AmeriCorps estimates that volunteers in Kansas generate $1.4 billion in economic value for the state, based on 2021 survey of civic engagement and volunteerism.

Wichita, KS – Volunteer Kansas announced nearly 707,000 volunteers served 53.1 million hours in Kansas between September 2020 and 2021 despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Volunteering and Civic Life in America research. The research also estimates that volunteers generated nearly $1.4 billion in economic value in the Kansas.

The Volunteering and Civic Life in America research is the most comprehensive data on American volunteering and civic engagement assembled. Based on a survey conducted by AmeriCorps and the US Census every other year, the research includes data on volunteering through organizations, informal helping and other civic behaviors. The most recent results find that over half of Americans, or 124.7 million people, informally helped their neighbors at least once in the past year. Additionally, more than 23 percent of Americans, or 60.7 million people, formally volunteered with an organization, giving more than 4.1 billion hours of service with an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion.

“We are proud of the volunteers who are getting things done for Kansas,” said Nola Brown, Executive Director of Volunteer Kansas. “Volunteerism makes a significant impact on our state’s ability to meet so many local needs, including food insecurity, homelessness, and even rehoming of animals. Throughout the year, consider donating the gift of time. Whether you can volunteer long-term, short-term, or just once, your time makes a tremendous difference. You can find statewide opportunities to volunteer at www.volunteerkansas.org”