INDIANAPOLIS — Residents of Indianapolis and Marion County logged more than 4.1 million hours of volunteer service in 2024, according to annual tracking data from United Way of Central Indiana — a record figure representing a 12 percent increase over 2023 and an economic value of approximately $128 million in donated time.

The data, compiled through United Way's volunteer portal and partnerships with hundreds of Indianapolis nonprofit organizations, captures formal volunteer activity across categories including food assistance, youth mentoring, environmental work, health services, and neighborhood improvement.

"Indianapolis has always been a city of givers," said United Way of Central Indiana President and CEO Deidra Duncan. "The record we set in 2024 shows that commitment is growing, not diminishing. In a difficult time for nonprofit funding, our volunteers are carrying more of the load — and they're doing it willingly."

The largest category of volunteer activity was food assistance, accounting for 890,000 hours concentrated at organizations including Gleaners Food Bank of Indiana, Second Helpings, Midwest Food Bank, and dozens of smaller neighborhood pantries and community fridges.

Youth Volunteer Growth

One of the most significant trends in the data is the growth of youth volunteering. Volunteers under 25 contributed 740,000 hours in 2024, a 22 percent increase over 2023. United Way attributes the growth to expanded service-learning programs in Indianapolis Public Schools and partnerships with IndyHub, the organization that connects young professionals to volunteer opportunities.

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