As we step into 2026, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible impact we created together in 2025.
For many nonprofit organizations, access to skills and best practices is their top priority — or at least a close-second priority right after fundraising. That’s why we’re committed to building tools and experiences that empower nonprofits and volunteers to connect in meaningful ways. At Catchafire, we believe that capacity is a strategic investment, and skills-based volunteers are the ultimate impact accelerators.
It was a year of evolution for our product as well. We know this is a big reason customers stay with us year after year—because you know that as your program evolves, we’re evolving with you. Here are a few highlights:
For years, skills-based volunteering on Catchafire followed a familiar rhythm. A nonprofit identified a need, posted a project, and applications from passionate volunteers would roll in. This model works, often resulting in successful matches in as little as three days. However, it places the initial momentum entirely on nonprofits, which are often already stretched thin.
This model also assumes that volunteers should wait for an invitation to create impact. We know the desire to do good doesn't wait. It is a fire that burns constantly within our community. So, we challenged that assumption and asked ourselves: What if we empowered our volunteer community to lead with their strengths and ignite change first?
In 2025, we answered that question by launching Volunteer Proposals. This feature allows volunteers to proactively share their unique skills and passions. Nonprofits can then browse these proposals and directly invite individuals whose expertise aligns with their needs. This approach puts our volunteers' incredible talents front and center, sparking more intentional and powerful connections from the very start.
Some reports suggested a decline in volunteerism in 2025, but that has not been our experience at Catchafire. In fact, our community of volunteers has shown greater generosity than ever. This past year, we saw several volunteers surpass more than 500 engagements with nonprofits.
At the same time, for the first time in Catchafire's history, nonprofits can now see how other nonprofits rated their experience with a volunteer, increasing transparency and helping them feel confident that they are choosing the best volunteer for their needs.
These are superstar changemakers like:
With unwavering confidence in our volunteer community, we made it easier than ever for nonprofits to find their perfect match. Because of the exceptional quality and dedication of volunteers like these, we took steps to ensure every nonprofit has the opportunity to connect with them. We now even save an application slot specifically for our most experienced virtual volunteers.
Once a project goes live, nonprofits can expect an average of five high-quality applications. Our intuitive screening tool simplifies the review process, giving organizations full control to select the best partner for their mission.
At Catchafire, we do not just welcome feedback; we actively invite it. Every comment, concern, or pattern is an opportunity for us to listen, learn, and improve. As we heard recurring themes from our community about finding the right fit and ensuring strong follow-through, we focused on strengthening the foundation of every match. Instead of prioritizing a slate of new features, we went under the hood to refine the mechanics of a strong, reliable match. To ensure every connection counts, we overhauled our core logic:
These updates ensure that nonprofits never miss an opportunity to connect with the right volunteer at the right time.
As a result, we’re seeing nonprofits and volunteers begin working together in under 10 days, with some matching in as few as three.
At Catchafire, we’re powered by people—volunteers and nonprofits working hand in hand to move missions forward. Every project posted, every skill shared, is a reminder that even when the world feels heavy, people still show up for each other.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’ve proven that when people show up for each other, incredible things happen. Here’s to an even more impactful 2026!
If you’re a grantmaker and want to learn more about equipping nonprofits in your community with responsive, high-quality operational support, let’s connect.