Community Investment Volunteers

Become a Community Investment Volunteer

Want to make a real difference in the River Valley? Join our team of Community Investment Volunteers and help decide how local donations are invested in local programs. Volunteers play a vital role by reviewing grant applications, visiting program sites, and recommending funding decisions that shape the future of our community.

What You'll Do

Review applications from local nonprofits
Visit program sites to see their work in action
Discuss strengths and needs with fellow volunteers
Recommend funding awards based on alignment with RVUW’s focus areas
Support a transparent, community-led investment process

Time Commitment

This is a short-term opportunity with long-term impact. The process takes place in the summer and requires about 30 hours over 8 weeks. Volunteers attend a brief orientation, review applications at their own pace, participate in site visits, and join group discussions to determine funding recommendations.

👉 View the full process calendar here.

Who Can Volunteer?

Anyone who cares about strengthening our community. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to learn, listen, and engage with an open mind.

Ready to Get Involved?

Submit the volunteer application below to get started.

Name

First

Last

Telephone

What interests you about becoming a Community Investment Volunteer?

I want to support local nonprofits

I'm passionate about making a difference in my community

I want to learn more about community needs

I enjoy reviewing and evaluating programs

I want to use my skills and experience to give back

I'm interested in how funding decisions are made

I want to connect with other engaged community members

I’m curious about how United Way works

Other…

Do you live or work in Pope, Johnson or Yell County?

RVUW typically requires all Community Investment Volunteers to live or work within our service area. However, if you have a strong connection to the River Valley and would like to request an exemption, please share your interest and involvement in the area below for consideration by our Board of Directors.

Do you have experience reviewing grants or serving on a funding panel?

Do you have any professional or lived experience related to our focus areas (Healthy Community, Youth Opportunity, Financial Security, Community Resiliency)

Optional: Share information with us about your experience.

Are you available to participate between June and August?

Can you attend the required orientation session?

Are you available during weekdays for site visits?

Brief explanation about your availability

How did you hear about this opportunity?

Please share how you heard about this volunteer opportunity

Is there anything else you'd like us to know?

Where Conflicts of Interest exist, volunteers must disclose those relationships to RVUW staff and abstain from recommending funding for those organizations.