Serve Washington

05/22/2026

It's America’s 250th birthday, and one way to celebrate is volunteering in your local community for Washington’s State’s Day of Service on June 14, 2026 (Flag Day).
Communities around the state can participate by identifying a project that is meaningful to you and encouraging all service
organizations and citizens to participate. Projects can be big or small. They can be specific to your area or part of a larger national volunteering effort. They can be one individual, a small group, or an
entire town. The most important point is to volunteer in some way in 2026.

05/22/2026

Volunteer Community Emergency Response Team members play an important role in helping first responders train for the unexpected. In this drill, volunteers played the part of injured passengers at SEA airport.

To learn more about CERT, check out:
https://servewashington.wa.gov/cert-community-emergency-response-team/

04/29/2026

As a part of America’s 250th anniversary, the Washington State Historical Society is offering $250,000 in grants to support public engagement and access to history. This includes individual grants of up to $1,000 each to support community-based organizations in planning and delivering public events for the commemoration of America’s 250th. Read more about the grants and upcoming planned celebration events in their latest newsletter:

https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Newsletter-for-America-s-250th--April-2026-.html?soid=1107990539873&aid=oQ8WhWRdlQI

04/27/2026

This month, we're highlighting the recipients of the 2026 Washington Volunteer Service Awards!
Meet Joseph Bostic, an AmeriCorps member with YouthBuild Spokane as part of the Spokane Service Team, whose leadership has strengthened community ties and inspired a new generation of youth volunteers. Joseph helped establish a lasting partnership with the MLK Community Center, giving young people meaningful ways to support food distribution, neighborhood outreach, and community improvement efforts that directly serve families in need.

Joseph’s mentorship is intentional and deeply personal. He connects service to growth, readiness, and responsibility — and youth respond. One participant even credited Joseph with helping him secure a job, later returning to offer support back to Joseph. From guiding youth to quietly sharing meals and resources with neighbors experiencing homelessness, Joseph demonstrates how intentional volunteer leadership can transform individuals and strengthen community bonds.

04/23/2026

Happy National Volunteer Week!
Here at Serve Washington, we're celebrating by announcing the 2026 Washington State Volunteer Service Awards. These awards highlight some amazing volunteers from across the state that we'll be profiling over the next week - read more about them here:

OLYMPIA—Serve Washington today announced the winners of the 2026 Washington State Volunteer Service Awards, recognizing exceptional individuals and groups whose dedication to volunteer service strengthened communities throughout the state in…

04/18/2026

April is Volunteer Month and it's being celebrated in Spokane by by volunteers from the NorthEast Washington Educational Service District, Spokane Service Team, and AmeriCorps working at a revitalization property for City of Spokane Mayor’s Office’s Day of Recognition of National Service. Check out the video!

This is "Mayor's Day of Recognition for National Service" by SpokaneCity on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

04/17/2026

04/10/2026

Is your organization looking for funding for service and volunteer programs? Serve Washington is now accepting applications for AmeriCorps state formula grants, through May 7!
These grants are typically designed for local programs of about 10-30 members and grant decisions are made by the state commission, with an allocation of funds from AmeriCorps. Check out our webpage for more information and application forms:

https://servewashington.wa.gov/funding-opportunities/

03/18/2026

From building houses to immunizing children, from enhancing the capacity of non-profit organizations to improving and protecting the environment, AmeriCorps Retired Senior Volunteer Program volunteers put their unique talents to work to make a difference in their community. But they need reliable programs to be able to guide those volunteering efforts. Applications are now being accepted for program grants - apply now to secure funding for your program!

🚨 Reminder! AmeriCorps Seniors Funding Opportunity

There’s still time to make a difference in your community: Submit your applications for the 2026 AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Competition Notice of Funding Opportunity! If you’re passionate about serving your neighbors and empowering older adults, apply now to secure funding for your program.

Applications are due March 26— visit the AmeriCorps.gov/FundingOpportunities for details. Spread the word and help build a stronger community together!

03/10/2026

How would you like to help first responders prepare for the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle this summer? On March 18, local, state and federal responders are running an exercise at Lumen Field, and are looking for volunteers to act as participants. Training, parking and lunch will be provided. And... simulated pyrotechnics and fake blood will be involved.
More info:https://servewashington.wa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Lumen-Field-FSE_Actor-Flyer-March2026.pdf
Serve WA is supporting this in our role as statewide coordinator of CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team, volunteers that help respond to disasters in neighborhoods around WA.