Volunteer [at/with]

Question

I've made up the three examples below.(1) I'll be volunteering at ABC Elementary School next week. I'm looking forward to it. (2) I'll be volunteering at the non-profit organization, XYZ, next week. I'm looking forward to it.(3) I'll be volunteering at the insurance company nearest my home next week. I'm looking forward to it.My non-native English friends think I should use "with", not "at" for all three. In particular, the preposition, "with", is universally accepted when used in conjunction with a non-profit organization.I'm confused about the correct preposition for my examples. What is your opinion? Many thanks.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

"At" works for all three and is natural. Even a non-profit has a location, at least a virtual one. I can see using "with" for that one, though.

By the way, the second sentence should not have any commas in it.

CalifJim · Answer

Here are some examples found online and chosen at random.

volunteer with the Fish and Wildlife Service, with the Peace Corps, with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, with community projects, with Lutheran Family Services

volunteer at a women's clinic, at a library, at a hospital, at a food bank, at Safe Passage, at the radio station, at Planned Parenthood

volunteer for school events, for groups that bring people together, for a candidate's campaign, for a government agency, for social work

It seems to me from these examples that "with" is more commonly used with a mention a specific organization, "at" is more commonly used with a generic place, and "for" is used with even more generic places, groups, or activities, although there is somewhat of a mix so there is no definite dividing line.

This suggests that (1) and (2) might more comfortably have "with", and (3) have "at".

CJ

Volunteer [at/with]

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