Build real work experience by using your skills on short volunteer projects for nonprofits (Catchafire)
Catchafire
Pick a short, scoped project (5 to 50 hours) or a one-hour call with a nonprofit that needs your skills, like marketing, IT or finance. You can use finished projects in your portfolio and resume.
Your path
- May include
- More than 150 project types across 35 skill sets and 24 cause areas
- One-hour consultation calls and 15-minute "Quick Advise" answers
- An "impact story" page for each completed project you can share
- Nonprofit board service matches (opt in from your settings)
- Path steps
- Create a volunteer profile on Catchafire.
- Browse projects posted by nonprofits by skill and cause.
- Apply with your application and resume (Catchafire suggests 2 to 4 at a time).
- When you and the nonprofit agree it is a fit, start the project.
- Goal
- Real, portfolio-ready work for your resume and network, using civilian skills like marketing, IT, design or finance.
- Who pays
- Nobody pays you: this is pro bono (unpaid) volunteering. Nonprofit memberships are funded by foundations or free; Catchafire does not state a fee for volunteers.
- Who qualifies
- Skilled professionals. You need to meet each project's listed prerequisites; prior nonprofit experience is not required.
- Credential
- No credential; completed projects and an impact story page.
See how volunteering works on Catchafire (opens in a new tab)
Sources: https://www.catchafire.org/volunteers/, https://help.catchafire.org/en/articles/8380963-what-is-catchafire-and-how-do-i-join, checked Nov 4, 2026.