What the AARP Volunteer Portal is and how to use it

The AARP Volunteer Portal is a searchable database where you can browse volunteer roles posted by nonprofits, community organizations, and government agencies across the United States. You create a free account, search by location and interest, and contact organizations directly to express interest in their openings. The portal does not place you in a role or manage your process — it connects you to organizations that are actively recruiting volunteers.

The portal is open to people of any age, though AARP promotes it as a resource for people 50 and older. You do not have to be an AARP member to use it. The roles range from one-time events to ongoing weekly commitments, and span tutoring, food banks, animal shelters, hospice, tax information, mentoring, and dozens of other areas.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Volunteer Portal is a free searchable database of volunteer openings; you search, contact organizations yourself, and work out the details directly with them.
  • You can filter by location, cause area, time commitment, and whether the role requires in-person work or can be done remotely.
  • Creating an account takes a few minutes and requires only a name, email address, and zip code.
  • Organizations post their own openings and manage their own recruitment, so response times and processes vary widely.

How to create an account and search

Go to aarp.org/volunteer and select "Create Account" or "Sign In." You will need an email address and a password. AARP will ask for your name, zip code, and birth year (to confirm you are 50 or older, though the portal does not restrict access based on age). You can also add a phone number and indicate whether you prefer remote, in-person, or hybrid roles.

Once logged in, use the search filters to narrow results. You can search by zip code or city, select a cause area (such as education, food security, or animal welfare), choose time commitment (one-time, weekly, monthly), and filter for remote-only roles if you prefer. The results show the organization name, role title, location, and a brief description. Click on any listing to read the full details, including what the role involves, how many hours per week it typically requires, and how to contact the organization.

What information you will need to provide to organizations

When you contact an organization about a role, they will ask you questions during their own recruitment process. Most will want to know your availability, any relevant experience or skills, and whether you have transportation or need the role to be accessible by public transit. Some roles require a background check or reference; the organization will tell you upfront if that applies.

You do not submit anything through the portal itself. You reach out to the organization using the contact method they list — usually email, a phone number, or a link to their own form. The organization then manages the rest of the conversation. Keep in mind that response times vary: some organizations reply within days, while others may take weeks or may not respond at all if they have already filled the role.

Types of volunteer roles you can find

The portal includes roles across many sectors. Common categories include tutoring and literacy (helping adults or children with reading and math), food banks and meal programs, tax preparation information (often through AARP's own Tax-Aide program), hospice and elder care, mentoring, animal shelters, environmental conservation, and community events. Remote roles include virtual tutoring, phone-based peer support, data entry, and grant writing.

Some roles require specific skills or certifications — for example, tax preparation roles typically require completion of AARP's training — while others welcome anyone willing to learn. The listing will specify what qualifications, if any, are required versus preferred.

Difference between the portal and AARP's own programs

AARP runs some volunteer programs directly, such as Tax-Aide (free tax preparation for low-income people) and the Fraud Watch Network (training volunteers to teach others about scams). These programs have their own recruitment and training processes. The volunteer portal includes openings for these AARP programs alongside openings from thousands of other organizations.

If you are interested in an AARP-run program specifically, you can search the portal for "AARP" or visit the program's dedicated page on aarp.org. AARP programs typically have more structured training and ongoing support than many community organizations, but they also often have longer onboarding timelines.

What to do if you do not hear back from an organization

If an organization does not respond within two weeks, it is reasonable to follow up with a second email or call. If you still do not hear back, the role may have been filled or the organization may not be actively recruiting at that moment. Do not take it personally — many nonprofits have small staff and manage volunteer recruitment alongside other duties.

If you want to increase your chances of placement, search for multiple roles that match your interests and reach out to several organizations at once. You can also look for roles with shorter time commitments or one-time events, which often have faster turnaround times than ongoing weekly positions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to use the volunteer portal?

No. The portal is open to anyone, regardless of AARP membership status. You do not need to join AARP or pay any fee to search and contact organizations through the portal.

Can I volunteer remotely through the portal?

Yes. You can filter results to show only remote roles. Common remote opportunities include virtual tutoring, phone-based peer support, data entry, and grant writing. Some organizations also offer hybrid roles with a mix of remote and in-person work.

What if I do not have experience in the area I want to volunteer in?

Many organizations welcome volunteers with no prior experience and provide training on the job. Read the full listing to see whether experience is required or preferred. If it is listed as preferred but not required, you can still reach out and ask whether they would consider training you.

How do I know if an organization is legitimate?

The portal includes organizations vetted by AARP, but you should still do your own research. Search the organization's name online, check their website, and look them up on Charity Navigator or GuideStar to see their nonprofit status and financials. Legitimate organizations will be happy to answer questions about their mission and how they use volunteers.

Can I change my volunteer role or stop volunteering?

Yes. Your arrangement with the organization is between you and them, not through the portal. If you need to step back or switch roles, contact the organization directly to let them know. Most organizations understand that volunteer schedules change and will work with you to find a solution.