Senior Volunteer Program Guide
Volunteering after 55 is one of the most effective paths to better health, social connection, and purpose. Research consistently links volunteerism to lower mortality, reduced depression, and slower cognitive decline. Federal programs offer structure, training, mileage reimbursement, and in some cases a tax-free stipend. Explore your options below.
Browse Major Programs
RSVP
Flexible hours
Retired Senior Volunteer Program — the largest senior volunteer network. Match with local nonprofits, schools, hospitals. No income requirement.
Foster Grandparents
Tax-free stipend
Mentor and support children with exceptional needs in schools and Head Start programs. Income-eligible volunteers receive a stipend.
Senior Companions
Tax-free stipend
Provide in-home companionship and assistance to homebound seniors. 15–40 hrs/week. Income-eligible volunteers receive a stipend.
SCSEP
Paid training
Senior Community Service Employment Program — paid part-time training for low-income adults 55+ transitioning to employment. Min. wage stipend.
AmeriCorps Seniors
No income req.
Umbrella for RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions. All three are AmeriCorps Seniors programs administered by AmeriCorps.
SCORE Mentors
Business expertise
Volunteer business mentors for small businesses. Use your career expertise. SBA-affiliated. Flexible — in-person or virtual mentoring sessions.
Tax-Aide (AARP)
Tax season
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide — train to prepare free tax returns for low-income seniors. Seasonal (Feb–April). IRS-certified training provided.
CASA / Guardian ad Litem
High impact
Court-Appointed Special Advocate for children in foster care. Training-intensive but deeply impactful. Flexible hours after onboarding.
RSVP — Retired Senior Volunteer Program
Age55+
IncomeNone required
HoursFlexible — you choose
StipendNo stipend; mileage reimbursement from some sponsors
WhereLocal nonprofits, schools, food banks, hospitals, courts
Find itamericorps.gov/serve → Senior Corps → RSVP
RSVP connects volunteers with local sponsors who match skills to community needs. Over 200,000 volunteers serve across all 50 states. No minimum hours required — great starting point.
Foster Grandparents Program
Age55+
IncomeAt or below 200% federal poverty level for stipend
Hours15–40 hours/week
Stipend~$3.00/hr (tax-free); mileage reimbursement; meals
WhereElementary schools, Head Start, juvenile facilities
Find itamericorps.gov → Senior Corps → Foster Grandparents
Income-ineligible volunteers can still participate without the stipend. Mentoring children with special needs — including those in foster care or with disabilities — is the focus.
Senior Companions Program
Age55+
IncomeAt or below 200% federal poverty level for stipend
Hours15–40 hours/week
Stipend~$3.00/hr (tax-free); mileage; meals during service
WhereClients' homes, assisted living, adult day programs
Find itamericorps.gov → Senior Corps → Senior Companions
Volunteers visit isolated or homebound seniors, provide companionship, help with errands, and give family caregivers respite. Provides transportation assistance to some clients.
SCSEP — Senior Community Service Employment Program
Age55+
IncomeAt or below 125% federal poverty level
Hours20 hours/week (part-time training placement)
StipendMinimum wage or state/local wage (whichever higher)
WhereNonprofits and public agencies as host sites
Find itdol.gov/agencies/eta/seniors
SCSEP is a bridge-to-employment program, not purely volunteer. Participants gain on-the-job training at host agencies and receive job search support. Run by DOL through AARP Foundation and others.
AmeriCorps Seniors
AmeriCorps Seniors is the federal agency umbrella for RSVP, Foster Grandparents, and Senior Companions. All three programs are administered through americorps.gov. The brand was updated from "Senior Corps" to "AmeriCorps Seniors" in 2021 but the programs are identical.SCORE — Volunteer Business Mentors
AgeNo minimum (most volunteers are 50+)
IncomeNo requirement
Hours2–5 hours/week typical
StipendNo stipend; expenses may be reimbursable
Find itscore.org → Volunteer
SCORE has 10,000+ volunteer mentors across 250 chapters. Mentoring is done in 1:1 sessions with small business owners. Virtual mentoring available nationwide. Best fit for retired executives, entrepreneurs, or finance/marketing professionals.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Age50+ preferred
SeasonFebruary through mid-April
TrainingIRS-certified training in January (12–16 hrs)
StipendNo stipend; mileage reimbursement
Find itaarpfoundation.org/taxaide → Volunteer
Prepares free tax returns for low/moderate-income taxpayers, focusing on seniors. Volunteers commit to one season (3 months). Good match for retired accountants, finance workers, or detail-oriented volunteers.
CASA / Guardian ad Litem
Age21+ (most volunteers 50+)
Training30–40 hours pre-service training + background check
Commitment1 year minimum; 10–15 hrs/month
StipendNo stipend
Find itcasaforchildren.org → Volunteer
Advocates for children in foster care in family court proceedings. High training requirement and long-term commitment but considered among the highest-impact volunteer roles available. Background check and references required.
Find Your Best Match
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