Volunteer Connect
Strengthening connections between nonprofits and people looking to give their time, talents, and expertise to the community
Connecting People Who Want to Help With Organizations That Need Them.
Erie is a community filled with people who want to make a difference — and more than 500 nonprofit organizations working every day to make our community stronger.
From helping families find food and shelter, to mentoring students, caring for animals, supporting people facing cancer, and bringing our community together through events, Erie’s nonprofits make an incredible impact.
But they can’t do it alone. They need volunteers.
Volunteer Connect makes it easier to find the right match.
Whether you have an hour to give, a few hours each month, or want to become a regular volunteer, Volunteer Connect helps connect you with organizations looking for people with your skills, interests and passion.
At the same time, Volunteer Connect helps local nonprofits connect with people who want to get involved and make a difference.
Find Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
I want to volunteer
Looking for a meaningful way to give back?
Tell us about your interests, skills, experience and availability. We’ll help you discover volunteer opportunities that are a good fit for you.
I'm a Nonprofit Organization
Need volunteers to help your organization?
Tell us what you need—from event volunteers and mentors to administrative help, fundraising support and more. Volunteer Connect will help connect your organization with people who want to help.
Meet Your Volunteer Navigator
Karen Rugare
Volunteer Connect is led by Karen Rugare, a lifelong Erie resident and Volunteer Navigator with a passion for bringing people and organizations together.
Karen recently retired from Erie Insurance after 26 years in marketing, promotions and customer service. Throughout her career, she has built relationships, brought people together, organized events, developed community partnerships, recruited and coordinated volunteers, and helped organizations turn ideas into successful initiatives.
She brings strong communication, organizational and leadership skills—and a deep knowledge of the Erie community.
Karen is also a longtime volunteer, having supported organizations including United Way, the Erie Cancer Wellness Center and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Her passion is simple: helping people find meaningful ways to give back.
“Service creates belonging, purpose, trust and stronger relationships. There is nothing more rewarding than helping others. Whether you’re volunteering once a week or once a year, let me help you find the right opportunity to engage in purposeful volunteering.”
Volunteer Connect is just getting started! As the program grows, we’ll continue building resources and opportunities to connect nonprofits with volunteers, prospective board members, and corporate volunteer groups. Stay tuned for new ways to find opportunities, strengthen volunteer programs, and get involved in our community.
August 13, 2025
The Rise of Gen Z in Nonprofits: Purpose-Driven Careers and Fresh Perspectives
by Regan Ganoe, Operations & Events Assistant - The Nonprofit Partnership
Gen Z is reshaping the nonprofit sector with fresh ideas, social justice passion, and a drive to lead meaningful change.
Read More ⇢
May 12, 2025
The ROI of Nonprofit Assessment: It’s More Than Just Numbers
by Adam Bratton, Executive Director - The Nonprofit Partnership
Organizational assessments often get a bad rap—but when done right, they cut through the noise, refocus your team on the mission, and turn reflection into real, strategic growth.
Read More ⇢
March 3, 2025
Hitting a Home Run With Your Annual Fundraising Plan
by Jeff Bagel, CFRE - eAdvancement Consulting
A strong annual fundraising plan (AFP) helps nonprofits work smarter and stay mission-focused. Join Jeff Bagel on May 14 to refine your AFP and boost your impact!
Read More ⇢
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests
What Our Client Say
The Nonprofit Partnership is the premier resource for nonprofits in our area. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable, and accessible. The online resources & educational sessions are informative and provide help conveniently. Whether you're starting out in the nonprofit sector, or have been working for decades, the NPP helps keep you up to date & relevant.
LEEANN KRAHE, CTRS
Director of Activities & Volunteer Services
Pleasant Ridge Manor & The Friends Forever Volunteers
With so many non-profits in Erie County, it is great to have resources and collaboration available through the Erie Non-Profit Partnership. I have attended several of the Nonprofit Partnership Day Seminars and I look forward to the content each year. With changes in policy and technology trends, it is also nice to have access to learning opportunities throughout the year. It is really nice to have a centralized organization to assist with our varying needs. Thank you!
MAUREEN RIZZO
Director of Development – Brevillier Village
Each of the (many) trainings that I have attended through The Nonprofit Partnership over the past… years has provided a valuable resource for professional development opportunity for staff and Board Members to the overall benefit of our organization [the Foundation for Sustainable Forests]. NPP trainings are focused, relevant and on-point for the needs of a small non-profit organization such as ours.
ANNIE SOCCI, PhD
Executive Director – The Foundation for Sustainable Forests