Specifying your opportunity location

The location you assign to your opportunity will determine where and how it appears in volunteer search results.

This article covers:

• How to specify your opportunity’s location
• Understanding opportunity visibility based on location
• Using a ZIP code rather than a specific address
• Virtual opportunities by ZIP code

How to specify your opportunity’s location

1. Log into VolunteerMatch.org to access your organization’s dashboard
2. In the opportunity dashboard select ‘Add New Opportunity’
3. In the About section, either choose a previously saved location or manually enter your address.

Understanding opportunity visibility based on location

If you have selected a valid street address for your listing, a map will appear on the right side of the page. If you are in the United States, this map will show the location of your opportunity and can be viewed by potential volunteers.

By default, opportunities that are location-based will be visible to volunteers within a 20-mile radius of the center of the specified ZIP code.

Using a ZIP code rather than a specific address

If an opportunity doesn't have a specific address but takes place in a general area, indicate the ZIP code from which you will be recruiting or where the opportunity will occur. This applies to opportunities such as meal distribution or visiting in-home hospice patients.

To recruit volunteers from an area larger than 20 miles around your ZIP code, use our Multi-ZIP tool to expand your coverage.

Please note that creating multiple postings that generate redundant search results for volunteers is considered spam, and such postings may be removed in accordance with our Opportunity Guidelines.

Virtual opportunities by ZIP code

If a volunteer opportunity can be completed from anywhere with just a computer, internet connection, or phone, select "This is a virtual opportunity" option under the Location section. Some examples of virtual opportunities are grant writing, online research, and web design.

It's important to note that virtual opportunities will be visible in search results for location-based opportunities by using the ZIP code on your organization profile. They will also appear on our virtual search results page.