do you have an organization or event in the Grinnell community that needs volunteers? All Chamber Members are welcome to submit volunteer listings.
