Understanding virtual opportunities

A VolunteerMatch virtual opportunity is one that can be completed in full remotely with a computer, Internet connection, phone and/or fax. Volunteers do not need to be present at a specific location or live within a particular community in order to complete a virtual opportunity. Examples include grant writing, online research, web design, marketing or even making cards to send to kids.

If there is no specified location associated with the opportunity, but volunteers can’t do the work remotely, it should not be listed as virtual. Examples of this are door-to-door fundraising in a specific neighborhood, monthly meetings at rotating locations or fostering puppies from a shelter in the volunteer’s home. When listing this type of opportunity, please select ‘One Location’ and enter something like “Your Community” instead of a street address in the Address 1 line.

Please note that opportunities categorized as virtual will show up in local search results; if you looking for ‘Virtual’ only opportunities you will need to select the ‘Virtual’ filter in order to view these opportunities (see screenshot below). In some cases you may be able to increase your chances of successfully recruiting volunteers by focusing your efforts to a local audience even if your opportunity technically meets the definition of a virtual opportunity. Please remember virtual opportunities are visible to volunteers around the world.

The most effective way to recruit volunteers is to list detailed opportunities that clearly communicate to potential volunteers what they’ll be doing, where and when they’ll be doing it! For more information on accurately listing your opportunity location, click here.